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Omaha, NE Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Sterilized cat license
$13/year
Intact cat license
$51/year
License deadline
March 15 annually
Residential colony cap
20 adult cats
Colony permit fee
$25 biennially

Summary

Omaha requires every cat over 16 weeks to carry an annual city license, but exempts caretakers holding a feral cat colony permit, which caps managed colonies at 20 cats in residential zones and 30 in commercial zones.

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep or harbor any dog or cat within the city unless such dog or cat has been licensed by the authority as required by the provisions of this article; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to any dog or cat which has not reached the age of 16 weeks or to holders of feral cat colony caretaker permits for cats that are part of the colony for which such holder has such a permit.

Source: Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 6View official code

Full Breakdown

City Code Sec. 6-103 makes it unlawful to own, keep or harbor a cat in Omaha without an annual license from the Animal Control Authority, due each March 15 under Sec. 6-104, costing $13 for a sterilized cat and $51 for an intact one under Sec. 6-105. Cats under 16 weeks, and cats belonging to a permitted feral colony, are exempt. Under Sec. 6-161, a caretaker who feeds unowned feral cats must get a biennial $25 permit, prove the cats are sterilized, ear-tipped and rabies-vaccinated, and have the property owner's written consent. Residential colonies cap at 20 adult cats, dropping to 10 before renewal if exceeded; commercial-zoned colonies cap at 30, dropping to 15.

Violations & Fines

Owning an unlicensed cat, or running an unpermitted feral colony, is a misdemeanor; a first missed license carries a $200 penalty plus doubled fees after March 15 and a $50 late charge per animal after March 31.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license for my indoor cat?
Yes. Sec. 6-103 requires a license for any cat kept in the city over 16 weeks old, indoor or outdoor, unless it is part of a permitted feral colony.
Can I legally feed a feral cat colony in Omaha?
Yes, with a Sec. 6-161 caretaker permit: proof of TNR (or active trapping), the property owner's consent, and staying under the residential/commercial colony size caps.
Does Omaha have a leash or at-large law for cats?
No. The city's 'running at large' rules in Sec. 6-146 and the 'at large' definition (Sec. 6-2) apply only to dogs and mini-pigs, not cats.

Sources & Official References

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All Omaha rules

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