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.
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 Trap season is currently closed for the winter.
All purchased cat traps need to be inspected by a Peace Officer at The Animal Services Centre (2201 Portland Street SE) on an annual basis. No appointment is needed.
Cat Trap season is open from Spring to Winter with dates depending on consistent temperatures. It closes no later than October 15th. Please call 311 to inquire if Cat Trap season is open.
Cat trap regulations
Cat Trap season is currently closed for the winter.
Cat Trap season is open from Spring to Winter with dates depending on consistent temperatures. It closes no later than October 15th. Please call 311 to inquire if Cat Trap season is open.
The trap:
- must be set in a sheltered and/or shaded area.
 
- Cannot be set after October 15th (or when the season is deemed closed for the winter), or when the temperatures are below 0 degrees C or above 25 degrees C (during the day or overnight).
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 trap.
- 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 catsCats currently impounded at the Animal Services Centre.  
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	Responsible pet ownershipPets and owners, living in harmony. 
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	Wildlife concernsConcerns about dangerous, abandonded, injured or nuisance wildlife. 
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	Contact usQuestions or concerns? Give us a call or come down and visit.