Merced, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Merced's animal code defines 'at large' in Sec. E to include a cat off the owner's premises that is 'not under physical restraint,' and Sec. ' Unlike dogs, cats are not individually licensed in Merced: Sec. 260 (Dog license) requires a license only for dogs over four months old, and the code has no parallel cat-licensing section. Sec. 065 caps the combined number of cats and dogs kept per lot based on parcel size, from five each on lots of 6,000 square feet or more down to one cat and one dog on lots under 3,000 square feet, unless the owner holds a valid cattery permit.

Above the ordinary household threshold, Sec. 270 requires anyone who keeps, harbors, or maintains more than five cats over six months of age to obtain an annual cattery permit from the animal control manager before operating, on top of being properly zoned for the activity. A cattery application must include rabies vaccination certificates for the cats kept, and the annual permit fee becomes delinquent, with an added late fee, fourteen calendar days after it is due. The animal control manager can deny, condition, or revoke a cattery permit after written findings and inspection, and a permit holder may appeal a denial or revocation in writing within fourteen calendar days under Sec. R, with a hearing set under Sec. 300.