Multnomah County requires cats over six months old to be licensed, and Portland Title 13 prohibits cats from being a nuisance, but Portland does not impose a strict outdoor cat ban.
Cats living in Portland must be licensed annually through Multnomah County Animal Services once they reach six months of age. Licensing fees are reduced for spayed or neutered cats, encouraging sterilization. Portland Title 13 does not require cats to be on leash, but owners are responsible for nuisance behavior such as repeated trespass damage or fouling. Free-roaming cats trapped by neighbors must be turned over to MCAS rather than relocated. The county runs a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and supports trap-neuter-return for managed feral colonies.
Unlicensed cats can be cited at impound. Owners whose cats cause repeated documented damage may receive nuisance notices and civil fines through MCAS.
See how Portland's cat rules rules stack up against other locations.
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