Cat Rules: Portland vs Seattle
How do cat rules rules compare between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA?
Portland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Multnomah County requires all cats over six months old kept within Portland city limits to be licensed under MCC 13.301. Licenses must be renewed annually and require proof of current rabies vaccination. Cats are not required to be leashed under Portland or Multnomah County law, but cats running at large that damage property or wildlife may be impounded by Multnomah County Animal Services under MCC 13.701.
View full Portland rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle SMC 9.25.050 requires every cat over eight weeks to be licensed annually with the Seattle Animal Shelter. Washington RCW 16.30 (King County code 8.04) requires current rabies vaccination for all cats and dogs.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Portland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| License Required | All cats 6+ months (MCC 13.301) | - |
| Vaccination Required | Current rabies vaccine | - |
| Outdoor Cats | Allowed; no leash law for cats | - |
| Licensing Agency | Multnomah County Animal Services | - |
| Lifetime Tag | Available for microchipped + sterilized cats | - |
| Code | - | SMC 9.25.050 |
| License age | - | Over 8 weeks |
| Rabies | - | Required |
| Annual fee | - | $20-30 |
| TNR | - | Allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Portland FAQ
Do I have to license my indoor cat in Portland?
Yes. MCC 13.301 requires all cats over six months old in Multnomah County (including Portland) to be licensed annually with proof of current rabies vaccination, regardless of whether the cat goes outdoors.
Can my cat roam outside in Portland?
Yes — there is no cat leash law. However, MCC 13.501 prohibits animals running at large in a way that creates a nuisance, and a cat repeatedly damaging neighbors' property may be impounded under MCC 13.701.
Seattle FAQ
Do indoor-only cats need licenses?
Yes. Seattle requires every cat over eight weeks to be licensed regardless of whether it goes outside. Lost indoor cats with tags get returned home faster.
Is letting my cat outside legal in Seattle?
Yes, with a license and rabies vaccine. However, repeated nuisance complaints (digging, attacking wildlife) can lead to fines under SMC 9.25.084.
Compare other topics
See how Portland and Seattle 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