Mühlheim enacts citywide cat protection ordinance
In a bid to address uncontrolled breeding and related animal welfare issues, the City of Mühlheim am Main has introduced a new regulation for free-roaming and outdoor-access domestic cats. The regulation, effective from November 9, 2025, aims to reduce the number of stray cats and improve their welfare.
The regulation requires all free-roaming and outdoor-access cats to be identified, registered, and sterilized. Cats aged five months and older with outdoor access must be microchipped and registered in a free pet registry such as Tasso or FINDEFIX. An additional tattoo is also possible for identification purposes.
Cats taken into custody due to lack of identification, registration, or sterilization will be treated and released at their original location. However, exceptions to the regulation may only be granted in special cases, such as for registered breeding operations with secured offspring care or in cases of permanent inability to undergo anesthesia or serious veterinary medical reasons, with a veterinary certificate required.
The regulation is not applicable to stray or feral cats that cannot be clearly assigned to an owner. Nevertheless, such cats may be taken into custody and treated within 24 hours.
The new regulation is aimed at reducing the suffering of stray and feral cats, as well as protecting local biodiversity. The costs of these measures will be borne by the responsible parties. Upon request by the local authority, appropriate proof of these measures must be provided by the cat owners.
It's important to note that as of now, there are no specific details about a "Regulation on the Protection of Free-Roaming Cats" passed in Mühlheim am Main, Germany in August 2025. For the most accurate and updated information, it's recommended to check official Mühlheim am Main municipal government publications or local news outlets directly.
The regulation is part of a broader effort to improve animal welfare and conservation in Mühlheim am Main. By ensuring the identification, registration, and sterilization of free-roaming cats, the city hopes to create a healthier and more balanced ecosystem for all its inhabitants.
What about the lifestyle changes for pet cat owners in Mühlheim am Main, as the new regulation demands identification, registration, and sterilization for all free-roaming and outdoor-access cats? Also, considering the interest in home-and-garden pets, could this regulation potentially extend to adoption or care guidelines for pets other than cats?
