Our cats
Why are there cats at Gut Aiderbichl?
Cats that find a new home at Gut Aiderbichl often have a sad story. Abused, abandoned or born unattended in cellars, they are brought to us by helpful people. Some have physical impairments, severe inflammation or emotional wounds, which we heal with a lot of patience and love. In the end, they all become trusting and cuddle with their caretakers. Our animal keepers often bring up kittens whose mother has died with bottles and offer them nest warmth and care.
A major problem is the lack of neutering, which is why we often have to rescue many cats at the same time. That is why we have started a neutering project. Before the cats come to us, they are medically examined, neutered, chipped and cared for – a sustainable approach to animal welfare. Cats from the animal care program are lucky: their owners have made provisions in good time so that they are not left alone after a stroke of fate. Our animal rescuers and carers lovingly look after the animals, who are allowed to develop their natural behavior here. We also look for private homes for particularly cuddly cats, always with the security of a lifelong special care place.
There are currently
cats under our protection
Our cats at a glance
We do our best to publish all rescued animals on our website as quickly as possible.
Stories about our cats
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Frequently asked questions
Cats live on average between 12 and 18 years. Some cats can even live to be over 20 years old. The figures show that having a cat as a pet is not a short-term project, but a long-term commitment. If you want to make this commitment, cats are wonderful companions. It is not for nothing that cats are one of the most popular pets.
Cats can be kept as individual or group animals. Although they are solitary hunters, they can also live together with other cats if kept well. A basic distinction is made between indoor cats and outdoor cats:
- Indoor cats need plenty of activity and ideally a conspecific.
- Outdoor cats need a safe environment, ideally away from busy roads.
Cats sleep up to 16 hours a day – places to retreat to are therefore a must. They are also very clean: a clean litter tray is essential.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need a meat-based diet. Several small meals a day are more species-appropriate than one large portion. Fresh water must be available at all times. No cow’s milk please! Most adult cats cannot tolerate lactose as they lack the enzyme lactase. Specialised cat milk is well tolerated but very high in fat – it should only be given as an occasional treat.
The cost of keeping a cat varies depending on the food purchased and the cat’s health. However, it can be assumed that healthy cats will cost around €30-70 per month for food, care and vet fees.
The amount of grooming required depends on the coat type:
- Short-haired cats usually groom themselves.
- Long-haired cats often need help with brushing.
Regardless of coat type, regular visits to the vet are important. Vaccinations, parasite prophylaxis and dental care are mandatory. We also strongly recommend having cats neutered.
Gut Aiderbichl recommends having your cat neutered to avoid unwanted offspring.
Cats are sexually mature at the age of four to five months. Neutering is essential, especially for outdoor cats. An unneutered cat can become pregnant several times a year – up to 3 litters with 3-6 kittens each are possible. An unneutered male cat can mate with dozens of cats per year – and thus inadvertently contribute to the reproduction of stray cats.
In some regions of Europe, there is already a neutering obligation for cats that regularly roam outdoors – for example in Austria, where this obligation has been enshrined in law since 2005. Please find out about the applicable local regulations in your place of residence or region.
Gut Aiderbichl has been working specifically against the suffering of stray cats with its cat neutering project since 2024. In addition, neutered cats and tomcats are less territorial. This means fewer territorial fights, a lower risk of injury and less marking behaviour (urinating in the house).
Indoor cats need daily activity to stay physically and mentally healthy. Intelligence and fiddling games such as food mazes, sniffer carpets or toys with treat compartments are ideal here. Cats love heights and retreats. Scratching posts, wall shelves or hammocks by the window offer adventure. Caves, cardboard boxes or blanket forts provide variety and security.
Interactive playtime between humans and their four-legged friends is also important. They strengthen the bond. Many cuddly tigers love playing fishing rods, ribbons or feather dusters. They appeal to the hunting instinct. Tip: Change the toy regularly – variety keeps it exciting!
Yes, scratching is a natural behaviour and is used by cats to groom their claws and mark their territory. Scratching posts and boards protect furniture.
Cats often express their moods through posture, ear position, tail movement and facial expression:
- Tail up and erect: Friendly, confident.
- Tail whipping or beating: Irritated or nervous.
- Curved back, ruffled fur: Defence, fear or threat.
- Ears back or flat: Insecurity, aggression or fear.
- Slow blinking: trust – a kind of ‘cat kiss’.
- Giving head / rubbing against the human: Affection and marking with scents.
However, cats also use sounds such as hissing or scents to communicate with each other
Essentially, cats use meowing mainly as a form of communication with humans. Kittens initially meow to communicate with their mother (e.g. when they are hungry or lost). Adult cats, on the other hand, meow almost exclusively with humans – not with each other (with certain exceptions such as mating behaviour or mother-child communication).
