Cats

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Service at a Glance

Do I need to licence my cat?

No, at this time you don’t need to licence your cat. However, we encourage you purchase a cat registration tag.

Benefits of registering your cat:

  • Increases your chances of finding your cat if it gets lost
  • Gives your cat a free ride home by the City once every 365 days
  • Money collected from cat registration is used to care for and feed lost and stray cats, and adoption costs
Get your cat registration tag
I'd like to adopt a cat. Does the City have a cat adoption program?

We do not currently have a cat adoption program. When we pick up a stray cat, we make all efforts to find its owner.

If the owner is unknown and does not claim the cat within 72 hours, the SPCA will assess it for their adoption program. If it doesn't meet their assessment or they are unable to take the cat, Hamilton Animal Services will offer the cat to rescue organizations to be adopted through their adoption program.

Learn more about Stray Cat Adoptions
What do I need to claim my cat from the shelter?

To claim your cat from the shelter, you must:

  • Show government identification with your current address
  • Pay impound or boarding fees for each day your cat is in the shelter
  • Have a leash or carrier to take your cat home
  • Avoid touching other animals at the shelter to reduce the spread of disease

You will be encouraged to purchase a cat registration tag for your pet before it is released.

View all impound and boarding fees for cats
Community Cats

Community cats are cats that are not owned by anyone and live in the neighbourhood on their own. It is common in all neighbourhoods in Hamilton.

Learn more about community cats