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How Many Cats Can You Own in Ohio? Everything You Need to Know

Ashley Bates

By Ashley Bates

a tabby cat sitting next to a bowl of water

There are strict restrictions, rules, and laws about how many pets you can own and how you must care for them in some areas. Or maybe someone you know has what you would consider far too many cats in their home. If you aren’t sure about the regulations in your state, you’re doing the responsible thing by checking first. From the legal perspective, there are no laws on how many cats you can own in Ohio.

Whether you’re worried about safety or want to know for your own benefit, this article has the scoop on cat ownership in Ohio.

hepper-cat-paw-divider

How Many Cats Should One Household Welcome?

This is a very open question, and the answer isn’t definitive. Even with specific laws in place, realistically, you should only have as many cats as you can comfortably care for. That might be different for every household, depending on a few factors.

Household Size

ginger cat with the owner
Image Credit: Yuriy Seleznev, Shutterstock

When you own cats, it’s essential to consider your household size. The smaller the space, the more challenging it can be to give your cats the space they need. This chart gives the minimum recommended space per cat.

Household Size Number of Cats
1,000 square feet or less 2 cats
1,500 square feet 3 cats
2,000 square feet 4 cats
2,500 square feet 5 cats
The general rule is to increase your household square feet by 500 square feet per extra cat.

Financial Care

When buying a cat, you must consider one-time and recurring costs associated with pet-owning. Cats need a nutritious diet, a safe place to sleep, supplies, and scheduled veterinary check-ups to stay happy and healthy.

In a month, you should never falter in providing all the basics like:

  • Proper diet
  • Shelter
  • Any applicable vetting
  • Clean water
  • Appropriate exercise

Adequate Vetting

Maintaining yearly veterinary visits is vital, but you should also have other means of protection. Sometimes, our cats need emergency care, which can be costly. Consider options like pet insurance or separate savings accounts to reduce your costs for veterinary care.

If you can’t afford multiple vet visits, you might need to limit the number of cats you can responsibly care for. You should also save for treatments and procedures like:

Lease/Rental Agreement Terms

When you move into a residence you don’t own, landlords and owners can have a laundry list of rules for you to follow. It’s likely that when moving in, your landlord discussed the pet policies, including additional fees and damage deposits.

If you aren’t sure, you can check the policy to avoid rehoming your cats or paying penalty fees associated with the situation.

hepper-cat-paw-dividerState & Federal Laws on Owning Cats

a black polydactyl cat licking its mouth
Image Credit: Casey Elise Christopher, Shutterstock

There are no set federal laws in the United States regarding owning cats. These decisions are made at the state level. However, there’s no definitive answer, even at the state level.

Ohio Laws on Cat-Owning

Ohio has no set law on how many cats a person can own at once. However, there are stipulations and rules to keep pets safe and well-cared for. There are several laws addressing animal cruelty and prohibitions relating to keeping pets.

If someone is hoarding cats in a less-than-favorable environment, they may be violating animal cruelty laws. However, a licensed, responsible breeder can own a similar number of cats if they maintain the proper accommodations.

No laws are set, but other factors might influence the number of cats you can own. You can check the local laws in your area for specifics regarding the number of cats allowed.

Can You Own Native Bobcats?

In Ohio, there is a native cat called a bobcat. You might recognize them immediately since they are the beloved mascot of Ohio University. They are slightly larger than traditional domesticated cats, weighing roughly 6 to 18 pounds.

In Ohio, you can own a bobcat if you meet certain criteria. To qualify, you must be:

  • An educator
  • A zoo worker
  • A researcher
  • Wildlife rehabilitation experts

To preserve the authenticity of the species, it’s best to leave interaction between humans and bobcats in the hands of professionals. They are not domesticated cats; they are wild animals.

How to Own Cats Responsibly

a hand scratching the cat's butt
Image Credit: Christin Hume, Unsplash

When you or others commit to owning cats, it’s about more than just laws or regulations. You should feel confident that you have all the resources necessary to care for the animals in every way, from a healthy diet to emergency care.

To make sure you are doing everything correctly as a pet owner, consider this:

  • Keep the litterboxes clean
  • Maintain a proper diet and exercise
  • Provide beds and hideaways
  • Give them somewhere to be alone
  • Make sure they are properly socialized
  • Always have a plan for emergencies
  • Make sure you can afford unforeseen expenses, like medications

As long as you keep up with primary pet care and can give your cat attention, you can own as many felines as you want in Ohio.

Hoarding, Abuse, or Neglect

Hoarding is a mental disorder where people collect objects, pets, and just about anything in excess. It isn’t unusual to hear of people hoarding animals, like cats, in an inadequate living space. Abuse is when you see someone strike, hit, kick, or physically assault an animal. However, it can also be done in other ways, like tying a dog to a stake in direct sunlight.

Neglect is when someone leaves an animal for prolonged periods without adequate socialization or basic needs. If you suspect that someone is mistreating an animal in any way, you should report it immediately. Several animals suffer at the hands of irresponsible owners, even if they mean well or don’t understand the full extent of their abuse.

hepper-cat-paw-dividerConclusion

You’re welcome to keep as many cats as you can properly care for in Ohio. Each city has different rules, but most regulations involve the health and safety concerns of housing cats, not the total number you can own. If you need further clarification or would like to report a case of animal cruelty, contact your local animal services.

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Featured Image Credit to: Impact Photography, Shutterstock

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