Cats are the most popular pets in Austria, with an estimated 2 million felines calling Austrian homes their own. Whether you're a first-time cat owner or relocating to Austria with your existing pet, this guide covers everything you need to know about cat care in this country.
Legal Requirements for Cat Owners
Unlike dogs, cats in Austria don't require registration with local authorities or payment of a pet tax. However, there are still important legal requirements to understand.
Mandatory Microchipping
Since 2010, all cats in Austria that go outdoors must be microchipped and registered in the national animal database. This applies to:
- All cats with outdoor access (including balcony access in some interpretations)
- Cats that travel with owners
- Cats sold or transferred to new owners
Even for strictly indoor cats, microchipping is highly recommended as it dramatically increases the chances of reunification if your cat ever escapes.
Microchip Registration
When your cat is microchipped, ensure your contact details are registered in the database and keep them updated. The microchip is useless for identification if your information isn't current.
Mandatory Neutering for Outdoor Cats
Austria requires that all cats with outdoor access be neutered. This law aims to control the stray cat population and reduce suffering. Exceptions exist for registered breeding cats, but these require proper documentation.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats
The decision between keeping your cat indoors or allowing outdoor access is significant in Austria, with valid considerations for both approaches.
Indoor Cats
Many Austrian cat owners, particularly in urban areas like Vienna, keep their cats strictly indoors. Benefits include:
- Protection from traffic, diseases, and other outdoor hazards
- Longer average lifespan
- No mandatory neutering requirement (though still recommended)
- Easier to maintain for apartment living
For indoor cats, enrichment is essential. Provide scratching posts, climbing structures, interactive toys, and window perches to keep your cat mentally stimulated.
Outdoor Cats
If you have a garden or live in a quieter area, you may consider outdoor access. Requirements include:
- Mandatory microchipping and registration
- Mandatory neutering
- Awareness of local wildlife protection rules
- Consideration of neighbors and their gardens
Balcony Safety
If you live in an apartment with a balcony, cat-proofing is essential. Many Austrian pet stores sell balcony nets and enclosures specifically designed to prevent cats from falling or escaping.
Finding Cat-Friendly Housing
Securing rental accommodation that accepts cats can be challenging in Austria. Here are strategies to improve your chances:
Rental Considerations
- Check the lease carefully: Some leases explicitly prohibit pets, while others allow cats but not dogs
- Ask upfront: Don't assume cats are allowed just because they're not mentioned
- Offer a pet deposit: Some landlords are more willing if you offer additional security
- Provide references: A letter from a previous landlord confirming your cat caused no damage can help
Legal Note
In Austria, landlords cannot retroactively ban pets if they were allowed when you signed the lease. However, they can include pet restrictions in new contracts.
Healthcare and Nutrition
Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations for cats in Austria include:
- Core vaccines: Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus
- Rabies: Required for EU pet passport and travel
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Recommended for outdoor cats
Regular Health Checks
Schedule annual veterinary check-ups for your cat. Older cats (7+ years) benefit from twice-yearly visits to catch age-related issues early.
Nutrition
Austria has a wide selection of quality cat food available in supermarkets, pet stores, and online. Consider:
- Age-appropriate formulations (kitten, adult, senior)
- Indoor cat formulas for less active cats
- Wet food for hydration, especially important in Austrian winters when indoor heating reduces humidity
Common Health Concerns
Be aware of these health issues common in Austrian cats:
- Dental disease: Regular dental care is essential
- Obesity: Particularly in indoor cats with limited exercise
- Parasites: Regular flea and worm treatments, especially for outdoor cats
- Tick-borne diseases: Relevant for cats with outdoor access in certain regions
Adopting a Cat in Austria
Consider adopting from one of Austria's many animal shelters. Benefits include:
- Cats are typically already neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped
- Shelter staff can match you with a cat suited to your lifestyle
- You're giving a home to a cat in need
- Adoption fees are generally much lower than breeder prices
Reputable Shelters
Major cat shelters and rescue organizations in Austria include:
- Wiener Tierschutzverein (Vienna)
- Tierschutzhaus Vosendorf
- Local Tierheime in each federal state
Traveling with Your Cat
If you plan to travel within the EU or bring your cat to Austria from abroad:
EU Pet Passport
For travel within the EU, cats need:
- Microchip identification
- Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
- EU Pet Passport issued by an authorized veterinarian
Travel Tips
- Use an airline-approved carrier
- Familiarize your cat with the carrier before travel
- Carry copies of vaccination records and passport
- Consider calming products for anxious cats (consult your vet)
Resources for Cat Owners
Helpful organizations and resources for cat owners in Austria:
- Wiener Tierschutzverein - Vienna's animal protection association
- Austrian Veterinary Chamber - Find qualified veterinarians
- AGES - Official animal health information
Last updated: February 2026. Information is provided for general guidance and should be verified with local authorities as regulations may change.