Cats Indoors Initiative
A Win-Win-Win Proposal
A Win for Cats
Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. They are protected from traffic, predators, diseases, parasites, and extreme weather.
Lower risk of injury and illness - cars, coyotes, cat fights and more
Longer average lifespan - indoor (13-17 years) vs outdoor (2-5 years)
More consistent care and nutrition
The Great Outdoors is no place for a cat!
A Win for Birds & Wildlife
Cats are natural hunters. Keeping cats indoors helps protect native birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
Healthier local ecosystems
Fewer birds and animals killed each year
Fewer butterflies and beneficial insects killed each year
A Win for Cat Owners
Happier cat owners because:
Lower stress because you aren’t worried about where your cat is or whether your cat has been injured or killed
Lower veterinary bills
No conflicts with neighbors or authorities
More quality time with your cat
Less worry about your cat bringing disease back to your home (toxoplasmosis, rabies)
Guilt-free bird feeding since your indoor cat is no threat to the birds you are feeding
Issues Posed by Outdoor Cats
Cats are the number one cause of direct human-caused bird mortality
2.4 billion birds killed by cats each year in the US alone
Cats are expert hunters with strong prey drives, and their unnatural introduction by people to new environments around the world threatens native species, disrupts ecosystems, and spreads disease
Ways to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy
Catios and outdoor enclosures
Bay windows and screened-in porches
Harness, strollers, and backpacks
Indoor enrichment
Cat exercise wheel
Enrichment and play such as posts, toys, boxes, bags, and cat grass
Be a Responsible Cat Owner!
Spokane County Ordinances
Title 5 - ANIMALS Chapters: • Chapter 5.04 - DOGS AND CATS [1]
5.04.067 - Control of cats. The following cat control regulations are police regulations designed to protect public health and safety. The owner or keeper of a cat is strictly liable to control his/her cat(s) as required herein, meaning that the penalty for violation of such regulations is imposed without regard to any wrongful intention of the violator. It is unlawful for the owner or keeper of a cat(s) to violate any of the following regulations.
The owner or keeper of a cat(s) shall prevent said cat(s) from:
(1) Being accessible to other cats, while in heat, for purposes other than controlled or planned breeding;
(2) Running at large when the cat has not been neutered or spayed, and the cat is six months of age or older;
(3) Being kept, harbored, maintained, or allowed to be running at large and known to have a contagious disease, unless under the treatment of a licensed veterinarian, and appropriately isolated to protect the public and other animals;
(4) Running at large while being on private property without the permission of the property owner or the person entitled to possession of the property;
(5) Without provocation, and in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack, hisses at, snarls at, jumps upon, chases, restrains or approaches a human being on public or private property, or domesticated animal while the cat is off the owner's or keeper's property;
(6) Exhibiting vicious propensities; and
(7) Entering any place where food is stored, prepared, served or sold to the public or any public building or hall; provided, that this section shall not apply to veterinarian offices or hospitals; or to exhibitions or organized cat shows. (Res. No. 2018-0166, 2-20-2018; Res. No. 13-1198, 12-17-2013)
Key Cat Ordinances in Spokane
Licensing Pet licensing (for both dogs and cats) is mandatory for all cats over six months of age within Spokane County (which includes the City of Spokane). The license tag must be attached to a collar and worn by the cat at all times. Licensing information and application forms are available through Spokane County's website or by phone at 509-477-2532.
Number of Cats Allowed A single dwelling unit is generally permitted to have up to four household pets (dogs and cats combined). Five or more cats over six months old constitute a "kennel," which is subject to different zoning regulations.
Running at Large It is unlawful for a cat to run at large if it is not spayed or neutered. All pets must be controlled as a courtesy to others and for their own protection. Cats are also prohibited from being on private property without the owner's permission.
Nuisance and Sanitation Owners are required to maintain their animals in a clean and sanitary condition to avoid creating offensive odors or other nuisances that unreasonably disturb neighbors.
Rabies Vaccination It is prohibited to keep any cat over six months of age that has not been properly inoculated against rabies. Any animal that bites a human must be promptly reported to SCRAPS and shall thereupon be securely quarantined at the direction of SCRAPS for a period of ten days.
Spokane Municipal Code
Chapter 17C.310 Animal Keeping
A. Animal Keeping.
The purpose of this chapter is to make provisions for and set limits on the keeping of animals within the City limits. This section recognizes the commercial and sport animal keeping activities as well as the desire of citizens to keep pets. The provisions of this section strive to provide the broadest personal discretion in animal keeping. However, since the City is characterized as an intense urban environment with people living in close proximity, this section also emphasizes the significant responsibility of animal owners and keepers to protect the rights and lifestyles of their neighbors. Animal owners and keepers are expected to meet the following requirements as a reflection of their responsibility.
Unrestrained Animals.
Owners and keepers are to keep all animals contained within a structure or fenced yard or on a leash or other appropriate harness or retraining device capable of safely controlling the animal.
Key Ordinances for Cat Owners
Licensing: All cats over the age of six months kept in Spokane County (including Spokane city) must be licensed annually. The license tag must be attached to a collar and worn by the pet at all times. Information on obtaining a license is available through the Spokane County website.
Pet Limits: A dwelling unit is permitted up to four household pets (dogs and/or cats combined). Five or more dogs or cats constitute a kennel and require a commercial kennel license. Pets under six months of age are not included in this count.
Animal At Large: It is unlawful for a cat to run at large without being spayed or neutered, or to be on private property without the permission of the property owner.
Rabies Vaccination: It is unlawful to keep any cat over six months of age that has not been properly inoculated against rabies.
Nuisance and Sanitation: Owners must maintain their animals and premises in a clean and sanitary condition to avoid creating offensive odors or other nuisances that unreasonably disturb others.
Impoundment: Animal Control (SCRAPS) may impound any cat committing prohibited acts, in danger of cruel treatment, or found sick or injured. Licensed cats are held for at least 120 hours before being deemed abandoned.
Euthanasia Policy: The Spokane City Council has passed an ordinance specifying that euthanasia at the city's contracted shelter (SCRAPS) is only permitted when a veterinarian determines an animal is severely ill or suffering, and not due to shelter capacity.
