Jefferson Parish, LA Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Food out (per feeding)
- Max 30 minutes
- Food out (per 24 hrs)
- Max 90 minutes
- Gravity feeders
- Prohibited
- Fed cats must be
- Sterilized + rabies-vaccinated
- Governing section
- Code § 7-33
Summary
Jefferson Parish licenses cats like dogs and regulates outdoor feeding of feral or community cats. On residentially zoned property, food left out for feral cats may not stay accessible longer than 30 minutes at a time (90 minutes per 24 hours), gravity feeders are banned, and fed cats must be
It shall be unlawful for any person or property owner to place or allow food to be placed or left outdoors and accessible for consumption by feral or community cats, on any residentially zoned property for longer than thirty (30) minutes, except when a cat is actively feeding or when a human is immediately present and supervising the food.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Cats over four months old must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated under Section 7-66. Section 7-33 governs cat colonies: on residentially zoned property, food for feral or community cats may not be left accessible more than 30 minutes at a time, or more than 90 minutes in any 24-hour period, unless a person is present and supervising. Food may not be placed directly on the ground or in disposable plates, containers must be removed promptly, and gravity feeders are prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the cat-colony rules are punished under Section 1-10 of the Code and may also be subject to a civil suit under Section 1-11. Lafreniere Park has its own separate feeding rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feed stray cats in my yard?
Are gravity feeders for feral cats allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson Parish
Compare Jefferson Parish to another location·View the Louisiana animal ordinances overview
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