Cats in Spain: vets, sterilisation and indoor or outdoor life

Cats are everywhere in Spain: on village streets, in urbanisation gardens and on sunny balconies in the city. If you live with a cat here, or plan to adopt one, there are a few things that work differently from many other countries. Spain’s national animal welfare law has specific rules for cats, Andalusia has its own vaccination rules, and the climate and street life change the indoor or outdoor question. This guide focuses on cats. For general vet visits and pet passports, see our guide to vets, vaccinations and pet passports in Spain.

The legal basics for cat owners

The national animal welfare law, Ley 7/2023 on the protection of the rights and welfare of animals, applies to cats in the whole of Spain. Our article on Spain’s animal welfare law explains the law in general. For cats, the points that matter most are:

• Microchip: Your cat must be identified with a microchip and registered in the regional pet register. In Andalusia this is done by your vet.
• Sterilisation: Article 26 of the law says cats must be sterilised before six months of age. The exception is cats registered as breeding animals in the name of a breeder listed in the official register of companion animal breeders.
• Not alone for long: Companion animals must not be left unsupervised for more than three consecutive days (for dogs the limit is 24 hours). If you travel, arrange a cat sitter or a neighbour who checks in.
• No balcony living: Dogs and cats may not be kept habitually on terraces, balconies, rooftops, storerooms, basements or patios, or in vehicles. A cat that enjoys the balcony is fine; a cat that lives there is not.

Some parts of the law depend on regulations that are still being developed, and regions and town halls can add their own rules. Check your town hall’s animal ordinance (ordenanza de animales) as well.

Vaccinations in Andalusia

In Andalusia, rabies vaccination is compulsory for cats, as well as for dogs and ferrets, under an order of the Junta de Andalucía. The first dose is due from three months of age. Your vet will tell you when boosters are due, and records each vaccination in your cat’s documents and in the regional register.

Your vet will usually also recommend other vaccines, for example against cat flu and feline panleukopenia, and for cats that go outside, a vaccine against feline leukaemia (FeLV). These are not legally required, but they are standard in veterinary practice. Ask what makes sense for your cat’s lifestyle.

If you plan to travel with your cat, an EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination are needed to cross borders within the EU.

Sterilisation: what to expect

Sterilisation (castración for males, esterilización for females) is a routine operation in Spain. Most vet clinics do it, and your cat normally goes home the same day. Prices vary between clinics and between male and female cats, so ask two or three vets for a quote. Some town halls and animal associations run lower-cost sterilisation campaigns, especially for cats in colonies.

Apart from being a legal requirement, sterilisation stops unwanted litters, reduces spraying and fighting in males, and makes cats less likely to roam far from home.

Indoor or outdoor cat?

Many cats in Spain go outdoors, especially in villages and houses with gardens. There is no single right answer, but there are some local factors to weigh up:

• Traffic: Busy roads and fast urbanisation streets are the biggest risk for outdoor cats.
• Heat: Summer on the Costa del Sol is hot. Indoor and outdoor cats need shade, fresh water and a cool place to rest.
• Street cats: Many areas have colonies of community cats. Contact with them can mean fights and the spread of infectious diseases, so outdoor cats should be vaccinated and sterilised.
• Balconies and windows: Falls from balconies and open windows are a real risk for city cats. Cat-safe netting on windows and terraces is widely available.
• Rentals: If you rent, check your contract and the community rules before installing netting or a cat flap.

A good middle way for many owners is an indoor cat with a secured balcony or a “catio” (an enclosed outdoor area), plus plenty of play and climbing space inside.

Community cats and adoption

Under the national law, town halls are responsible for managing community cat colonies (colonias felinas), usually through programmes where cats are trapped, sterilised and returned. Many towns work with registered volunteers who feed and look after the colonies. If you want to help, contact your town hall or a local association rather than feeding cats on your own, as feeding rules vary between towns.

If you want to give a home to a cat, local shelters and associations always have cats waiting. Our guide to adopting a dog or cat in Spain explains how the process works. Adopted cats are normally handed over with a microchip, and adult cats are often already sterilised.

Insurance and vet costs

Pet insurance for cats is not compulsory in Spain, but vet bills for accidents and illness can add up. A policy can cover vet treatment and, depending on the plan, third-party liability. Compare what is included, the excess and any age limits before you choose. One option is Petplan (ad), a pet insurance provider in Spain.

FAQ: Cats in Spain

Is it compulsory to sterilise my cat in Spain?

Yes. Under article 26 of Ley 7/2023, cats must be sterilised before six months of age, unless they are registered breeding cats held by a breeder in the official register.

Does my cat need a microchip?

Yes. Cats must be identified with a microchip and registered. In Andalusia your vet does this and registers the cat in the regional database.

Is rabies vaccination required for cats?

In Andalusia, yes. Rabies vaccination is compulsory for cats from three months of age. Other regions have their own rules, so check if you live elsewhere in Spain.

Can I leave my cat alone while I go away for a weekend?

The law says companion animals must not be left unsupervised for more than three consecutive days. Even for a short trip, make sure someone can check on food, water and the litter tray.

Useful links

• BOJA: Andalusian order on compulsory pet vaccinations (Spanish)
• BOE: Ley 7/2023 on animal rights and welfare (Spanish)
• Velilla town hall: summary of the animal welfare law’s main obligations (Spanish)

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and prices change, so check with the official source before you decide. Links marked “(ad)” are affiliate links – NewInSpain may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.