The streets of our cities are home to thousands of stray cats. Invisible to many, they nevertheless lead lives full of risks. Understanding the dangers they face is the first step towards better protecting them and offering them appropriate solutions.
1. Cold and bad weather
In cities, cats rarely find natural shelters. In winter, temperatures can drop below -5°C in some areas, and without shelter, a cat can suffer from hypothermia in just a few hours. In summer, the heat and lack of water also cause severe dehydration.
2. Hunger and malnutrition
A cat needs an average of 250 to 300 calories per day . However, stray cats have to rummage through garbage or rely on compassionate residents. Many suffer from deficiencies that weaken their health and reduce their life expectancy, estimated at only 2 to 4 years on the street , compared to 12 to 15 years for a domestic cat.
3. Diseases and parasites
Without veterinary care, stray cats are highly susceptible to disease:
- Coryza (a “cat cold”), which can be fatal in kittens.
- Feline typhus, which is highly contagious.
- FIV, often called “feline AIDS”.
According to some studies, nearly 40% of stray cats carry diseases transmissible to other cats.
4. Road accidents
In France, it is estimated that more than 20,000 cats die each year due to traffic accidents. Attracted by the heat of engines or crossing a street, they are particularly vulnerable in urban areas.
5. Mistreatment
Unfortunately, not all humans are kind. Cases of mistreatment of stray cats are regularly reported. They can be chased away, injured, or poisoned, due to the lack of truly protective legal status.
Taking action on one's own scale
Knowing these dangers means understanding why a simple gesture can have a huge impact: setting up a shelter, providing food, raising awareness among those around you, supporting associations.
At Miawi, we believe that by giving these cats a safe place, we offer them more than just warmth: we give them a second chance.
