Cat Resources
In Rowan County, cats are required to be under an owner’s control (our county leash law applies to cats, too). We love cats—and we want them safe, healthy, and compliant with local and state law.
Responsible cat ownership (and staying in compliance)
A quick guide to safe care, legal requirements, and best practices for cat ownership.
Helpful containment options
- Indoor Living (best for safety and longevity
- Catios / enclosed patios
- Harness + leash training (yes—many cats do great with it!)
- Microchip + ID tag (even for indoor cats)
Rabies vaccination
North Carolina law requires all owned cats over 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies and kept current.
Spay/neuter
Spay/neuter is a key part of responsible ownership. It helps prevent:
- Unplanned litters
- Roaming behaviors and fighting
- Spraying/marking and nuisance behaviors
- Certain health risks
Basic care every cat needs
- Safe housing/containment (temperature-controlled, clean, secure)
- Fresh water and appropriate food daily
- Routine veterinary care (wellness exams, vaccines, parasite prevention)
- Prompt medical care when sick or injured
- Identification: microchip + current contact info
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Vaccine Resources and Information
Spay/Neuter
Spaying or neutering your cat is one of the most responsible choices an owner can make. It helps prevent unplanned litters and can also reduce roaming, fighting, and spraying/marking behaviors—while lowering the risk of certain serious reproductive health problems.
Vaccines
Vaccines protect cats from contagious diseases and help keep families and the community safe. North Carolina law requires owned cats over 4 months of age to be vaccinated against rabies and kept current.
Veterinarians also recommend other “core” vaccines for most cats based on age and risk, to prevent common, potentially serious illnesses.
Found a stray cat or kittens?
If the cat is friendly and approachable
- Check for a collar or ID
- Scan for a microchip at any veterinary clinic or the Rowan County Animal Shelter
- Report the animal as found on our Lost & Found Animals page
If the cat seems feral/unsocialized (or you can't safely handle it)
Do not attempt to pick up the cat. Contact us for the safest next step:
- Call: 704-216-7768 (option 2)
If you find kittens
In many cases, mom is nearby. If kittens look clean, warm, and quiet, the best first step is often to observe from a distance and contact us for guidance before moving them.
Humane cat deterrents (prevent cats from staying on your property)
If you’re dealing with cats in your yard, garden, under your porch, etc., start with safe, humane deterrents.
Safe, commonly effective deterrents
- Remove attractants: secure trash, don’t leave pet food outside, clean up spilled birdseed
- Block access: repair crawlspace openings, use lattice/mesh barriers (leave safe exit routes if you suspect an animal is currently inside)
- Motion-activated sprinklers or lights
- Garden protection: rough mulch (pinecones/stone), protective netting, plant guards
- Commercial cat repellents labeled for outdoor use (follow label directions)
- Fence toppers/rollers that prevent climbing
- Eliminate shelter spots: block access under decks/sheds/porches (after confirming no animals are inside)
- “Redirect” strategy (if the issue is one persistent cat) Deterring the problem area and making an alternative spot more appealing (a small sand/dirt area away from gardens, for example), then maintaining deterrents on the no-go area.
What NOT to use
- Poison, glue traps, or any harmful/illegal methods
- Toxic household chemicals (unsafe to people, pets, and wildlife)
Humane trap resources (when needed)
We can provide guidance and resources for humane trapping when a cat is sick/injured, repeatedly causing nuisance issues, or needs to be brought in safely.
Do-It-Yourself Trapping (quickest method)
- Purchase a humane trap from suppliers such as, Tractor Supply, Havahart, Lowe's, Amazon, Home Depot, and etc.
- Use humane box traps only (never harmful devices)
- Never relocate cats to another area without authorization—relocation often worsens problems and may violate local/state rules
- Traps must be monitored frequently to prevent suffering or injury
- Stray cat drop-offs are accepted Monday–Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are closed on holidays and Sundays. View our calendar of holiday closures.
- Please do not set traps when the shelter is closed for drop-off, as cats can be left confined in traps for prolonged periods, creating a serious safety hazard.
- A valid photo ID is required to surrender to the shelter and you must complete and sign a stray intake form at the front desk.
- Stray Cat Intake Limit: Because of the current high volume of stray cats and kittens, the shelter is limiting stray cat surrenders to one (1) cat per household per day until further notice.
- Nursing mother cats and their neonate kittens must be surrendered together—we cannot accept a nursing mother or neonate kittens separately.
Animal Enforcement Trapping Requests
- Please note: Due to a limited number of officers responding to emergency calls and a limited number of available cat traps, response time for trap placement can vary and may take several days, weeks, or even months during peak/busy season.
- When you request a trap through our Enforcement Division, your request is placed into a waiting queue.
- An officer will set a trap when your name reaches the top of the queue.
- You will be required to sign a form permitting officers to set a trap on your property.
- The person who requests the trap is required to notify our department immediately when a cat is captured in the trap, so arrangements can be made for prompt, humane handling.
FAQs
Does the leash law apply to cats?
Yes. Cats must be under an owner’s control in Rowan County.
Can Animal Services help if cats are on my property?
Yes—especially if there is illness/injury, repeated nuisance, or public safety concerns.
I want to help cats, but I don’t want to support roaming. What can I do?
The most helpful actions are spay/neuter support, responsible owned-cat containment, and contacting Animal Services when cats need help.
Rowan County Animal Services (Cats Resources Help)
- Phone: (704) 216-7768 (option 2 for Enforcement)
- Call-In Reporting Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Shelter Hours: Monday - Friday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Saturday 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Address: 160 Adoption Way, Salisbury NC 28146