Should both cats and dogs be licensed?

Question

Many towns only require that dogs be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. But more and more towns are licensing cats, too. In fact, more people keep cats as pets than dogs. What do you think?

Dixie, I agree. I have a neighbor with 20 cats and my town has NO laws to fix the problem! He is negligent and the cats are sick and roam everywhere.

Good point, a cat may not be able to maul someone like a dog, but they can inflict serious bites and spread communicable diseases to other pets.

Answer 1

It's a good idea to require licenses for both dogs AND cats. Here's why.

1. Pet owners are afforded a certain amount of protection. Once your cat is licensed and tagged it can be identified in the case of loss or theft or if it's simply found "tresspassing" on someone else's property.

2. Licensing encourages responsible pet ownership and helps crack down on negligent owners who let their cats roam all around the neighborhood....causing fights, impregnating females and having random litters. With the proper laws in place, such cats can be legally confiscated, held for a certain number of days, and then if not claimed, disposed of humanely.

3. Licensing encourages recognition of cats as legitimate pets, just as dogs are considered. In many towns where cats are not licensed, people are more apt to trap them and kill them if they see it on their property.

Licensing all pets helps keep our animals safe, protects them from strays and ferals, and encourages citizens to be responsible and get serious about the animals in their care.

Answer 2

I didn't think non vaccinated animals was an option. I have 6 cats and 4 dogs all vaccinated and licensed. I live in the country and have enough land that my animals run freely if desired. I know that in cities animal owners are required to have all k-9 and feline licensed and vaccinated. Most also have a law against animals running at large.

I think it is most important for the animals to have all their shots annually just as we do for our human children.

Answer 3

I think both should be licensed.
Too many people are becoming irresponsible about their cats. They let the cat roam around and if the cat should bite
someone (as has happened on my street) it is too hard to
find out who owns the animal to see if it has had its shots.
Fair is fair.

Answer 4

Both should be vaccinated.While it is true that cats rarely contract rabies,there are still risks when not vaccinated.Everywhere i have ever lived required vaccinations.