Is it illegal to raise stray or feral cat in California?

Question

I saw a cat without any tags on it the other night

and wondered if it was illegal to just raise any stray or feral cat in California.

Do I have to take it to the shelter?

I cant just take it home and raise it???

Answer 1

I don't know, I suppose I should know though.  I've brought in 3 since I've lived in CA.  I always tell the vet where the kitty came from and they've never suggested that there was anything illegal about taking them in.

Of the three, one was probably a stray but I saw her outside for months before she let me bring her in, it was clear from being around her that no one had taken care of her for a long time. The other two were feral kittens (one was her kitten) so no one ever owned them.

IMO, just take the cat.  You can put signs up if you want, but at the very least I'd be on the lookout in case someone else puts up signs. When you take him to the vet they can check to see if the previous owner micro-chipped him.  

Shelters are pretty full already, unless you can find space in a no kill shelter there's not a high chance of the kitty being adopted.

If you take him in then get him to a vet for a check up and vaccinations. Some vets may give you a discount if you tell them the situation.  

Best of luck with him!

Answer 2

It isn't illegal; just very sweet :]

make sure you get them tested for FIV..

unfortunately you can find it in a lot of strays..

Answer 3

No its not illegal, I have 2 baby feral cats that I got when they were 8 weeks old, they are wonderful and grateful even 5 years later, but they are very skittish I think that will stay with them for their lives. They are loving but any noises they dont understand they book! and if you try to lay next to one if they are sleeping and they are dreaming, they can come unglued, had to learn this the hard way!! GOOD LUCK CATS can be very loving.. ..

Answer 4

As far as I know you can. If it's obvously a stray, I'd post a found ad here and there looking for an owner. If it's feral, just keep it.

and if you can't find an owner, keep it. That's what I did.