It’s a catty issue for pet owners heading into the New Year. Winnipeg city council approved new regulations on cat owners last year, and starting Jan. 1, 2015, all cats must be licensed, whether they’re new or if you already own them.

The cost is $15 for spayed and neutered cats, $50 for all other cats. If you’re caught without a license, you can face $250 fine.

Half of all fees will support local spay-and-neuter programs. The city says one of their main objectives with the program is to curb the over-population of cats in Winnipeg.

The new by-law joins the one already in place, which requires all dogs to be licensed. In 2011, 311 re-united 601 dogs with licenses.

You can get your cat license on the city website, by calling 311, or by visiting the Winnipeg Animal Services Agency.