Larimer County, CO Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cat license
- Not required
- Leash
- Not required for cats
- Rabies shot
- Required at four months
- Nuisance cats
- Covered by Sec. 6-78
- Adopted cats
- Must be sterilized
Summary
Cats do not have to be licensed or leashed in unincorporated Larimer County, but every cat four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies. Cats that become a public nuisance are subject to the animal code.
The owner of each dog or cat which is four months of age or older shall cause said dog or cat to be vaccinated against rabies. Such vaccination shall be repeated thereafter as required by the serum.
Full Breakdown
Larimer County's animal code focuses licensing and leash rules on dogs; cats are not required to be licensed or restrained. However, Sec. 6-51 requires that every dog or cat four months of age or older be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and owners must produce a certificate on request. To reclaim an impounded cat, the owner must show proof of rabies vaccination (Sec. 6-105). Cats that damage property, create offensive odors, or otherwise become a public nuisance fall under Sec. 6-78, and cats bitten by or biting animals are subject to the rabies-confinement rules in Sec. 6-52. Adopted cats must be sterilized under Sec. 6-107.
Violations & Fines
Failing to vaccinate a cat for rabies is a class 2 petty offense. Public-nuisance violations carry a $75 first-offense penalty; an intact cat cited for nuisance or dangerous behavior adds a $50 court fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats need to be licensed in Larimer County?
Can my cat roam outdoors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado animal ordinances overview
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