Overland Park, KS Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Control standard
- Cat under owner control at all times
- Trespass trigger
- Any presence after a neighbor complaint
- Redemption window
- 7 days before city may dispose of cat
- First fine
- At least $50
- Repeat fine
- $500 for third or later conviction
- Exempt zones
- Some annexed RUR/PRUR/RLD/PRLD land
Summary
Overland Park doesn't require cats to be leashed, but Municipal Code 6.08.020(B) puts owners on the hook the moment a cat strays: once a neighbor complains about trespassing, any further presence on that property is a violation, and a cat that injures anyone or damages property off its owner's land is automatically out of control.
B. Cat Control. All cats must be under the control of their owner, keeper or harborer at all times. For the purpose of this Section, a cat shall be considered not under control and in violation of this Section in the following situations: 1. If a neighbor complains orally or in writing to the owner, keeper or harborer of a cat, that the cat is entering upon the neighbor's property, then the cat's presence on the neighbor's property at any time subsequent to the neighbor's complaint shall constitute a violation of this Section; 2. If a cat causes injury to persons or animals. 3. If a cat causes damage to property off its owner's, keeper's or harborer's property to include, but not limited to, breaking, bruising, tearing up, digging up, crushing or injuring any lawn, garden, flower bed, plant, shrub or tree in any manner or defecating or urinating upon any private property.
Full Breakdown
" A cat counts as not under control, and its owner in violation, in three situations: after a neighbor has complained orally or in writing that the cat is entering their property, any further presence there is a violation; the cat causes injury to a person or another animal; or the cat damages property off its owner's land, including breaking, bruising, tearing up, digging up, crushing or injuring a lawn, garden, flower bed, plant, shrub or tree, or defecating or urinating on private property. Subsection (C) exempts certain rural-zoned property (RUR, PRUR, RLD, or PRLD) annexed under Ordinance A-2719, unless and until it's rezoned.
060 lets an owner redeem an impounded cat by paying pound and veterinary fees; if the cat isn't currently vaccinated, the owner must sign a written promise to get it vaccinated and licensed within 7 days, extendable to 30 days if a veterinarian certifies immediate vaccination would be unsafe.
Violations & Fines
A cat-control violation carries the same tiered fines as the rest of Chapter 6.08: at least $50 for a first conviction, $150 for a second, and $500 for a third or later conviction within the same rolling window, plus up to 30 days in jail under Section 6.08.135. Prior convictions drop off if 24 months have passed since the last one, and an officer may seize the cat on sight under 6.08.030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats have to be leashed in Overland Park?
What happens if my cat keeps going onto my neighbor's yard?
How do I get my cat back if it's impounded?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Overland Park
Compare Overland Park to another location·View the Kansas animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Cat Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Johnson County handle cat rules.