Passaic, NJ Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Chapter 117, Article III governs cats citywide. Section 117-19 prohibits abandonment outright: "No person shall abandon any cat, no matter what its age or condition, within the City of Passaic," and bars keeping or harboring a cat except in compliance with the article. The same section addresses outdoor and feral feeding directly, food meant for a cat must be for a licensed cat or dog regularly kept on the premises (or placed with that owner's consent), removed within two hours, and never left out later than thirty minutes after sunset or before sunrise.

20 for an unaltered one, with a $14 late fee after 60 days, and licenses expire June 30 each year. Owners must produce proof of licensing on request from a health official, police officer or animal control officer. Under § 117-22, the Animal Control Officer must seize and impound any stray cat found off its owner's premises, any cat without a current registration tag, or any cat suspected rabid, ill, injured or a threat to public health or safety. Impounded animals are held seven days after written notice before the City may destroy them or offer them for adoption, per §§ 117-23 and 117-24. Enforcement under § 117-25 runs through the City Health Officer, contracted Animal Control Officers, and Passaic police.