Lane County has a large stray and feral cat population.  It is estimated that there are approximately 40,000 stray or feral cats in our area. 

Please be responsible pet owners, have your cats spayed or neutered to reduce the number of unwanted kittens.  Microchip your cats so they can be returned home if found/picked up by a concerned citizen.

LAWS
Currently, Lane County does not have any cat ordinances.

Lane County Animal Services provides services for the unincorporated areas of Lane County.  

Stray-Found:  Although a cat "just shows up" on your property, once you assume responsibility for the animal by feeding and caring for it, after a period of time, it is no longer stray.  A cat is legally owned after the finder has cared for it for six weeks.  LCAS does not pick up stray or unwanted cats unless they are seriously ill or injured.

Owned-Found:  It is unlawful to keep or dispose of a cat that has a known owner.  Harboring or disposing of a cat that has an owner could result in a charge of theft against you.  If you find a cat that appears to be owned the best thing to do is leave it where you found it so that it can find its way home.

For information on feral (wild) cats, click here

For more information about cats, please view the links listed on our home page under the title Help For Pet Owners.  

Link to 1st Ave. Shelter