Washoe County, NV Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash rule
- Cats exempt (WCC 55.460)
- Unspayed female in season
- Must be confined (WCC 55.465)
- Cat limit
- 7 adult cats; cattery permit over that
- Cattery defined
- More than 7 cats over 4 months
- Rabies
- Required (NAC 441A.435)
Summary
Cats are exempt from Washoe County's dog leash and at-large rules, so they may roam. However, unspayed female cats may not be allowed to run at large while in season, and keeping more than seven adult cats requires a cattery permit. Rabies vaccination is required statewide.
It is unlawful for the owner or any person having the control or possession of any unspayed female dog or cat to suffer or permit the dog or cat to run at large within any area of the county while the dog or cat is in the copulating season.
Full Breakdown
Washoe County Code 55.460 exempts cats from the general at-large prohibition, so leash rules do not apply to them. But WCC 55.465 makes it unlawful to let an unspayed female cat (or dog) run at large while in its copulating season -- it must be secured on-premises or in a boarding kennel. WCC 55.390 caps cats at seven adults (over 4 months) per residence in congested areas without a cattery permit, and a 'cattery' is any place housing more than 7 such cats. Nevada's NAC 441A.435 requires all cats to be kept currently vaccinated against rabies.
Violations & Fines
Allowing an unspayed female cat to run at large in season, or keeping more than seven adult cats without a cattery permit, is a code violation. An unvaccinated cat may be impounded by the rabies-control authority under NAC 441A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats have to be on a leash in Washoe County?
How many cats can I own?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
Compare Washoe County to another location·View the Nevada animal ordinances overview
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