Tustin, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Cats in Tustin are governed primarily by the household pet limit in Municipal Code Sec. 4221(a)(1), which makes it unlawful to keep more than three common house cats per parcel, or more than three dogs, or any combination, excluding animals under three months of age. Unlike dogs, the City code does not require cats to be licensed or leashed, and Tustin's leash and park restrictions (TCC Sec. 4203, 4225) are written around dogs and animals brought into parks rather than free-roaming house cats. However, once a property keeps four or more cats over four months of age, it meets the "kennel" definition in the adopted county code (TCC Sec. 4206) and requires an animal permit administered by OC Animal Care, with a kennel/permit requirement under TCC Sec. 4207. Cats, like all animals, are subject to the nuisance provisions of TCC Sec. 4224: an owner may not keep a cat in a way that disturbs the peace and comfort of the neighborhood or creates odors, fly-breeding or a health hazard. OC Animal Care, which provides Tustin's animal control under TCC Sec. 4201, handles stray-cat and nuisance complaints. Spay/neuter is encouraged through reduced county fees but is not mandated by the City code.