Cat Rules: Anaheim vs Costa Mesa
How do cat rules rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?
Anaheim and Costa Mesa have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim does not require cat licensing under AMC Title 6, but cats must be spayed or neutered if outdoors and cannot be allowed to run at large to disturb neighbors or wildlife habitat.
View full Anaheim rules →Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Orange County has no leash law for cats and cat licensing is optional under OCCO 4-1-85. However, cats are still 'animals' under OCCO 4-1-49, so an owner may not let a cat trespass onto another person's private property without consent. Owning four or more cats over four months old requires an Animal Permit under OCCO 4-1-76.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| License required | No cat license required | - |
| Spay/neuter outdoor | Required if outdoors | - |
| Enforcement | OC Animal Care contract | - |
| Feral colonies | Register TNR with OC | - |
| Cat Leash Law | - | None — no restraint rule for cats |
| Cat License | - | Optional (OCCO 4-1-85) |
| Trespass Rule | - | OCCO 4-1-49 (no roaming onto others' property) |
| Permit Threshold | - | 4+ cats over 4 months (OCCO 4-1-76) |
| Rabies Area | - | Orange County is a declared rabies area |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Do I need to license my cat in Anaheim?
No, Anaheim does not require cat licensing, but rabies vaccination is required and outdoor cats should be altered.
Can I feed feral cats in my yard?
Yes on private property, but you must prevent nuisance and register any managed colony with OC Animal Care.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Do cats have to be leashed or licensed in unincorporated Orange County?
No. Orange County has no cat leash law, and cat licensing is optional under OCCO 4-1-85. Cats may roam, but under OCCO 4-1-49 an owner may not let a cat trespass onto a neighbor's private property without consent.
Is there a limit on how many cats I can own?
Yes. Under OCCO 4-1-76, owning four or more cats over four months of age requires an annual Animal Permit from OC Animal Care. Up to three cats may be kept without that permit, subject to the trespass and nuisance rules.
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