Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lincoln

Lincoln, NE Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

License required
cats over 6 months old
Cat limit without permit
5 cats per premises
Multi-cat/cattery permit cap
up to 15 cats
At-large requirement
licensed tag + spayed/neutered
First-offense fine
at least $100

Summary

Lincoln requires every cat over six months old to be licensed and rabies-vaccinated, caps ownership at five cats without a permit, and bans letting cats run at large unless licensed and spayed or neutered.

It shall be unlawful for any person within the city to own a cat over six months of age without procuring a license for such cat as provided in this chapter. License fees shall be set by the Director, subject to approval of the Mayor. (Ord. 19416 §2; July 19, 2010: prior Ord. 18092 §75; November 18, 2002: Ord. 15517 §3; April 9, 1990: P.C. §8.74.020: Ord. 11360 §4; May 12, 1975: Ord. 7263 §2; August 15, 1960).

Source: Lincoln Animal ControlView official code

Full Breakdown

Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 6.12 requires an owner to license any cat over six months of age, with the license tag attached to the cat's collar. Ownership is capped at five cats over six months per premises unless the owner holds a multi-cat household or cattery permit, which raises the cap to fifteen but requires all cats to be spayed/neutered, confined to the property, and inspected on request. A cat may only run at large if it wears a valid license tag and is spayed or neutered; an at-large cat is a public nuisance and can be impounded.

Violations & Fines

Violating any provision of Chapter 6.12 is a misdemeanor: not less than $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, $300 for a third and beyond, up to $500 and three months in county jail, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license for my cat in Lincoln?
Yes. Any cat over six months old must be licensed with the Director, and unvaccinated cats moved into the city must get a rabies vaccination within 30 days.
How many cats can I own in Lincoln without a permit?
Up to five cats over six months of age per premises. Keeping more requires a multi-cat household or cattery permit, capped at fifteen cats.
Can my cat roam outside in Lincoln?
Only if it wears a valid license tag and is spayed or neutered. Otherwise an at-large cat is a public nuisance and can be impounded.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lincoln

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesSome RestrictionsWildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsBird ProtectionSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingSome Restrictions

All Lincoln rules

Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska animal ordinances overview

Get notified when Cat Rules in Lincoln, NE changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.