Manteca, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cat licensing
- Not required (unlike dogs)
- Impoundment duty
- City must impound all cats
- Redemption
- Proof of ownership plus fee
- Unclaimed cats
- Adopted, euthanized, or rescued
Summary
Manteca has no cat licensing or leash law, but impounded cats, strays or those picked up at large, go through a set holding, redemption, and adoption process at the city shelter.
It is made the duty of the animal services officer to impound all cats delivered to the city animal control shelter. (Prior code § 3-41; Ord. 1077 § 3, 1998; Ord. 1495 § 3, 2011) § 6.16.160. Cats—Unclaimed.
A. All cats not claimed or redeemed within the mandatory holding period, shall become the property of the city and may be adopted, euthanized, placed with a rescue organization or otherwise disposed of in a manner prescribed by law.
B. Any person may adopt an unclaimed cat of more than three months of age that has been neutered or spayed after paying both the adoption fee and microchip fee as established from time to time by resolution of council.
C. Any person may adopt an unclaimed cat less than three months of age upon payment of the adoption fee, cost of neutering/spaying fee, and the microchip fee. (Prior code § 3-42; Ord. 1077 § 3, 1998; Ord. 1495 § 3, 2011) § 6.16.170. Cats—Redemption. The owner or person having control of a cat impounded by the animal services officer may redeem such cat within the mandatory holding period by showing adequate proof of ownership and upon payment of the associated redemption fees. (Prior code § 3-43; Ord. 1077 § 3, 1998; Ord. 1495 § 3, 2011)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 6.16 requires the animal services officer to impound all cats brought to the city animal control shelter (§ 6.16.150). An owner can redeem an impounded cat during the mandatory holding period by showing proof of ownership and paying the redemption fee (§ 6.16.170). Cats never claimed or redeemed become city property and may be adopted out, with adoption and microchip fees required, and a lower rate for kittens under three months, placed with a rescue, or euthanized (§ 6.16.160). Unlike dogs, the code sets no citywide cat licensing or at-large requirement.
Violations & Fines
Failing to redeem an impounded cat within the mandatory holding period forfeits ownership to the city; adopting or reclaiming a cat without paying the required fees is not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my cat in Manteca?
How do I get my cat back from animal control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Cat Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle cat rules.