Saint Paul, MN Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Chapter 202 defines a 'feral cat' as one that is wild, untamed or unsocialized, distinct from a 'domestic cat,' which doesn't show long-term fear of human contact. 02 lets any cat found off its owner's premises without ID tags, a microchip or a rabies tag be impounded and held at least five days for the owner to reclaim it; if unclaimed after five days it may be humanely disposed of or given to a rescue group. But 'notwithstanding the five day waiting period,' a cat reasonably believed to be feral can instead be transferred immediately to a feral cat management program recognized by Saint Paul Animal Control for identification, sterilization and release, the trap-neuter-return model the chapter is built around.

03 bars giving any impounded cat, domestic or feral, to a rescue group unless it's spayed or neutered, or the group has arranged sterilization with a veterinarian and shows proof within ten days. 04 blocks releasing any feral cat back into its home area unless it has been spayed or neutered, given appropriate rabies vaccinations, and marked in an agreed manner to identify it as part of a recognized feral colony. Outside this trap-neuter-return system, Saint Paul caps ownership at three cats over three months old per dwelling without a permit under Sec. 02(g), but, unlike dogs, the city does not require cats to be individually licensed.