Registration, Identification & Safety

There are also a number of organisational matters relating to cats that should be clarified early on. While cats in Germany generally do not need to be registered for tax purposes, identification, registration and certain local requirements are still important — especially for outdoor cats. A microchip or tattoo is only truly effective if your cat is also registered in a pet database and your contact details are kept up to date.

Depending on where you live, specific local rules may also apply, such as requirements for neutering, identification or registration of outdoor cats. You should also check matters such as rental property rules, balcony safety, liability insurance and proof of origin in advance. This ensures you are well prepared and increases the chance that your cat can be returned to you quickly in an emergency.

Registration & Tax

In Germany, there is generally no cat tax. Cats usually do not need to be registered with the city or municipality for tax purposes in the same way as dogs.

However, for outdoor cats, you should check whether a cat protection ordinance applies in your place of residence. In some cities and municipalities, specific requirements apply, for example regarding neutering, identification or registration of outdoor cats.

Where such rules exist, you may need to provide proof that your cat has been neutered, identified and registered.

Important Actions

• Check whether a cat protection ordinance applies in your place of residence
• For outdoor cats, check local neutering requirements
• Where required: be able to provide proof of neutering, identification and registration
• Keep neutering and registration documents safely stored

Microchip, Registration & Reunification

A microchip or tattoo is only truly useful if the identification is linked to your contact details. Your cat should therefore not only be microchipped or tattooed, but also registered with a pet database such as TASSO or FINDEFIX.

Registration is particularly important for outdoor cats. If your cat is found, the stored data can help ensure it is returned to you more quickly. It is also essential to keep your contact details up to date, especially if you move house or change your phone number.

Important Actions

• Have your cat microchipped or tattooed
• Save the microchip number or tattoo number
• Register your cat free of charge with TASSO or FINDEFIX
• Take registration particularly seriously for outdoor cats
• Keep your contact details up to date
• Update your details immediately if you move house or change your phone number
• Save a current photo of your cat

Legal Matters & Safety

Although cats usually involve fewer formal obligations than dogs, there are still several legal and practical points you should check.

If you live in rented accommodation, you should clarify whether keeping a cat is permitted. This is particularly important if you plan to keep several cats or make structural changes, such as installing cat netting on a balcony. For outdoor cats, specific local rules may apply depending on where you live.

Liability insurance is also important. Cats are often included under private liability insurance. Nevertheless, you should review the terms of your insurance policy so you know which types of damage are actually covered.

If you buy a pedigree cat or adopt a cat from a breeder, you should also check the purchase contract, health certificates, vaccination status and proof of origin.

Important Actions

• If living in rented accommodation, check whether cats are permitted
• For multiple cats, check whether landlord approval is required
• Secure the balcony if the cat has access to it
• Clarify cat netting or structural changes with the landlord
• Review private liability insurance coverage
• Be aware of local requirements for outdoor cats
• For pedigree cats or cats from breeders: check the purchase contract, health certificates and proof of origin
• Keep the vaccination record and important documents safely stored

PetConnect Tip

Store your cat’s microchip number, registration details, vaccination record, veterinary contacts, insurance information and current photos directly in the app. This ensures you have everything quickly available in everyday situations and in an emergency.