New stricter laws for cat owners in the Canary Islands are now in force
Cat owners in Spain, including the Canary Islands, should be aware of new legal requirements under the 2025 Animal Welfare Law, which introduces stricter rules aimed at protecting animal wellbeing, with a particular focus on domestic cats, which have historically been subject to fewer regulations than dogs.
Microchipping & Registration Required
One of the key changes is the compulsory microchipping and official registration of all domestic cats, regardless of whether they live indoors or outdoors. This must be done within the first few months of the cat's life and is no longer just a recommendation, it is now a legal requirement. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to €50,000, as it is classified as a serious offence.
Mandatory Sterilisation
In addition, the law now requires all cats to be sterilised before reaching six months of age, unless they are registered with the authorities as part of an authorised breeding programme. Anyone found breeding animals without the proper registration could face penalties of up to €200,000, deemed a “very serious offence.”
This measure is designed to curb uncontrolled breeding and reduce the number of unwanted litters, which continue to strain animal shelters and rescue organisations across Spain, including the Canary Islands.
Limited Time Alone & No Outdoor Roaming
Another significant provision regulates how long a cat can be left alone: no more than 72 consecutive hours without human supervision. If you are planning to be away for longer, you must arrange for someone to care for your pet, otherwise it may be deemed neglect or abandonment under the new legislation.
The law also places strict limitations on where a cat can spend its time. It is now forbidden to leave a cat regularly on balconies, terraces, in garages, or storage areas, as these are not considered suitable environments for animal welfare. Furthermore, allowing your cat to roam freely outdoors is now illegal, even if they are accustomed to doing so. This is part of a broader effort to prevent road accidents, loss, and environmental harm to local wildlife caused by free-roaming cats.
These measures aim to reduce abandonment, uncontrolled breeding, and environmental harm caused by stray or outdoor cats. The law treats cats as protected companion animals, and non-compliance will be enforced.
For more details on pet regulations and animal welfare services in the Canary Islands, visit the official regional websites or consult your local town hall.
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