N. Caldwell Considers Mandating Cat Licenses

North Caldwell's governing body proposed Tuesday night to introduce an ordinance to register all borough cats as the growing number of strays has become an increasing concern.

Mayor Mel Levine explained that areas of the borough have become riddled with cats that have no proof of ownership. 

According to Levine, residents have approached him regarding this issue. Stray cats are known to carry pests and disease from being in the woods and residents are worried about the spread of rabies, Levine said.

Concern has been heightened since a rabid fox and a raccoon were recently picked up by animal control in North Caldwell.

Animal control is even called—at the expense of the borough—for cats who have owners but do not have a license. Eight of the 19 animals retrieved last month by animal control were cats.

"If the cat has a license, they can make sure that the owner gets the cat back," Levine said. "People feed stray cats. They are all over and we do not know who they belong to." 

Unlike dogs, licensing cats is not mandated by the state. Instead, it's a measure determined by each municipality.

According to Levine, licensing cats is the best way to solve the dilemma with strays. Those registered will be accounted for with proof of a rabies vaccination.

The governing body plans to amend the borough's animal control ordinance at its next meeting to include the licensing of cats. The cost for a cat license will be $20.

In addition, the fee for dog licenses will also be amended to $20 for dogs that are spayed or neutered and $23 for those that are not. There is also an additional $1.20 state charge for all dog licenses.

The current cost to purchase a North Caldwell dog license is $21 for those that are spayed or neutered and $24 for those that are not plus the $1.20 state fees.

If the ordinance is adopted, the new fees and the mandated cat licenses will take effect on Jan. 1.