Left Behind

Not every feline has been as fortunate as me when finding a new home (see my story here).

The existence of a street cat is usually the result of a human decision. A pet owner may feel that the daily care and veterinary expenses have become too much of a burden. Or they may go on holiday or move home without considering what will happen to their pet.

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 prefer to live indoors with a family if given the chance.

The problem is evident in many places. 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 to make it easier to find them new homes. 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. For the law to take full effect, further protocols and regulatory measures would be required. Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue against it, given that its mere existence raises awareness of animal rights.