Arkansas has no statewide law requiring cats to be kept indoors or on a leash — and that surprises a lot of property owners who are tired of finding a neighbor’s cat digging up their garden, startling their pets, or using their yard as a personal litter box.
That legal gap does not mean you are helpless. Arkansas statute, local county ordinances, and general civil law still give you meaningful tools to protect your property, address the nuisance, and even seek compensation for damages. Understanding exactly where those rights begin and end is the first step toward resolving the problem without making it worse.
Important Note: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can vary significantly by city and county in Arkansas. Always consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Is It Legal for a Neighbor’s Cat to Roam Freely in Arkansas?
The short answer is: largely yes, at the state level. Arkansas does not have a statewide “leash law” that applies to cats the way many states regulate dogs. Arkansas does not have specific statewide feral cat laws protecting outdoor cats or formally supporting trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. That means a neighbor allowing their cat to wander freely is not automatically breaking any state law…