Cat Rules: Redwood City vs San Mateo
How do cat rules rules compare between Redwood City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Redwood City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
Cats over three months old in unincorporated San Mateo County must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated. The County Ordinance Code also requires that unaltered cats over six months be either spayed/neutered or covered by an unaltered-animal license or breeding permit. There is no general cat-leash requirement.
View full Redwood City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
Cats over three months old in unincorporated San Mateo County must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated. The County Ordinance Code also requires that unaltered cats over six months be either spayed/neutered or covered by an unaltered-animal license or breeding permit. There is no general cat-leash requirement.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Redwood City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Cats over 3 months must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated | Cats over 3 months must be licensed and rabies-vaccinated |
| Spay/neuter | Unaltered cats over 6 months need an unaltered-animal license or breeding permit (Chapter 6.12) | Unaltered cats over 6 months need an unaltered-animal license or breeding permit (Chapter 6.12) |
| Cat leash | No general cat-leash requirement in the County Code | No general cat-leash requirement in the County Code |
| Care standard | Proper food, water, shelter, care required (Section 6.04.070(d)) | Proper food, water, shelter, care required (Section 6.04.070(d)) |
| Animal control | Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (by County contract) | Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (by County contract) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Redwood City FAQ
Do cats have to be licensed in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Yes. PHS/SPCA states that all cats over three months old must be licensed and currently vaccinated against rabies, the same as dogs, with new residents given 60 days to comply. Unaltered cats over six months also need an unaltered-animal license or breeding permit under Chapter 6.12.
Do cats have to be kept indoors or on a leash?
The County Ordinance Code does not impose a general cat-leash or indoor-confinement requirement comparable to the dog leash law. Cats must still be licensed, rabies-vaccinated, and provided proper care, and owners must observe the pet-limit permit thresholds if keeping several cats.
San Mateo FAQ
Do cats have to be licensed in unincorporated San Mateo County?
Yes. PHS/SPCA states that all cats over three months old must be licensed and currently vaccinated against rabies, the same as dogs, with new residents given 60 days to comply. Unaltered cats over six months also need an unaltered-animal license or breeding permit under Chapter 6.12.
Do cats have to be kept indoors or on a leash?
The County Ordinance Code does not impose a general cat-leash or indoor-confinement requirement comparable to the dog leash law. Cats must still be licensed, rabies-vaccinated, and provided proper care, and owners must observe the pet-limit permit thresholds if keeping several cats.
Compare other topics
See how Redwood City and San Mateo 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