Do you love your feline friends so much that you wish you could have more than one? These companion animals are a great addition to the family, but many will wonder what laws govern how many they are allowed to have. In New York State specifically, you might be thinking about how many felines you can add to the family. You need to know what laws place limits on your cat ownership.
New York State does not have any state-level laws restricting the number of cats you can own. Local municipalities may have their own rules regarding limits. Additionally, landlords can limit the number of pets and the size of pets kept in their dwellings.
The laws governing pet ownership can be quite detailed and complex to sort through. Here are some of the most common concerns regarding cats in New York State.
New York State Cat Laws
If you want to own multiple cats and live in New York, you can rejoice. There are very few limits on the number of cats you are permitted to own in this state. In fact, there are no limit laws at all for dogs or cats, according to the official state law.
Other laws apply to cats, though, including some of these topics:
- Prohibition of declawing cats
- Rules regarding spaying and neutering cats
- Restriction of owning wild cats such as tigers or bobcats
Even though no state-level laws place restrictions on cat ownership, you may still be up against some local laws. Each municipality can set its own rules regarding how many cats you are allowed to own.
In addition, your landlord or leasing agency may have its own rules regarding pet ownership. They are permitted to limit both the number and size of the pets you are allowed to have.
The only exception to this is emotional support animals. Even if you are not permitted to have a pet on the premises, emotional support animals are an exception. If your cat performs a therapeutic purpose for you, you may want to look into the protection that having an emotional support animal can offer.
How Many Cats Can You Legally Have in Your Home?
At the federal level, there are absolutely no restrictions on how many cats you can legally have in your home. This does not mean that you should head out to the shelter right away, though. Despite this omission from federal law, individual states and even local municipalities can set their own restrictions.
New York is a relatively pet-friendly state. They do not have any limit laws in place for the number of cats you can keep in your home.
Keep in mind that you may still face restrictions from landlords and property owners. They are permitted to set their own rules regarding what is allowed in their dwellings. As a result, you may be limited on the number and size of your cats.
How Many Cats Can You Own in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo has its own laws regarding how many pets you can legally own. This city limits the number of dogs you can own, but they do not have similar limits on cats. The rules on dogs are as follows:
- Single-family homes, double-family homes, and commercial properties: 3 dogs over four months old
- Multiple dwellings with three units or more: 1 dog per unit
- Pet shops, kennels, and veterinary hospitals: no limits
Despite these rules, there is a glaring omission when it comes to your cats. As a result, you can own as many cats as you please.
They do have a rule regarding public health, though. According to Section 78-1 of their local code, you cannot breed animals in a manner that would be detrimental to public health. In other words, you must be able to maintain sanitary living conditions regardless of how many felines you decide to keep within your home.
How Many Cats Can You Own in New York State? NYC?
If you plan to own a feline in New York state, the good news is that there are very few restrictions placed on the number of domestic pets you can have. Each municipality and city will set its limits, but no state-level laws govern the maximum number of cats per household.
The specific laws that govern New York City are similar. There are no laws that limit the number of cats you can own. However, renters should be aware that landlords can set their own rules regarding pets in their dwellings. They may limit you on the number or the size of your pets.
The exception to this is if you have an emotional support animal prescribed by a licensed physician. These pets should be allowed regardless of the other rules set by the landlord.
If you are curious about the laws governing animals in New York City, you can view the complete Article 161. You will notice that there are quite a few rules governing canines, including licensing requirements. However, felines are primarily absent from these rules.
Do You Need a License to Own a Cat in NY?
Many new pet owners wonder what steps they need to take to house a cat in New York legally. Dogs must be licensed by the state and wear an identifying tag on their collar. Is the exact requirement valid for cats?
New York does not have any state-level laws that require cats to be licensed. Keep in mind that your local municipalities may set their rules regarding licensing.
Managing Your Cats in New York State
Cat owners can rejoice that the laws governing cats in New York are relatively loose. Be sure to check with your unique municipality and your landlord before deciding to add another four-legged friend to your family. Despite the lack of state-level laws, they may still have rules that limit the number of felines you can own.
