About owning a cat!?!?

Question

I heard before that you need some sort of license in order to own a cat, or dog. Is it true? If it is, what do you have to do?

And is it ILLEGAL to let a cat wonder around the neighbourhood by itself without a leash...

Do cats even need a leash?????

Answer 1

In most cities you'll need a license for your cat (generally not in the country). Cats are very independent and you don't need to put them on a leash.

Answer 2

As far as I know, all counties require pet owners to have a license for their pets at least for cats and dogs. When your cat gets his rabies shot at the vet, the vet will give you a certificate which you can then mail, fax or take in person to the Animal Control office in your county with a check for whatever amount is required by the AC office and then they send you a license with a small tag that you can put on your cat's collar. The tag will have an identification number so if your cat gets lost and they find it, they can identify whom your cat belongs to. You have to do that every year. The law requires that your cat or dog get a rabies shot once a year. If you don't have a license, you may get a ticket if they find out.

I know that it's illegal to let your dog wonder around the neighborhood without a leash but I think cats are OK. To be sure, you should call Animal Control and ask them. Also, cats do not walk on a leash. They could be trained to do so though. I've seen it on TV, but that requires a lot of patience and expertise to be successful since cats are very independent and don't like to wear things around their necks or told where to go or walk.

Answer 3

I guess that would depend on where you live. Where I live you need a license for a dog but not for a cat. Cats are allowed to wander around freely here but many owners do not allow them to because cats can easilly be hit by cars. Also many cats like to wander and can be gone for days or sometimes not come back at all. You can buy a leash and harness for a cat to keep it in your yard but it's very unusual for people to walk their cats with a leash (although I have actually seen a couple of people do it.) Most cats really dislike harnesses so if you do get one you may want to let your cat get used to it and make sure he can't slip out of it before you let him go outside with it on.
Call a vet in your area or talk to someone at the pet store to find out what the rules are in your area.

Answer 4

If you tried to pull a cat around on a leash it would just lay there and laugh at you. You don't need a license to have a cat but the cat does. Just talk to your local pet store for help. Yes cats can wonder around freely but remember, they're much more likely to get attacked, ran over, lost, climb a tree, or get eatin by something or someone. Your better off to leave them inside, that way you can probably get away without licensing them every year, although it's still against the law. Just don't expect a cat to be walked around like a dog, they're much to smart and stubborn for that.

Answer 5

You do NOT need a license to own a dog or cat. However, in some states you needa license to own more than 4 dogs or cats. Its also ok if your cat wanders around the neighborhood. That law is completely ignored & you won`t get in trouble for it. Only a dog needs a leash. You can buy leashes for cats, but they do not do so well on it.

Answer 6

I have never heard that you need a license to own a cat . But I could most definately be wrong, some cities might require that. Where I have lived in my life, I have never known it to be illegal to let your cat wander outdoors with out a leash. But I would STRONGLY suggest you keep your cat indoors only. Your cat will be much healthier and will be more likely to live a longer life as a result. I have 4 cats that live indoors only, and they are spoiled brats that can be as happy as can be.

Answer 7

You don't need to have a license to own any pets. You also don't put a cat on a leash. It's ok to let your cat wander around the neighborhood as long as your cat comes home.

Answer 8

The village I live in requires cats and dogs to be fenced or leashed. Nobody puts their cat on a leash here, but the dog leash laws are enforced. A license is usually required to prove that your cat or dog will not get and spread rabies and other diseases that are found in your area.

Normally cats do not need a leash, but they may need one to protect them. Training a cat to tolerate a leash is a challenge most people are not willing to tackle. It's easier to keep them inside, just play with kitty, and keep the litter box clean.

Answer 9

You don't need a lisence to own a cat. Just food and love. you can let your cat roam around the neighborhood, but not everyone likes cats so be careful. It is easier to turn a stray cat in to an indoor/outdoor cat than if you buy one at a pet store, or get it as a kitten, unless it comes from a farm. You don't need a leash, they will find their way home as long as you feed it and love it, it will always come back.

Answer 10

That's the first I've heard of needing a license to own a cat or dog.

There are places where there are bylaws about letting your pet roam without you. And there is a good reason for it, considering the trouble a critter can cause, or get into.

Now, the confusion might come from needing a license to run a professional pet-care type service, such as a kennel. And I have known people who've kept far too many critters on their property, to the point where they were a health hazard.