FEEDING STREET CATS

Dear client,

You can continue feeding the 4–5 community cats, but instead of feeding them directly in front of your gate or near your neighbours’ houses, try to create a fixed feeding spot slightly away from residential entrances and doorways, preferably in a quiet corner within their usual territory. Feed them at a fixed time every day. Cats quickly learn the feeding schedule, and after some time they may stop gathering and crying outside your gate early in the morning.

Do not leave leftover food, disposable plates, or waste at the feeding spot. Remove the food bowls after they finish eating and keep the place clean.

Under the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, Rule 20 deals with the feeding of community animals and provides for arrangements for feeding community animals involving residents and animal caregivers. The framework contemplates designated feeding arrangements, appropriate feeding locations and timings, and keeping the feeding area free from littering.



Your neighbours, on the other hand, are entitled to raise genuine concerns regarding hygiene or nuisance, but they should not threaten, assault, poison, injure, or otherwise cruelly treat the cats. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the animal welfare framework provide protection against unnecessary cruelty to animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India also recognises community cats and has issued guidelines concerning their welfare, population management and sterilisation.
Act wisely !