Many people think that stray cats are only an animal issue. However, neglecting them has direct consequences for human health, neighborhood hygiene, and the environment. Ignoring their presence doesn't make the problem disappear; on the contrary, it exacerbates it.
Here are 5 major reasons that show why protecting and stabilizing stray cats is essential for public health .
1. Rodent proliferation and disease transmission
Without cats to naturally regulate their population, rats and mice multiply very rapidly. These rodents can transmit:
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonellosis
- The murine plague
- Parasites that are dangerous to humans
A stable and well-fed cat effectively limits the presence of rodents , thus preventing the spread of disease.
According to INRAE, a 30% decrease in the feline population in an area leads to an immediate increase in pests.
2. The massive use of poisons and chemicals
When there are no cats to control pests, individuals and municipalities use toxic products. These poisons contaminate:
- The soils
- The gardens
- Groundwater
- Pets and sometimes children
Installing Miawi shelters and stabilizing a feline colony helps avoid these dangerous and expensive products.
3. Unsterilized cats spread diseases among themselves
Ignoring a stray cat allows the spread of infectious diseases such as:
- Coryza
- Scabies
- Fleas, ticks and intestinal worms
These diseases then spread to domestic cats or neighborhood dogs. Ultimately, this increases the number of veterinary consultations and the associated costs.
80% of unsterilized stray cats carry a disease transmissible to other animals (Brigitte Bardot Foundation).
4. The problems increase when cats are left to their own devices.
A cat in pain becomes noisy, aggressive, or destructive, which can lead to:
- Nighttime battles
- Constant meowing
- Gutted garbage cans
- Unpleasant odors of urine marking
A cat that is protected, fed and stabilized becomes discreet and peaceful.
Miawi shelters allow this presence to be channeled in a harmonious way.
5. A stabilized stray cat improves hygiene and the image of the neighborhood
Instead of being seen as a sign of poverty or neglect, sheltered cats become a symbol of a responsible and healthy neighborhood . In many European cities, the protection of stray animals is associated with a high quality of life.
"The ethical management of feline populations is an integral part of modern public health policies."
European Observatory of Urban Health
Conclusion: protecting cats is also protecting humans
Ignoring stray cats doesn't solve the problem: it creates health, environmental, and social risks. On the contrary, providing shelter, feeding, and sterilizing them allows for:
- To stabilize the population,
- To avoid diseases,
- To improve the overall hygiene of the neighborhood.
With Miawi, we offer shelters designed as public health tools , to protect cats… and preserve human well-being.
A Miawi shelter isn't just for cats: it protects your environment and your community.
