Topeka, KS Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit age
- Cats over 6 months
- Feral exemption
- Ear-tipped feral cats exempt
- Confinement duty
- Unspayed females in heat
- Minimum fine
- $50.00, TMC 6.15.080(e)
Summary
Topeka requires a police permit for cats over six months old, but exempts ear-tipped feral cats and requires confining cats in heat.
It shall be unlawful for any person, with no requirement of a culpable mental state, to own, keep, possess or harbor within the corporate limits of this City any dog, cat or miniature pot-belly pig over six months of age without first obtaining a permit therefor from the Chief of Police or authorized agent, who may issue such permit when proper application is made in writing. This permit requirement shall not apply to ear-tipped feral cats. (Ord. 20106 § 18, 12-19-17.) Cross References:Police Department, TMC 2.20.090.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20671, passed July 14, 2026).
Full Breakdown
TMC 6.15.010 requires a permit from the Chief of Police for any cat (or dog or pot-belly pig) over six months of age kept in the city, obtained via written application and a valid rabies vaccination certificate; ear-tipped feral cats are exempt from the permit requirement. TMC 6.15.190 separately requires owners to confine an unspayed female cat in heat so her scent cannot be emitted and she cannot contact another cat except for planned breeding, and bars knowingly keeping an unaltered cat in a way that attracts other cats and creates a nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Complaint and notice to appear issued for permit noncompliance; fine of at least $50.00 (reducible to no less than $25.00 upon proof of purchase before conviction) under TMC 6.15.080(e).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for my pet cat in Topeka?
Do feral cat colonies need permits in Topeka?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Topeka
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