Registration of Cat Clowder
One of the main goals of national and regional regulations concerning companion animals—and the proper relationship between humans, animals, and the environment—is the registration of cat clowder and the management of stray cat populations through targeted sterilization. These measures help maintain a sustainable balance between the cats, their habitat, and the available food resources.
Cat clowder may be managed by associations, organized groups, or private citizens, as long as hygiene and safety standards are respected.
Reporting a Cat Colony
Any private citizen or officially registered animal welfare association can notify the Municipality of the presence of a cat clowder by completing the designated colony reporting form.
The Municipality then forwards the report to the competent AST Marche office, which initiates the official process of census and geolocation.
Census and On-Site Inspection
The geographical mapping and official registration of the clowder are carried out by the AST.
The Animal Health Service of AST Marche performs an inspection together with municipal staff, animal welfare associations, and zoophile wardens to verify the situation on site.
Similarly, any hygiene issues, health risks, or concerns regarding animal welfare must be reported both to the Municipality and to the Animal Health Service.
Health Assistance and Veterinary Procedures
The Animal Health Services of AST Marche provide healthcare support to colonies located in public areas accessible to citizens, as well as to private colonies considered of public interest, in accordance with Regional Regulation No. 2/2001.
Stray cats must undergo sterilization and, when necessary, treatments for possible zoonoses. These procedures are carried out and funded by AST Marche.
Capture and Sterilization Process
Clowder’s responsibles must catch the cats to be sterilized, possibly using special cages positioned at strategic points.
The cats are then transported to the AST veterinary facilities, where they receive medical care and are prepared for ovariectomy (females) or orchiectomy (males).
Sterilized cats are identified with a tattoo on the right ear and/or a microchip implanted on the left side of the neck.
If required by the attending veterinarian, animals may spend a short post-operative recovery period in spaces provided by the Municipalities.
Returning the Cats to Their Habitat
Once treatments are completed, the cats are released back into an appropriate environment.
- In clowders that are already balanced with their surroundings, cats are returned to the exact place where they were captured.
- In overcrowded clowders, instead, the Municipality designates suitable areas that respect the cats’ natural habitat.
Protection and Territory Management
Cat clowder are recognized as part of the State’s non-disposable heritage, meaning Municipalities and Mountain Unions are responsible for their protection.
This includes maintaining public spaces and monitoring animal welfare even when colonies are located on private land, as the presence of free-roaming cats in courtyards, gardens, and similar areas is legally protected. Territorial maintenance may involve vegetation control and the installation of adequate shelters (cat houses, canopies, or fenced areas) to offer safety and refuge to colony members.