Cat Rules: Irvine vs Mission Viejo
How do cat rules rules compare between Irvine, CA and Mission Viejo, CA?
Irvine and Mission Viejo have similar restriction levels.
Irvine, 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 Irvine rules →Mission Viejo, 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 Mission Viejo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Irvine | Mission Viejo |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Leash Law | None — no restraint rule for cats | None — no restraint rule for cats |
| Cat License | Optional (OCCO 4-1-85) | Optional (OCCO 4-1-85) |
| Trespass Rule | OCCO 4-1-49 (no roaming onto others' property) | OCCO 4-1-49 (no roaming onto others' property) |
| Permit Threshold | 4+ cats over 4 months (OCCO 4-1-76) | 4+ cats over 4 months (OCCO 4-1-76) |
| Rabies Area | Orange County is a declared rabies area | Orange County is a declared rabies area |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Irvine 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.
Mission Viejo 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.
Compare other topics
See how Irvine and Mission Viejo 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