EU Adopts New Welfare Regulation on Cats and Dogs
A fresh EU regulation makes microchipping obligatory for cats over time and tightens rules on breeding, housing and sales. For Cyprus, home to a huge stray cat population, the change raises practical questions.
As reported by Cyprus Mail, a new European regulation (2026/1818) entered into force on 30 August 2026 and will gradually require cats, not just dogs, to be microchipped and registered in national databases. The text also sets minimum standards for food, water, space, temperature and ventilation at facilities that keep, breed or sell animals.
Rules on breeding are being tightened too: cats may not be bred before 10 months of age, no more than three litters are allowed within two years, and after three litters a rest period of at least one year is required. Close-relative mating and the production of hybrids are banned, with limited exceptions for preserving local breeds. Ear cropping, tail docking, declawing and similar procedures are prohibited unless a vet performs them for medical reasons.
For stray cats taking part in trap-neuter-return schemes, member states may permit a distinctive notch at the tip of the ear to mark sterilised animals. Obligations for those placing animals on the market apply from 31 August 2030, while private owners face requirements from 2036. Penalties for breaches must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
What it means for residents
The new framework will change how pet owners, breeders and shelters on the island handle identification and registration, though most private owners have years before the rules bite. Cyprus already requires microchips for dogs, but not for cats, so cat owners should start thinking about the paperwork now.
- Pet owners: expect to microchip and register your cat in a national database once the timetable reaches private owners.
- Breeders and shelters: plan for registration with competent authorities and new limits on how often cats can be bred.
- Strays: sterilised cats in TNR programmes may be marked with an ear notch, which could make managed colonies easier to track.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
