FVC Perspectives: Cat rules and limits

A purring cat on the foot of a bed is the epitome of coziness, but that is where they should stay, according to many FVC readers. And perhaps, maybe there should be a limit on how many cats are allowed on your bed.

This month, we asked you about your thoughts on rules and regulations around cat ownership. Advocates have approached councils in Langley City and Chilliwack to request more rules for cats, including capping the number of cats a person can own. Last month, Langley City council suggested they would be open to limiting the number of cats at six per household

A resounding majority of FVC respondents agreed. Roughly 80% of respondents said there should be limits on the number of cats a person can own. And more than 100 readers wrote in to share their thoughts on what municipalities should do to regulate cats.

We asked readers if municipalities should put in new regulations for cat ownership, and wanted to know which regulations they would or would not support. Here is what they had to say.

(We had so many submissions that we could not possibly use them all. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. As always, we prioritize submissions that have full names attached.)

Becky Cunningham: “I support regulations for the sake of the cats, as cat hoarding situations are very unhealthy for them. I'll leave the exact maximum number up to experts, but I also support a spay/neuter requirement. Too many people treat cats as disposable instead of caring for them properly, and that leads to far too many unwanted kittens.”

Elyse Dyck: “I used to be shelter manager of CARES cat shelter in Langley from 2016-2018, so I am very familiar with the hoards of cats that can live in a residential home. The cats are usually unkempt (I say "usually" here because I do know people with 10 cats who are immaculately cared for). Each animal deserves the 4 freedoms: freedom from hunger+thirst, freedom from pain+discomfort, freedom from distress+mental suffering, and freedom to act like a cat!

“The main issue I saw with cat hoards (anywhere from 10-30 cats) include: inappropriate access to food and clean water, unsanitary litter boxes and inappropriate defecation and elimination (which in turn creates unsafe conditions for the cats and for the humans who live in the residence), unkempt coats, upper respiratory infections, and other severe health problems such as eye ulcers, ear infections, flea infestations causing anemia and other blood-borne illnesses. I think the City of Langley's proposed six-cat limit is fair and I greatly agree with the need for a bylaw so animal control officers and the SPCA are able to intervene with improper cat ownership and care to get these cats medical care and safe homes sooner. But, if someone has the financial means and ability to care for 6-10 cats then they should! If the general population is able to do that, is up to question. Perhaps the average cat owner cannot handle the number of cats above six, but those who are able to should be able to have a special circumstance to forgo the bylaw if they can prove finances, veterinary care access, and attention to the cats husbandry they should have more than six cats.

“An example of cat ownership needing more than 6 cats are those who tend to feral or outdoor cat colonies, sometimes caring for a dozen or more cats. These community members may also have access to discounted veterinary care through a shelter or TNR program.”

Dwayne Friesen: “Max three cats and mandatory spaying/neutering. Also, no bows in their fur.”

Heather Wallace: “Each cat needs enough space and cats have expensive vet bills. If one person owns too many cats, the care they get will be compromised in most cases. Probably there could be a cat-per-square-footage limit and also a requirement to get vet insurance if you own more than four cats to ensure the best care of the cats. And cats should be spayed/neutered to prevent problems.”

Linda B.: “To be fair it would depend on how large the home and land is. Condos usually limit to two cats and that is reasonable for condos and single family homes in cities. If they are working cats on a farm or acreage, maybe five should be the limit.”

Nancy W.: “Only if it's enforced. Chilliwack Animal Control relies on a voluntary or user initiated licensing for dogs, so there are many unlicenced pets. The City of Langley contracts with LAPS (Langley Animal Protection Society) for animal control. They have canvassers go door to door to encourage licensing your dog. That works far better.”

Alice Roos: “Cats should stay indoors or on a leash. One cat per household. We have cats roaming the neighbourhood sneaking underneath the bird feeders. They catch just for the sport but don’t eat them.”

Nancy Croteau: “I think cats should have to be spayed and neutered to keep the unwanted cat population down. It would be easier to do this if the costs were more affordable for some. I am on my second rescue cat in 23 years, both spayed and tattooed and strictly indoors, except for the patio.

“It would be challenging to enforce any kind of bylaws regarding cat licensing.

“As for cat limits, if a person can look after their cats and are responsible, this shouldn't really be an issue. Where it can become an issue is when owners hoard cats and the cats are neglected and the living situation becomes unhealthy/unsafe for the cats and the owners and the cats end up paying the price.”

Penny Remington: “I have four cats, none have ever gone outside. They were all been spayed as kittens. I don't believe in limiting cat ownership if they are all indoor cats...but it must be proven as indoor cats. Spaying/neutering should be mandatory for ALL cats.”

Chris R.: “I do think limits on cat ownership is a good idea, but I'm not sure they would be easily enforceable, and I think licensing is excessive. No amount of regulation will prevent hoarding situations, and anyone who thinks 100 cats is reasonable isn't going to follow license requirements, so we'd be creating a lot of bureaucracy for little return. Also, can anyone really own a cat? I'd argue the reverse is equally true. Many years ago, we opened our door on a wet October night to a sodden orange beauty. She waltzed past our two dogs and curled up in front of the fire. She lived with us for years, but it was entirely on her own terms. Did we pay all her bills? Yes. Did she semi-regularly disappear for a week or two, then show up reeking of perfume? Also yes. If asked, we would all have agreed that Molly was her own mistress and if any owning was being done, it was by her when she bullied the dogs into sharing their dinners.”

J. Cook: “I feel overly-regulated on every aspect of life as it is. A cat regulation would be yet another cost and likely somehow taxed on top (a bit sensitive about tax today as I just finished paying tax on a second hand couch taken from a basement).

“So, 'no' to cat regulations, but 'yes' to a cat limit, and only because I'm in many homes and the quality of cat care seems to decrease as the number of cats increases.

“Beyond five cats, you start to see overflowing litter boxes, food with low nutritional value, eye infections, UTI's, and generally not healthy looking kitties. Likely the owners' health is affected too. But then, do we really want to use City resources in that situation? Taxes being used to harass some person who for whatever reason needs to be surrounded by cats?

“Changed my mind ... let kitty cats and their owners alone.”

Angelika Dawson: “Yes. and I would advocate for cats being kept indoors or on a leash when outside, in order to protect the wild birds; recognizing that that might not be practical for barn cats who are great mousers. Perhaps someone needs to learn how to train a cat to catch only mice and not birds. (cue the eyerolling and laughter).”

Trish Cocksedge: “Agree that cats should require a license and be spayed or neutered, but that is becoming costly as vet bills rise due to conglomerates taking over family owned businesses; however if you cannot afford to do this, perhaps you should just get a hamster. As well, cats are having a destructive influence on bird populations. They are lovely pets; just keep them inside and then you will not have to worry about spaying or neutering and birds will be safer!”

Karen Sinclair: “As a cat lover I accept that a balance has to be struck. Not everyone appreciates our furry feline friends.

“For indoor cats, their mental health and well being needs to be considered. Cats are not inanimate objects to be collected. They need love and nurturing even if many would have you believe the opposite with their independence.

“If cats are of the outdoor model the number would be lower as they do not respect yard boundaries when they decide where they will relieve themselves. Overturned plants and stinky buried surprises do little to endear neighbours to feline residents and contribute to neighbourhood harmony.”

Mark Langer: “Cats should be managed by municipalities just as dogs are. Unleashed cats should be impounded. I have read statistics that one family cat can kill between 40 and 80 small creatures per year.”

Ryley Sylwka: “Yes, all communities should create regulations for cats. I would be in support of regulations on the number of cats per household (two), the requirement of cats to be spayed or neutered, the requirement that when cats are outside that they be leashed (free-range cats have significant impacts on natural ecosystems), requiring all cats to be licensed, and having all cat owners prove they have obtained pet insurance to cover the healthcare costs of their cats.”

Wendy Thompson: “The only part of this I agree with is the spaying and neutering. Plus all cats should either be indoors or in a catio. Other then that it’s nobody’s business. Licensing is a cash grab.”

Karen Saenger: “I think my answer should be probably. I own one cat and could manage up to three. But after that? Not sure. Cats are needed for mice and rat control but can be devastating to songbirds as well. Like many issues, solution are not easy to come by. Most pet, not just cat, owners are responsible and decent. I can’t see politicians engaging with this issue for no good reason.”

Fitz Rotmeyer: “I am not going to support any new regulations. I think that the rat problems in cities will become worse than they already are and that the costs associated with the introduction of new rules are unnecessary. A balanced approach of education, incentives and voluntary participation would be more effective and less controversial.”

Lorne Smith: “No, there is no need for new regulations. Landlords and strata councils can already impose restrictions if they so choose.”

Jackie Sarnowski: “Cat license just like dogs. I deal with my neighbours cat continuously entering my house, uninvited, through our doggie door. My small dog is old and fears the cat. It would be another revenue source for the municipalities.”

Darlene Lynch: “This issue is not the number of cats in a household. Instead, it is the number of cats roaming outside including pets, abandoned, and feral, leading to overpopulation, songbird risk, etc. Hoarding is a psychological issue and someone suffering from this will hoard regardless of any bylaw. A responsible pet guardian can have multiple cats without causing harm to the cats or community in general.

“I know of one organization in Langley that is TNR'ing at several feral cat colonies (whose populations will eventually decline) and adopt out ferals who decide that humans are okay, all based on volunteer dollars. Local government needs to financially and legally support such organizations (after proper registration, vetting, etc.)

“Any bylaws passed should (1) state that pet cats must either be indoor only or allowed outside only on a leash with its guardian - no free roaming pets whatsoever; (2) cat breeders should be prohibited and shut down. (The only "new" cats to the community should be ferals not yet controlled and those from shelters coming in from other communities.); and (3) harsh fines should be imposed on people who dump unwanted cats (if they are caught or can proven after the fact). Plus local government should be promoting low-cost/free spay/neuter clinics, and no-cost judgment-free surrendering of unwanted cats to those above noted supported and vetted organizations until the above measures curb the cat population. And finally: Mousers are not needed on farms - there are other ways to control rodents that don't involve having barn cats.”

Janet: “Yes. I have somehow ended up with 10 cats in the past and until the numbers dwindled, they did not bond with me, or develop their unique personalities and secure trust.”

Terri: “A person should be allowed to own as many pets of any kind as they can properly care for. Licensing pets is a discriminatory tax imo. There are no limits on how many children a family can have, so there should be no limit on pets. Most people are able to be responsible without the government regulating every aspect of their lives.”

Susan: “Yes. Max number of cats owned compared with how much you can afford for food, yearly vaccines, vet rates for emergencies if run over by vehicle or mandatory animal health insurance and mandatory spays/neuters. Use your tax info to do that. No license needed for a cat but if you have more than four a license is required. All cats must be microchipped.

“If you cannot afford pet insurance, pet food, or have savings for something like that, you should not be able to own a pet. Responsible parenting classes like don’t leave the cat outdoors in -10 weather. Don’t hit or kick a cat, mandatory lessons on how to trim nails etc.”

Kathy (in Hope): “Really? Suggestions that cats be spayed or neutered is one thing but making rules is bad. I live with chickens beside me and ‘vermin’ are everywhere so my cat goes outside to catch them. Yes I have an outside cat, he is neutered.”

Felicity: “I would support a maximum number (the number depending on the size of the home), spaying, and licensing. Cats should also be required to be indoor cats. There are too many dangers to cats outdoors - predators (like coyotes) and traffic. Licensing would hopefully also make it easier to track down and fine/prosecute people who dump cats outdoors or in rural areas when they ‘don't want them any more.’”

Nadia: “Why Cat Ownership Should Remain License-Free: A Call for Compassion

“In a world where countless cats roam the streets, seeking warmth and companionship, the idea of requiring a license to own a cat can seem not only unnecessary but also counterproductive. While regulations surrounding pet ownership can be beneficial in some contexts, the notion of licensing cat owners raises important questions about accessibility, compassion, and the welfare of these beloved animals.

“First and foremost, the reality is that there are millions of stray and abandoned cats in need of loving homes. By imposing licensing requirements, we risk creating barriers that may prevent well-meaning individuals from adopting a cat in need. Many people may be deterred by the bureaucratic hurdles that come with licensing, leaving countless felines without the homes they deserve.

“Moreover, the bond between humans and cats is often spontaneous and organic. Many cat owners find their furry companions through chance encounters or community outreach, where love and connection blossom without the constraints of formalities. Requiring a license can strip away the joy of these serendipitous moments, turning a wholesome act of compassion into a bureaucratic process.

“Licensing could also lead to a perception that cat ownership is a privilege reserved for those who can navigate the system, rather than a right that everyone can enjoy. This could further stigmatize those who may already feel marginalized, such as low-income families who may want to provide a home for a cat but feel discouraged by additional barriers.

“Instead of licensing, efforts should focus on promoting responsible pet ownership through education, accessible spay and neuter programs, and community support. Programs that encourage adoption and responsible care can lead to healthier, happier cats and a more informed public.

“Let’s unite in our love for cats and advocate for their welfare without imposing unnecessary restrictions. By fostering an environment of compassion and support, we can ensure that every cat has the chance to find a loving home. It’s time to stop being tyrants about cat ownership and start being champions for those who need us most!"

Nancy: “I would support a system that incentivized/rewarded positive actions like spaying and neutering (e.g. through discounted services or clinics). Regarding the number of animals, it seems like different limits would be needed depending on the type of residence (e.g. farm, shelter, apartment)—so that might be very complicated to enforce or develop. On a farm, it's beneficial to have barn cats and it would be hard to monitor the population in some of those cases, if the cats are stray, etc.”

Christina: “I do think they should be spayed or neutered, but even though I answered yes to a limit on cat numbers, I worry that irresponsible people would just kick cats outdoors, without homes, and not take responsibility for ownership of them. It would be a hard rule to enforce.”

Laurie: “Yes to neutering and limits on number of cats; licensing would be pointless, since it is quite easy to hide a cat—which would also make limits and neutering impossible to enforce, as well. However, regulations would encourage owners to consider those aspects more, which would help in the end.”

Kylie: “Licenses for cat breeders, thereby enforcing everyone else to spay or neuter their cat. I saw the limit of 6 per household which seems like a good number to me. Honestly unless your house is huge and you have 5+ family members, 6 still looks like neglect to me. Required vaccinations for all cats and dogs (it is very weird to me people here seem to think west of the Okanagan there's no mosquito-borne illness). Easier ways for animal control to get involved in cases of abuse (it takes months of complaints from multiple people for investigations to take place).”

Debbie: “I love cats but considering that outdoor cats can pretty well roam wherever, there should be a limit of how many one can have for each household. I get fed up having to clean up cat poop from my garden beds and shooing off cats stalking the wild birds (mine is kept indoors). I don't think we should force people to spay or neuter their cats but maybe Iicensing would deter people from having unwanted litters of cats, especially if they had to pay for each licence.”

Crystal: “Absolutely, I would support limits on number of cats one can own, a licensing system, and mandatory spaying and neutering. It is a regular issue in my Langley neighbourhood of cats defecating on other's property and harming other cats but no way of tracking those cats. There are also many arguments on local community Facebook pages about indoor vs. outdoor cats. We have a dog and have to license it, so why shouldn't cats be licensed? As well, limiting the numbers of cats (and dogs) would help animal welfare overall.

“Personally, my kids don't like entering or leaving our house alone because there are 2 neighbourhood cats that constantly try to sneak into our house when the door is opened. Our neighbour is great at coming to get theirs when it happens, but no one has taken claim of the other cat - which is clearly a loved cat that isn't a stray.

“I think because cats are legally allowed to free roam, a way of tracking them is useful.”