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Riverside County, CA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Core rule
Unaltered cats can't be left outdoors
Cat licensing
Optional, unlike mandatory dog license
Trap limit
10 days within any 30-day span
First-offense fine
Up to $100
Enforcing agency
Riverside County Dept. of Animal Services

Summary

Riverside County makes it unlawful for owners to let unspayed or unaltered cats four months and older roam outdoors in unincorporated areas; cat licensing stays optional, and traps must be signed and checked within 10 days.

City-specific rules exist: Moreno Valley, Riverside, Palm Springs, Menifee, Murrieta, and Temecula have their own cat rules rules that differ from Riverside County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful for any person who owns, harbors, or keeps any unspayed or unaltered cat four months of age or older within the unincorporated area of Riverside County to allow or permit such unspayed or unaltered cat to be or remain outdoors in such unincorporated areas.

Source: Riverside County Department of Animal ServicesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

Under County Code § 6.08.030, it's unlawful to own, harbor or keep any unspayed or unaltered cat four months or older and let it remain outdoors anywhere in unincorporated Riverside County, altered cats face no such restriction. Cat licensing itself stays optional under § 6.08.040, unlike the mandatory dog license. Anyone trapping a cat must post a visible sign disclosing the trap, may run it no more than 10 days in a 30-day span, and must immediately release any lactating female caught, per § 6.08.150. Incorporated cities, Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs and 24 others, enforce their own separate codes.

Violations & Fines

First violation of the outdoor-cat rule draws up to a $100 fine, $200 for a second within a year, and up to $500 for each further violation: enforced by Riverside County Animal Services under § 6.08.200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to license my cat in Riverside County?
No. Cat licensing is optional under § 6.08.040, unlike the mandatory dog license, though a licensed, vaccinated cat is easier to reunite with its owner if lost.
Can I trap a stray cat on my own property?
Yes, but you must post a visible sign disclosing the trap, run it no more than 10 days within any 30-day period, and release any lactating female immediately, per § 6.08.150.
What happens if my unaltered cat is caught outside?
You can be cited under § 6.08.030 and fined $100 for a first offense, rising to $200 and then $500 for repeat violations within a year, per § 6.08.200.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Riverside County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsMicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsExotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsWildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsLight RestrictionsPet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Holiday DisplaysLight Restrictions

All Riverside County rules

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Cat Rules in Cities Across Riverside County

Riverside, CAMoreno Valley, CACorona, CATemecula, CAMurrieta, CAPalm Springs, CAJurupa Valley, CAMenifee, CA