Should Leash Laws Apply to Cats?

[tvguy]

I had two cats as a kid that I lost because they were outdoor cats. Neither made it to age 2. My wife and I have had five cats over our married years. All exclusively indoor cats. All lived long lives, safely out of reach of harm.
So I would say the pet cats shouldn't need to be on a leash because they shouldn't be out to need one.
I have to admit I have fed feral cats, because they do serve a purpose in the balance of nature. Here the city catches them, fixes and vaccinates them, and re-releases them to their colony.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

To clarify, our town does have a leash law that all domentic pets, dogs and cats, must be on a leash or confined to your own property. Our neighbor feels his cat should be able to roam. I'm just wanting to hear your thoughts since apparently my entire neighborhood is taking his side and demonizing the woman who complained about his cat.

It's a situation that isn't going to have any sort of resolution to it in all likelihood. If all neighbors but you and this one woman are fine with it then well they are fine with it whether you agree with it or not whether there is an ordinance on it or not. It's often a neighborhood or community specific take on it.

Most of the time people in my area complain about two things with cats 1) them causing issues with landscape areas (either digging or using it basically as a litter box) or 2) concern over the cats being killed by either cars or wildlife with people gently trying to post every now and then when they see a cat that has unfortunately been killed by a car or rarely but still occurs presumed wildlife. I've only seen a few posts in 10 years discussing destruction cats do to wildlife such as killing birds.

Majority of cats are presumed to be lost cats and the community tries hard to pick up strays unless they see the clip on the ear. But there are a few people including one or two in my neighborhood (which is large with over 600 homes at the moment) who do openly state they let their cat roam. The areas around here by in large don't condone that. But another area may and clearly that's what is going on in your area. From your past posts you live in a 55+ community perhaps that plays into the acceptance of it.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I just don't get it. Why do cats get a pass when it comes to a leash law?

I don't get it either. In our village, leash law applies to all domesticated animals. Those that let their cats run wild don't care about laws I guess, those folks feel privileged I suppose. The cats that look like flat roofing shingles lying on the roads or have the remainder of their heads lying in the grass after a coyote or fox lunch pay the price for their owners' lack of concern for both their now dead animals, as well as the law. I've never understood it either, @Hisgirl.

 

[focusondisney]

To clarify, our town does have a leash law that all domentic pets, dogs and cats, must be on a leash or confined to your own property. Our neighbor feels his cat should be able to roam. I'm just wanting to hear your thoughts since apparently my entire neighborhood is taking his side and demonizing the woman who complained about his cat.

I’d support the woman who complained.

 

[wallawallakids]

I just wish people would keep their dogs on a leash. I can't tell you how many unleashed dogs I run into walking my dog.

But overall, I don't think a law is necessary for cats. I live in the country and we have a lot of farm cats that roam about. They come on our property quite a bit and I love it because I know they are hunting the mice for me. That said, in neighborhoods with bird feeders and such, I do think they are bad for the bird populations. I also think it is super dangerous for the cat. We keep our cats indoors at all time. They have a small area my husband built off a window where they can go outside and watch the birds but it is completely sided and fenced in with chicken wire. He built them little spots to sit up high and everything and they love it. But there is not way they can get out of it. We also have cougars here, so no way I would ever just let them out to roam. Occasionally my DD will take them out on a leash in the yard to walk around but mostly they just love their small indoor/outdoor porch.

 

[Hisgirl]

I agree that in the country and barns, cats do provide a great service. But this is a neighborhood with houses right smack next door and cars iin driveways, fenced yards with dogs etc.

And the leash law doesn't mean putting a leash on a cat. It just means your cat can't be roaming outside loose. We spent $5K+ on a fence, spend so much on training, lessons etc. It makes me irritated that people with cats who roam, just let their pet poop in my backyard, walk on my car, antagonize my dog, and eat the birds I feed. It mostly hangs out right behind my house waiting for the birds I feed. I'm so surprised at his attitude when animal control came and kindly explained the law of the city. They just said it doesn't matter, the cats are still going to be outside.

 

[wallawallakids]

I agree that in the country and barns, cats do provide a great service. But this is a neighborhood with houses right smack next door and cars iin driveways, fenced yards with dogs etc.

And the leash law doesn't mean putting a leash on a cat. It just means your cat can't be roaming outside loose. We spent $5K+ on a fence, spend so much on training, lessons etc. It makes me irritated that people with cats who roam, just let their pet poop in my backyard, walk on my car, antagonize my dog, and eat the birds I feed. It mostly hangs out right behind my house waiting for the birds I feed. I'm so surprised at his attitude when animal control came and kindly explained the law of the city. They just said it doesn't matter, the cats are still going to be outside.

I am sorry. That sounds terrible.

 

[disneychrista]

My personal opinion is that cats (and dogs for that matter) should not be free roaming. If you have a cat it should be kept indoors.

 

[HopperFan]

I agree that in the country and barns, cats do provide a great service. But this is a neighborhood with houses right smack next door and cars iin driveways, fenced yards with dogs etc.

And the leash law doesn't mean putting a leash on a cat. It just means your cat can't be roaming outside loose. We spent $5K+ on a fence, spend so much on training, lessons etc. It makes me irritated that people with cats who roam, just let their pet poop in my backyard, walk on my car, antagonize my dog, and eat the birds I feed. It mostly hangs out right behind my house waiting for the birds I feed. I'm so surprised at his attitude when animal control came and kindly explained the law of the city. They just said it doesn't matter, the cats are still going to be outside.

We had a family in next neighborhood that did walk their cat on a leash. While some folks snickered I thought how smart are they. Their cat gets to enjoy outside without the fear it will get hurt, eaten or do any damage.

 

[imbelle]

When in an outdoor, uncontained environment, I would leash anything that doesn't understand danger and that I wanted to keep alive, be it dog, cat, toddler. Unleashed is unloved.

 

[SteveH]

/RANT-ON
I have major issues with "free range cats" that come in my yard and do their business, I know because I have them on camera.

About 12 years ago my next door neighbor laughed in my face when I told her to stop letting her cats out to do their business and told her what they were doing in my yard. With the indignant response of "I can't control what the do," I let her know that I would be setting traps and taking them to the humane society or the city shelter. In our area this is how the City wants us to deal with it. So I did. A few days later I then came over and nicely told her that I had one of her cats in a cage and allowed her to retrieve the cat, but also made it clear next time I wouldn't do that. Keep in mind that I got along great with her ex as well as her two subsequent boy friends. The last two got a great laugh at what I was doing but supported me in private. Now 12 years later another neighbor is going through the same issue, cats defecating in his kids shoes on their deck, their deck and their yard. I loaned that family the two traps that I bought at Harbor Freight.

Oh for my neighbor, after taking both cats to the City Shelter a couple times, and the resulting fines she got hit with she knew I was serious and she got a litter box, best of all she's no longer a neighbor.

I love dogs and tolerate cats - we had two of them, but they were never free roam cats and they learned very fast to stay off the counters.
/RANT-OFF

 

[CdnCarrie]

It’s illegal here for cats to roam free.

Yes it’s good. Less chance that they will get run over.

Big difference between farm cats and city cats.

 

[Lumpy1106]

To answer OP - No. Cats have to be trained to walk on a leash and most never take to it. Do I agree that cats should be kept indoors? To a point - if you can. We had a black cat that we could not keep in the house. He shredded ever screen, and had learned how to open doors. Yes, he killed birds, but also mice and rats - lots of them. We didn't even know we had mice or rats on our property until we had this cat. What happened to him? We can't prove it, but we HIGHLY suspect the neighbor trapped him and took him...somewhere. He did it to other neighbor's cats and he didn't have a dispute with them like he did with us. Yes, we have coyotes, but this cat was too smart - no way a coyote got him. We got new cats that are indoors only - because of the neighbor. I'd much rather they were in the yard controlling vermin.

Does your city have a cat tax? Ours does - errr, license fee. Cats are required to be indoors only and you are supposed to get them vaccinated for rabies. Why? If the cat can't go outside licensing makes no sense, and feline rabies is almost unheard of. The city just want the license fee - prove me wrong. New cats are not licensed or vaccinated for rabies FWIW - just like they would be in every other city anywhere.

 

[Lumpy1106]

/RANT-ON
I have major issues with "free range cats" that come in my yard and do their business, I know because I have them on camera.

About 12 years ago my next door neighbor laughed in my face when I told her to stop letting her cats out to do their business and told her what they were doing in my yard. With the indignant response of "I can't control what the do," I let her know that I would be setting traps and taking them to the humane society or the city shelter. In our area this is how the City wants us to deal with it. So I did. A few days later I then came over and nicely told her that I had one of her cats in a cage and allowed her to retrieve the cat, but also made it clear next time I wouldn't do that. Keep in mind that I got along great with her ex as well as her two subsequent boy friends. The last two got a great laugh at what I was doing but supported me in private. Now 12 years later another neighbor is going through the same issue, cats defecating in his kids shoes on their deck, their deck and their yard. I loaned that family the two traps that I bought at Harbor Freight.

Oh for my neighbor, after taking both cats to the City Shelter a couple times, and the resulting fines she got hit with she knew I was serious and she got a litter box, best of all she's no longer a neighbor.

I love dogs and tolerate cats - we had two of them, but they were never free roam cats and they learned very fast to stay off the counters.
/RANT-OFF

Trapping your neighbor's cats and taking them to the pound is about as low as you can go - be better than that.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

They had to pay for quarantine for ten days and my parents ended up giving them money and apologizing. The neighbor snatched the money, slammed the door and never spoke to mama again.

Why did they HAVE to pay (meaning your parents paying for it)? If my pet (of whatever variety) causes injury to a person, and the injured person did nothing to provoke those injuries, I accept that legally I should have to pay for any expenses involved.

 

[SteveH]

Trapping your neighbor's cats and taking them to the pound is about as low as you can go - be better than that.

Please oh wise one impart your superior knowledge and share with universe how I should have dealt with it? That is what our City has determined is the correct course of action in dealing with these animals and owners. My actions resulted in the modified behavior of the owners in taking control of their pets.

Should I have let them continue to roam spread their feces an urine around my yard, and possibly become fodder for the coyotes in our area? If it were today, my two dogs would have chased them out of the yard, or worse they might have killed them, is that better? The two cats continued to live indoors for years. Neighbors should not have to clean up after irresponsible cat owners.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

/RANT-ON
I have major issues with "free range cats" that come in my yard and do their business, I know because I have them on camera.

About 12 years ago my next door neighbor laughed in my face when I told her to stop letting her cats out to do their business and told her what they were doing in my yard. With the indignant response of "I can't control what the do," I let her know that I would be setting traps and taking them to the humane society or the city shelter. In our area this is how the City wants us to deal with it. So I did. A few days later I then came over and nicely told her that I had one of her cats in a cage and allowed her to retrieve the cat, but also made it clear next time I wouldn't do that. Keep in mind that I got along great with her ex as well as her two subsequent boy friends. The last two got a great laugh at what I was doing but supported me in private. Now 12 years later another neighbor is going through the same issue, cats defecating in his kids shoes on their deck, their deck and their yard. I loaned that family the two traps that I bought at Harbor Freight.

Oh for my neighbor, after taking both cats to the City Shelter a couple times, and the resulting fines she got hit with she knew I was serious and she got a litter box, best of all she's no longer a neighbor.

I love dogs and tolerate cats - we had two of them, but they were never free roam cats and they learned very fast to stay off the counters.
/RANT-OFF

Our area is fine with trapping cats but they are used for either stray cats to then do TNR (and are usually advised to be done by people who do this as their primary duty) or when you're trying to get a cat you suspect is someone's missing cat. Your area is different from what you say but I know in ours people use traps for bad reasons around here and it's why they don't recommend using it for the purpose of teaching lessons to neighbors or deal with a nuisance (unless they are wildlife where they will release the animal far enough away). Unfortunately we have people who use traps to steal cats to either abuse them or bait for dog fighting. If everyone in my area was told to just deal with a nuisance cat the way you were told I'm afraid we would have a hard time drawing the line on actually helping the cat vs treating the helpless animal in a bad way. ETA: also the shelters (which are largely no kill around here) are way too full especially during kitten season to intake cats for this purpose, it clogs up the shelters and uses resources unnecessarily; unfortunately too many pleas for help on reducing the amount of animals at local shelters (or taking in animals from other areas due to natural disasters, puppy mills, hoarding situations, etc) for the routine to be what you were told.

Side note I really hate how my area dog fighting is still something we have to worry about, that and people stealing pets for that reason (dogs and cats). Animal abuse doesn't get enough penalties IMO.

 

[SteveH]

@

Our area is fine with trapping cats but they are used for either stray cats to then do TNR (and are usually advised to be done by people who do this as their primary duty) or when you're trying to get a cat you suspect is someone's missing cat. Your area is different from what you say but I know in ours people use traps for bad reasons around here and it's why they don't recommend using it for the purpose of teaching lessons to neighbors or deal with a nuisance (unless they are wildlife where they will release the animal far enough away)...

Trust me I know, I lost count how many people suggested just taking the cats for a drive or a swim, not my thing at all. I did appreciate the process the City has and that people can rent traps. Really shouldn't come to that, but I also understand the enforcement comes at a high cost to tax payers so this seems to work.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

@

Trust me I know, I lost count how many people suggested just taking the cats for a drive or a swim, not my thing at all. I did appreciate the process the City has and that people can rent traps. Really shouldn't come to that, but I also understand the enforcement comes at a high cost to tax payers so this seems to work.

That's a nice thing to at least offer to rent the traps. I agree it shouldn't come to it. The majority of cats around here you see outside are primarily lost cats or feral cats so I suppose that helps. I do get upset when someone mentions they let their declawed cat roam outside (I don't think cats in suburbs, cities, etc should be roaming outside unless barn or working cats personally speaking), that's just so cruel but is another topic entirely.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Please oh wise one impart your superior knowledge and share with universe how I should have dealt with it? That is what our City has determined is the correct course of action in dealing with these animals and owners. My actions resulted in the modified behavior of the owners in taking control of their pets.

Should I have let them continue to roam spread their feces an urine around my yard, and possibly become fodder for the coyotes in our area? If it were today, my two dogs would have chased them out of the yard, or worse they might have killed them, is that better? The two cats continued to live indoors for years. Neighbors should not have to clean up after irresponsible cat owners.

Yeah, maybe read my post above about how our neighbor did that to us and we were doing everything we could to keep the cat indoors. Not just us, but he did the same thing to at least two other neighbors that we could confirm. Difference with us is he didn't have the courtesy to even tell us where he took the cat. Now, pray tell, what are we to do about THAT?

I stand by it's a lousy thing to do. We are no longer on speaking terms with our neighbor and he is the pariah on the block - is that what you want? There are better solutions but they start with a modicum of empathy. As another (good) neighbor said, "in order to have good neighbors, you have to BE a good neighbor." Maybe start there.