Cat Rules: Citrus Heights vs Sacramento
How do cat rules rules compare between Citrus Heights, CA and Sacramento, CA?
Citrus Heights and Sacramento have similar restriction levels.
Citrus Heights, CA
Sacramento County
Unincorporated Sacramento County requires every cat over four months old to be licensed and currently rabies-vaccinated. Such cats must also be spayed or neutered unless the owner holds an unaltered (intact) license or qualifies for an exemption. Up to four mature cats (six months or older) are allowed per premises. Altered-cat license fees run about half the intact fee.
View full Citrus Heights rules →Sacramento, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento Title 22 treats cats more permissively than dogs but requires rabies vaccination and prohibits cat owners from allowing repeated nuisance trespass onto neighboring property. Sacramento County Animal Care Services impounds stray cats brought in by residents.
View full Sacramento rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Citrus Heights | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| License Required | Every cat over 4 months | - |
| Rabies Vaccination | Required, valid for the 12-month license period | - |
| Spay/Neuter | Required over 4 months unless intact license/exempt | - |
| Intact Permit | Reported $150 to keep cat unaltered for breeding | - |
| Altered Fee | One-half or less of the intact license fee | - |
| Cat Limit | 4 mature cats (6+ months) per premises | - |
| Code title | - | Title 22 Animals |
| Leash required | - | No for cats |
| Rabies shot | - | Required at four months |
| Shelter operator | - | Sacramento County Animal Care |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Citrus Heights FAQ
Do cats have to be licensed in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes. Every cat over four months of age must be licensed annually and have a current rabies vaccination valid for the 12-month license period. The requirement applies to both indoor and outdoor cats.
Does my cat have to be spayed or neutered?
Yes, if it is over four months old, unless you hold an unaltered (intact) license or qualify for an exemption. Exemptions include a veterinarian's written certification that the cat isn't a suitable candidate for sterilization for health or age reasons. Breeding requires an intact-animal permit (reported at $150).
How many cats can I keep?
Up to four mature cats — defined as six months or older — per lot or premises. To keep more, you would need a conditional use permit for a cattery, which is limited to certain zones and parcel sizes.
Sacramento FAQ
Do cats need a license in Sacramento?
Sacramento does not run a city cat-license program, but rabies vaccination is required. The county encourages voluntary licensing through Bradshaw Animal Shelter to aid lost-pet recovery.
Can I let my cat roam outdoors?
Outdoor access is allowed, but you remain responsible for nuisance, trespass, and damage. Repeated neighbor complaints can support administrative citations under Title 22.
Compare other topics
See how Citrus Heights and Sacramento compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool