While Foster City does not have a leash law for cats, we realize that sometimes free-roaming cats can be a nuisance. Households are limited to two cats that must be vaccinated annually against rabies. Cats are not required to display the rabies tag on a collar as dogs are. We strongly recommend that owners confine their cats indoors at all times. The indoor cat escapes exposure to disease, traffic hazards and the cruelty of those annoyed by cats.

There are several solutions to cat nuisance problems. Ropel, an exterior animal repellant, can be used in areas where cats are a problem. In "sandbox" areas the feces should be removed or the soil replaced before Ropel is applied. If the owners of the problem cat are known contact them and ask for their cooperation.

Live traps may also be purchased for capturing elusive cats. Friendly ones may be transported in a sturdy box, carrier or pillowcase. All nuisance cats must be treated humanely and transported to the Peninsula Humane Society. The Humane Society does not pick up cats unless they are seriously injured, sick or have bitten a human within the past 10 days.

The City of Foster City, in collaboration with the Homeless Cat Network, participates in Project Bay Cat (PBC), an initiative to humanely reduce the homeless cat population along the levee pedway.  For more information about PBC, follow the link below.