Redding, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Feeding limit
- Only cats the household owns or keeps
- Public spaces
- No ground or container feeding allowed
- Overnight rule
- Food containers cannot stay out overnight
- Enclosure exception
- Cats may be kept outside unlike other animals
- Offense level
- Infraction, not misdemeanor
Summary
Redding bars anyone from feeding cats outdoors by leaving food on the ground or in containers on public property, and even on private land food can only go out for cats the household actually owns, in containers brought in overnight, under RMC § 7.04.060(B). Cats, unlike dogs, can be kept outside without a securing enclosure under § 7.04.080.
It is declared to be a public nuisance and is unlawful for any person to feed cats outside by placing food directly on the ground or in containers in publicly owned spaces. A person may feed only cats owned or kept by the household. Food must be provided in containers that are not to be left outside overnight.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 48).
Full Breakdown
060(B) of the Redding Municipal Code declares it a public nuisance, and unlawful, for anyone to feed cats outdoors by placing food directly on the ground or in containers in publicly owned spaces such as parks, sidewalks or street rights-of-way. Even on private property, a person may feed only cats that are owned or kept by that household, meaning a resident cannot legally maintain a feeding station for a neighborhood or feral colony, and any food dish left out must be brought in rather than left outside overnight.
060(A), which bars any animal, cat included, from defecating or urinating on sidewalks, common building areas, or public park facilities. 070, which bars keeping any animal in a foul, offensive or unsanitary condition. 170 lists only maltreatment, harassing police dogs, running at large and unlawful wildlife hunting or trapping as misdemeanor-level offenses in this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Feeding cats on the ground or in open containers in a public space, or maintaining a feeding station for cats a household does not own, is an infraction under Section 7.04.170 of the Redding Municipal Code, enforced by Redding animal control officers under Chapter 7.04's nuisance provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed stray or feral cats in a Redding park?
Does Redding require cats to be kept in a fenced yard?
Is leaving a cat food bowl out overnight illegal in Redding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redding
California rules heatmap·Compare Redding to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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