Metro Nashville Title 5 requires cats to be vaccinated against rabies and registered if they leave the property, but does not impose a strict cat leash law. Free-roaming cats may be impounded by MACC if reported as nuisance.
Cat regulations in Metro Nashville fall under Title 5 of the Metropolitan Code. Owners must keep cats current on rabies vaccination and obtain a Davidson County animal registration if cats are allowed outdoors. Unlike dogs, cats are not subject to a strict leash requirement, but Metro permits MACC to impound free-roaming cats that become a nuisance, damage property, or appear ill or injured. Tennessee state law allows community cat or TNR (trap-neuter-return) programs, and Nashville Humane Association partners with MACC on managed colonies. Cats trapped by neighbors must be turned over to MACC rather than relocated. Indoor housing is encouraged for safety.
Failure to vaccinate or register can result in Metro civil penalties starting around $50 per offense, plus impound and reclaim fees if MACC takes the animal into custody.
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See how Nashville's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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