All cats should be chipped

Friday, 5 December 2025 06:30

All cats should be microchipped. Vets are warning that the country’s stray-cat population is growing out of control.

The Association of Swiss Vets have adopted a new position calling for mandatory microchipping of all cats, similar to existing rules for dogs.

The group also wants authorities to allow the neutering of stray and unregistered animals to curb unchecked breeding.

Switzerland is home to nearly two million cats, but fewer than half are registered.

A University of Bern study estimates around a quarter of a million are strays, posing risks to wildlife and biodiversity.

Vets say broader identification would make it easier to reunite missing pets with owners and help manage a rapidly expanding feline population.

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