Concerns with cats

We can help you address cat concerns in your community. Calgary bylaw is cats must be confined to the owner's property.

  • Roaming cats are a community nuisance; they dig in gardens or defecate on neighbour’s property​.
  • Outdoor cats kill thousands of songbirds each year. This greatly impacts our city’s biodiversity and natural health.
  • Keeping your cat in your yard keeps it safer from traffic, wildlife, poisons, diseases, frostbite, dehydration and abuse from humans.
 
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Talk to the cat's owner

Do you know who owns the cat? If you're comfortable, talk to the owner first. Most times, a conversation with your neighbour can resolve challenges without City intervention.

Cat Traps

Cat traps humanely catch cats roaming off their owner's property. They are then brought to the Animal Services Centre.

If you have concerns with a cat in your neighbourhood, first try talking to the owner. If this does not resolve the issue, using a cat trap may be an option.

If you don't want to use a trap, register a cat complaint or call 311.

Important to know: before you trap a cat, you must sign an agreement stating you understand the regulations and will follow them exactly. A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may enter your property to ensure you are following regulations. Also note, we do not rent out cat traps in the winter.

Cat trap regulations

The trap:

  • must be set in a sheltered and/or shaded area.
  • cannot be set when the temperature is below 0◦C or above 25◦C.

You must:

  • feed, water and care for the trapped cat.
  • take the cat to a veterinary clinic if it appears sick or injured.
  • check the trap more than once a day.
  • attend Provincial Court as a witness to testify under oath if the cat owner is prosecuted and enters a “Not Guilty” plea.

Borrowing a cat trap from us:

  • Call 311 and ask to reserve a cat t​rap.
  • When a trap is available, we will contact you.
  • Cat traps are picked up from the Animal Services Centre.
  • There is $120 refundable deposit to borrow the cat trap.

Using your own approved cat trap

Every year you are required to bring the trap to the Animal Services Centre (during regular business hours) to have the trap inspected by a Community Peace Officer.

A photograph of the trap will be taken, and you will be required to sign an agreement, prior to using it. For more information please call 311.

Trapped cats

Please note: Cats brought to us in unapproved traps will not be accepted.

Bring trapped cats to Animal Services Centre

Trapped cats must be brought to the Animal Services Centre (2201 Portland Street S.E.) within 24 hours. If the owner's name and address are known, we will contact the owner and explain how to claim their impounded cat.

Hold periods for impounded cats

Impounded cats with ID (licence tag, a legible tattoo or a microchip with up-to-date information), are held for ten days.

  • Impounded cats without ID are held for four days.

If cats are not claimed within these times, they have health and behavioural assessments and become available for adoption.

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  • Impounded cats

    Cats currently impounded at the Animal Services Centre. ​

    Learn more

  • Responsible pet ownership

    ​Pets and owners, living in harmony.

    Learn more

  • Wildlife concerns

    ​Concerns about dangerous, abandonded, injured or nuisance wildlife.

    Learn more

  • Contact us

    ​Questions or concerns? Give us a call or come down and visit.

    Contact us

Help us reunite impounded pets with their owners in our Animal Services Facebook Group.

Join on Facebook
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