Responsible cat ownership

Strathcona County does not have a cat bylaw; however, cat owners can take steps to be a responsible cat owner and a good neighbour:  

• Spray or neuter your cat. This helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces roaming, and can lower the risk of certain health problems. 

• Microchip your cat. A microchip, tattoo or collar with ID tags greatly increases the chances of being reunited with your cat if they get lost.   

• Supervise your cat outdoors. If you want your cat outdoors, consider a leash walk, using an enclosed “catio”, or supervising the cat in a secure yard. This will keep your cat safe from dangers like coyotes and foxes, neighbourhood dogs, and passing vehicles.    

Support for pet owners

The Edmonton Humane Society offers an online tool called HELP to help support pet guardians who may be experiencing unexpected challenges. If you are thinking about surrendering or rehoming your pet, HELP can connect you to supports, resources, advice, and solutions to help keep you and your pet stay together.  

Keeping the peace

If you're experiencing conflict with a neighbour over a pet's behaviour and need support resolving the issue, Strathcona County Community Mediation is a resource available to all Strathcona County residents. The volunteer group offers free mediation services to assist neighbours in working through disputes. 

Cats in distress or abused

If you are concerned about the welfare of a cat, or any domestic animal, please contact Strathcona County RCMP or the Alberta SPCA. 

• Strathcona County RCMP non-emergency complaint line: 780-476-7741 

• Alberta SPCA Animal Protection Line: 1-800-455-9003 

If you find an injured cat, please transport it to the nearest veterinary clinic for medical attention.  

If immediate attention is required for an animal in distress, you can also call the RCMP non-emergency complaint line at 780-467-7741. 

Cat traps

Property owners have the legal right to use cat traps on their property. However, using cat traps requires care, responsibility and compliance with provincial and federal laws.  

• Cat traps may only be used on privately owned, leased or rented property, or with permission from the property owner or tenant. 

• Only live traps are permitted. The use of leg-hold traps for domestic animals is a criminal offence under Section 445 of the Criminal Code. 

• Traps must be placed in areas protected from extreme temperatures and weather conditions such as sun, rain or hail. Avoid locations with other potential hazards. 

• Traps must be checked at least twice daily to ensure animal safety. 

• If wildlife is accidentally caught, it must be released in accordance with the Wildlife Act. Contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife for guidance. 

Causing harm or distress to a trapped animal can result in serious legal consequences under the Animal Protection Act of Alberta or Section 445 of the Criminal Code. 

Once a cat is trapped, the individual who set the trap is legally responsible for the cat’s welfare. There are only three acceptable options for release: 

1. Release the cat on-site, in the hope that the experience discourages future visits. 

2. Return the cat to its owner, if known. If you think the cat might have a microchip,  

3. Surrender the cat to an animal care facility. 

Strathcona County does not currently have a contracted animal care facility for cats, and cats are not included in the County’s animal control bylaws. 

Cats must not be abandoned on farms, across town, or in other rural areas. You are not allowed to euthanize trapped cats. Abandoning or killing someone else’s cat is prohibited under Sections 445 and 446 of the Criminal Code.