Should Your Pet Cat Be Wearing a Collar and License in Utah?

If you see a dog wandering around the neighborhood in Utah, you expect it to have a collar and license. Is the same true of cats? Surprisingly it isn’t a hard yes or no and depends on the cat's status. 

Where the State Stands on Collars and Licenses for Cats 

Some cats roaming the neighborhood have an owner and depending on where you live, will have a means of identifying it. This may be a collar, a chip or a tattoo. This is required in some cities but not all and it isn’t required by the state. 

However, it is recommended that if you have a cat as a pet, you have a way of easily identifying it. You as the owner are responsible for where it roams and its welfare. When you move to a new place, it is important to find out what that area requires.. 

What to Know About Community Cats 

There are feral cats that do not have identification and are allowed to roam. If they are picked up by animal control, they are given any needed vaccinations and are sterilized. To identify them in the future, their ear is tipped or the corner is clipped off. 

These cats are often taken care of by different people who may not even be aware of what the others are doing. The records of these community cats are kept by the local animal control who monitor the number and location of these groups. 

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If a cat is becoming a nuisance in an area, who is responsible for the cat depends on whether it has an owner or is a community cat. Becoming familiar with the requirements for cat ownership where you live will save you trouble later if the animal is impounded.