Owning a Cat in Los Angeles: 6 Tips and Cat Care Hacks
Owning a cat in a big city like Los Angeles comes with a few challenges, particularly in giving your feline enough space to roam. The city of LA has ordinances when it comes to pets of all sizes and species, and you’ll need to know what to expect before adding a cat to your family.
Here’s what to know about owning a cat in Los Angeles and helpful tips to make your cat comfy in their fur-ever home.
Can I Own a Cat in Los Angeles?
You can own cats in Los Angeles, but there are a few strings attached.
While getting a license for your cat is optional, it’s highly encouraged. You can receive your license via the L.A. County Department of Animal Care & Control. Fees are $5 for cats that are spayed and neutered or $10 for unaltered cats.
This allows you to register your cat as well as receive a tag that connects you to the 24-hour lost pet hotline. If your precious kitty escapes, the tag can help the person who finds your cat reunite you.
Residents cannot have more than five cats per household unless you have an animal facility license. Each cat should be primarily indoors to reduce the risk of runaways or nuisance activity.
Also worth noting is the fact that owning a pet in Los Angeles might become easier, thanks to a new bill that would make almost all rentals pet-friendly. The bill would require all landlords to accept pets. It would also prevent them from charging pet fees or requiring pet safety deposits.
Many pet owners are forced to give up their pets when they move due to pet restrictions in their new rental. In turn, this can lead to an overflow in pet shelters.
Tips for Owning a Cat in Los Angeles
If you want to own a cat in Los Angeles, these tips and hacks can help you create a safe, happy living space that’s also compliant with local laws.
1. Create a Dedicated Space for Your Feline
The city of Los Angeles is filled with sights, sounds, and smells, some of which may be off-putting to your kitty (even if they stay indoors). You can help lessen the stress they feel by creating a safe space for them.
This means giving them a way to hide when the world around them becomes too much. Make sure they have easy access to food and water. They should also have a comfy bed, or even a pet hotel where they can retreat and recharge.
2. Infuse Stimulating Toys and Experiences in Your Home
Being an indoor cat limits their exercise, but you can fix this by making sure they have plenty of toys and stimulation. Interactive cat toys have come a long way, giving your cat lots of ways to play even when you’re not home. From puzzles to robotic mice, you can keep them busy so they’ll rarely get bored.
3. Leash Train Your Cat (Yes, Really)
Cats might not love leashes right away, but over time they can get used to them. Your best bet is to start leash training with a harness, as they can feel less restrictive. Practice indoors before you try to leash your cat in public, as this reduces distraction and helps your cat learn from the experience.
Once your cat knows how to walk with a leash, you can take your furry companion just about anywhere.
4. Get a Cat Stroller to Explore the City
If leash training isn’t going your way or you just want a new way to travel, consider getting a pet stroller for your cat. You can get fully enclosed pet strollers (kind of like a pet carrier on wheels) to protect your pet while exposing them to the city. It’s a great time to bond and help them enjoy some fresh air and a change of scenery.
5. Install a Microchip Cat Flap
If you own your home, consider installing a microchip-controlled cat door. The door will recognize your cat’s microchip, offering a blend of convenience and security. This lets your cat leave or enter the home freely while preventing strays from doing the same.
6. Maintain Good Grooming
Good grooming matters to every cat, no matter where you live. For the most part, your cat will groom itself. In addition to this self-care, you should be giving your cat a bath every 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by your vet. Professional grooming can also help your cat look and feel its best by targeting the undercoat, cleaning ears, trimming nails, and checking for potential health problems.
There’s another often overlooked benefit to regular grooming when you live in the city — making your cat look less like a stray. The city is home to hundreds upon hundreds of feral cats, with shelters helping about 60,000 animals per year. If your cat were to escape and not be able to find their way home, their neat and groomed appearance can indicate they’re lost, not a stray.
Pamper Your Cat with Kitty Spaw
Whether you’re raising your fur baby from a kitten or you’re giving new hope to one of LA’s many ferals, our Kitty Spaw experts are here to help. We’re certified in feline grooming and provide comprehensive care services, from baths to nail trims to facials and more. Contact us today to learn more or schedule service.
