Left Behind

The life of a street cat typically begins with a human decision. A formerly beloved pet has been abandoned by its owner. They may have gone on holiday or moved home. Or have felt that the daily care and veterinary expenses had become too much of a burden.

Some abandoned cats adapt to outdoor life. Along with their offspring, they form colonies and establish groups around homes, businesses, and parks. Those who are more attached to humans may live indoors with a family if given the chance.

The scale of the problem is evident in many countries. In Spain alone, for example, shelters collect tens of thousands of stray cats every year. Animal welfare organizations try to address the issue by carrying out adoption work and managing cat colonies. Cats are vaccinated, microchipped and sterilized so that they can more easily find a new home. Additionally, municipalities have developed trap-neuter-return programs to sterilize stray cats. Reducing new births helps to keep populations under control.

A couple of years ago, Spain’s legislation took a step forward. A law (Ley 7/2023) was passed to protect the rights and physical well-being of companion animals. However, until now it lacks the necessary protocols and regulatory measures to take full effect. Well, its existence alone may have led to more cats being sterilized and finding safe homes away from the streets.