[Adequate animal housing and existence regulations of cats]

Behavioural problems and the number of sick animals are amongst the most valuable criteria for evaluation of adequate housing conditions in cats, especially for official veterinarians, and can provide help for expert opinions. Good animal keeping involves prophylactic hygienic measures which also reduce the health risk for animal owners. Masshousing of cats, is usually not suitable for the individual animal and represent a hygienic risk for the pet and the owners. Restriction can achieved by prohibition or restriction to qualified persons after passing an examination. The regulation of feline populations and the resulting problem of feral cats require systematic measures. Fighting the underlying reasons, neutering and marking of all cats are the most important factors. Catching and neutering feral cats has implications to animal welfare and animal hygiene and is therefore dependent on public support and systematic handling by the responsible officials.