Is feeding stray cats a bad idea? The "reasons why not" that cat lovers should know

If you love cats, seeing a stray cat can make you want to feed them because they are so cute.

However, feeding stray cats is not always in the cats' best interest. In this article, we will explain why feeding stray cats is discouraged and how you can coexist with them properly.

Why feeding stray cats is considered a problem

Irresponsible feeding of stray cats can lead to various problems, such as overpopulation, hygiene issues caused by feces and urine, and negative impacts on other wildlife.

1. Overpopulation

Cats are highly reproductive and can give birth to many kittens at once. Feeding them improves their nutritional status, leading to a steady increase in the stray cat population.

Feeding them thoughtlessly can result in an increase in the number of cats being culled.

2. Hygiene issues

Places where stray cats gather due to feeding often face hygiene problems, such as foul odors from waste and rotting food.

This often leads to trouble with neighbors who want the feeding to stop, sometimes resulting in police reports due to the nuisance.

3. Cat health problems

Inappropriate food and unsanitary environments increase the risk of harming the stray cats' health. They are also exposed to dangers such as traffic accidents and animal abuse.

Is feeding stray cats illegal?

In Japan, feeding stray cats is not prohibited by law.

While some local governments may regulate it through ordinances, they do not generally ban it outright; instead, they set conditions such as "performing it in an appropriate manner" and "ensuring it does not negatively impact the living environment of nearby residents."

Osaka City's "Machi-Neko (Town Cat) Project"

In Osaka City, stray cats that are properly managed by volunteers are called "Machi-Neko," and the city subsidizes activities aimed at reducing the number of stray cats being culled.

They mandate the cleanup of leftover food, the installation of toilets, and the performance of spay/neuter surgeries, and they actively provide support to gain the understanding of local residents.

Reference:https://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/kenko/page/0000020313.html

Tokyo Suginami Ward's "Suginami Rule"

Suginami Ward has established the "Suginami Rule," which takes both environmental protection and animal welfare into account, to support activities aimed at preventing the increase of unfortunate cats.

They distribute registration cards and armbands to volunteer groups and conduct awareness-raising activities to gain the understanding of local residents.

Reference:https://www.city.suginami.tokyo.jp/guide/kenko/doubutsu/1026931.html

Kobe City's "Ordinance on Coexistence between People and Cats"

In Kobe City, the "Ordinance on Coexistence between People and Cats" was enacted in April 2017, establishing policies regarding the responsibilities of cat owners, the roles of animal handling businesses, and the promotion of limiting the reproduction of stray cats.

Kobe City leads the project to limit the reproduction of stray cats and works in partnership with residents to address the issue of stray cats.

Reference:https://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/a84140/kenko/health/hygiene/animal/nekokyousei.html

Things to know about "Community Cat Activities"

To solve these stray cat problems, many regions in Japan promote "Community Cat Activities." These are activities where the government, volunteers, and local residents cooperate to properly manage stray cats.

What are Community Cat Activities?

Community Cat Activities aim to prevent reproduction by capturing stray cats and performing spay/neuter surgeries, ensuring no more cats are born to be culled.

TNR activities—named after the acronym for Trap, Neuter, Return—are the core of these community cat programs.

Not "Stray Cats" but "Community Cats"

Cats that have undergone spay/neuter surgery are called "Community Cats," and their ears are clipped in a small V-shape as a marker. Because it resembles a cherry blossom petal, they are also called "Sakura Cats."

Since they no longer have reproductive capabilities, the number of kittens will not increase. Noisy meowing during estrus, fighting, and strong urine odors will also subside. Volunteers take care of their health, such as feeding and vaccinations, to watch over the cats for the rest of their lives.

Sometimes, they are socialized to humans, captured, and spayed/neutered to be found homes as rescue cats.

Challenges of Community Cat Activities

People who feed stray cats in streets and parks—so-called "cat ladies" or "cat gentlemen"—may actually be community cat volunteers.

A problem exists in that it is not well recognized that feeding stray cats is not a nuisance but an activity to prevent the birth of kittens and reduce culling. Since some people have a distaste for stray cats, awareness-raising activities to gain understanding and cooperation for community cat activities are essential.

Additionally, there are costs for food, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and operating rescue cat shelters. While some local governments provide subsidies, the reality is that many costs are covered by donations and the volunteers' own money.

There are rules for feeding too

In community cat activities, performing spay/neuter surgeries and properly managing the number of cats are highly prioritized. Also, when feeding, you must do so responsibly, including cleaning up waste and clearing away dishes.

Make sure to follow the rules below.

• Perform spay/neuter surgery on all cats
• Serve food in dishes
• Always clean up after they finish eating
• Feed them at designated times and places
• Manage their health, such as flea and tick prevention
• If possible, find new owners for them

Summary

Feeding stray cats, even if it comes from a love for cats, is not always the best thing for the cats or the local community.

If you want to help stray cats, there are other ways to do so, such as participating in community cat activities, volunteering as a kitten milk feeder, becoming a foster for rescue cats, or making donations.

Irresponsible feeding is prohibited. Please keep that in mind.

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