Leslie Massey
Cats are the most popular pets in Europe, with 26% of EU households owning at least one cat. Austria is home to 2.03 million cats, and Austrians are considered cat-lovers. However, there are significantly fewer stray cats in Austria than in many other areas. This is because, since 2005, Austrian law has required cat owners to neuter/spay their cats if they want to let them outside. Alternatively, owners can register their cats as breeding cats and have them chipped.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cats in Austria | 1.99 million in 2023 |
| Number of cats in Austrian households | 12% of households own cats older than 15 years |
| Cat-friendly country | Yes |
| Stray cats | Significantly fewer than in many other areas |
| Laws regarding cats | Austrians are required by law to have their cats neutered/spayed if they want to let them outside |
| Pet cats in Austria | 25% in Eastern Austria, 24% in Central Austria, 22% in Southern Austria, 17% in Vienna, 12% in Western Austria |
| Cat owners | 23% buy pet-related goods from supermarkets, 17% from hypermarkets, 16% from pet shops, 15% from discount stores, 15% from drugstores, 12% from e-commerce sites |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian law requires cats to be neutered/spayed if they go outside
Austria is considered a cat-friendly country, with approximately 2 million pet cats in the country as of 2023. Austrian law requires cats to be neutered or spayed if they go outside. This law has been in place since 2005 and is likely a contributing factor to the low number of stray cats in the country.
The legal requirement to neuter or spay outdoor cats in Austria is part of the country's efforts to control its cat population and reduce the number of unwanted pets, which can lead to millions of animals being euthanized each year. This measure also helps decrease the risk to public health and safety and reduce the cost to local governments for impounding and destroying animals.
The Austrian law states that free-ranging cats, or those that are allowed to roam outside, must be neutered or spayed. This is in line with similar laws in other countries and states, which often require new owners adopting pets from shelters or pounds to have their cats sterilized. In most cases, owners of unsterilized cats must sign an agreement to have their cat neutered or spayed within a certain timeframe, usually before the cat reaches sexual maturity or within 30 days of adoption.
While there may be exceptions to this law, such as for owners reclaiming their lost pets or for animals that are medically unfit for the procedure, violations are generally punishable by fines or other civil and criminal penalties. This law contributes to Austria's overall commitment to animal welfare, which is also reflected in the country's legislation regarding the private husbandry of certain wild and exotic animal species.
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Austria has a large number of pet cats
Austria is home to a large number of pet cats, with the country's cat population estimated at approximately 1.99 million in 2023. This number includes only pet cats and excludes strays. The number of cats in Austrian households has been steadily increasing, with the country witnessing a rise in the number of older cats as well. In 2024, 12% of households owned cats older than 15 years, up from 32% in 2019 to 36% in 2024.
Cats are well-distributed throughout the country, with eastern Austria leading the way with 25% of all pets, followed by central Austria at 24%, southern Austria at 22%, and western Austria at 12%. The capital, Vienna, is home to 17% of the country's total pet population. While stray cats are relatively rare in Austria, they are not unheard of, and some areas may have a higher concentration than others.
Austria has a strong culture of pet ownership, with cats being a treasured companion for many. The country has progressive legislation on animal welfare, with laws in place since 2005 requiring owners to neuter or spay their cats if they are allowed outdoors. This has likely contributed to the relatively low number of strays in the country. Austrians' love for cats is evident, with many considering their pets as family and even relocating with multiple cats to the country.
The distribution of cats across Austria's regions and the increase in older cats highlight the country's dedication to their feline friends. The country's pet industry is also evolving to meet the needs of cat owners, with various purchasing channels available for cat-related goods. Overall, Austria's high number of pet cats and progressive animal welfare laws contribute to a cat-friendly environment.
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$59.98
Austrians love cats
Cats are well-distributed throughout the country, with only the capital, Vienna, falling slightly behind. In Vienna, there are significantly fewer stray cats than in many other areas. This is because, by law, cats must be neutered or spayed if they are allowed to roam outside. Cats that are not neutered must be registered as breeding cats and chipped.
The research shows that 25% of all pets live in eastern Austria, followed by central Austria (24%) and southern Austria (22%). Vienna is home to 17% of the country's total pet population, and western Austria has 12%.
The number of older cats in the country has increased in recent years, with 12% of households owning felines older than 15 years in 2024, up from 32% in 2019 to 36% in 2024.
Austria has also welcomed cats relocating with their owners from other countries. One person recounted how their semi-feral cat, Pumpkin, who had never allowed them to pet her, finally let them after a move to Austria.
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Stray cats are captured and relocated in Vienna
Austria is considered a cat-friendly country, with approximately 2 million pet cats. While cats are the most popular pets in Europe, there are significantly fewer stray cats in Vienna than in many other areas.
Stray cats in Vienna are captured, neutered, and returned to their familiar environments. This is part of a project by TierQuarTier Vienna, which aims to sustainably regulate the city's stray cat population and prevent unnecessary animal suffering. The project also promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and animals in the city. All Viennese are invited to participate by reporting sightings of stray cats or donating to the cause.
Stray cats are typically shy, avoiding human contact and only appearing at dusk or at night. Their fur is often unkempt, and they should not be confused with outdoor cats, which have a home and are generally well-groomed.
Austrian law requires cat owners to neuter or spay their pets if they want to let them outside. Alternatively, owners can register their cats as breeding cats and have them chipped. These measures are in line with the country's commitment to animal welfare and are crucial in controlling the stray cat population.
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Cats are well-distributed throughout the country
Cats are well-represented in Austria, with a population of around 2 million felines as of 2020. This number includes both pet cats and strays, and the country is generally considered cat-friendly. The distribution of cats throughout the country is fairly even, with 25% of all pets living in eastern Austria, 24% in central Austria, 22% in southern Austria, and 12% in western Austria. The capital, Vienna, is home to 17% of the country's total pet population.
Austria has a range of legislation and regulations in place to protect cats and control their population. Since 2005, it has been a legal requirement for cat owners to have their cats neutered or spayed if they want to let them outside. Owners must register their cats as breeding cats if they do not wish to have them neutered. This regulation helps to control the number of stray cats in the country.
In addition to the national legislation, some towns and cities have implemented their own measures to manage cat populations. For example, Vienna has a system in place to capture and relocate stray cats to specific areas. This helps to reduce the number of strays within the city and ensures they are cared for.
Cat ownership is common in Austria, with 17% of households owning a cat as of 2023. Cats are popular pets for Austrians of all ages, with 32% of total pet owners aged between 50 and 64, and 30% aged 35 to 49. The country's pet industry is also seeing an increase in the number of older cats, with 36% of felines in the country over the age of 15 in 2024, up from 32% in 2019.
Austria's love for cats is not limited to those within its borders, as the country has also welcomed many cats from overseas. Relocation services have facilitated the movement of large cat families to Austria, ensuring that owners do not have to leave their furry friends behind when they move.
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Frequently asked questions
There are around 2 million cats in Austria, which is a lot! However, there are significantly fewer stray cats in Austria than in many other countries. This is because Austrian law requires cats to be neutered or spayed if they are allowed to roam outside.
As of 2023, 17% of households in Austria owned a pet cat.
Cats are the most popular pets in Europe, with about 26% of EU households owning at least one cat. Germany and France have the highest number of cats in the EU, with 14.5 million and 13.5 million cats respectively. Austria is considered cat-friendly, and cats are well-distributed throughout the country.
Vienna is home to 17% of Austria's total pet population.
23% of Austrian cat owners buy their pet-related goods from supermarkets, followed by hypermarkets (17%), pet shops (16%), discount stores (15%), drugstores (15%), and e-commerce sites (12%).
