Sherman, TX Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Chapter 2 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances defines a cat as all domesticated members of the feline family, and the rabies rule in § 2.02.007 reaches every cat over four (4) months of age. An owner commits an offense by having such a cat without a current rabies vaccination. A separate offense arises if a person displays a rabies tag issued to another animal on a dog or cat, and each animal in violation counts as its own offense. Under § 2.02.022, anyone who keeps a cat immunized against rabies must hold the written certificate from the veterinarian, showing an accurate description of the animal, the date of immunization, and the name and address of the owner or harborer, and must make it available for inspection by the animal services supervisor or any police officer at any time.

Cats are animals for purposes of the at-large rule in § 2.02.002. An owner or harborer must prevent the animal from running at-large and must provide an enclosure or system of restraint secure enough to hold it, and evidence that an animal is at-large creates a presumption that the owner knowingly failed to prevent it. A cat inside a cage, automobile, truck, or other vehicle of its owner is not at-large. A cat running at-large can be impounded under § 2.02.018. If nobody claims an impounded cat within seventy-two (72) hours after notification, it becomes the property of the animal shelter and can be placed for adoption, transferred, or euthanized. A cat wearing traceable identification, readily observable as sterilized or declawed, or with a known owner is held a minimum of five (5) working days. Anyone who confines a stray cat that belongs to someone else must notify animal services within twenty-four (24) hours under § 2.02.003.

Household and breeding limits also apply. Keeping more than ten (10) dogs, cats, or a combination on residential premises is unlawful under § 2.02.011 unless a defense applies, and breeding cats requires an annual breeder's permit under § 2.02.010 with a fifty dollar ($50.00) fee. Sherman Animal Services sits within the Sherman Police Department.