When we talk about stray cats, we often think of a problem to be solved. However, the presence of stable, protected, and fed cats can have a direct and positive impact on the quality of life and safety of a neighborhood . Conversely, indifference or rejection of these animals can lead to nuisances, health imbalances, and even increased risks for residents.
Here are 5 reasons why helping stray cats, including providing them with Miawi shelter, also protects your environment and your community.
1. They reduce the proliferation of rodents and pests
Rats and mice carry diseases transmissible to humans. Without natural predators, they settle in gardens, attics and garbage cans.
- A cat that remains in a territory naturally reduces the presence of rodents.
- This avoids the use of poisons, which are dangerous for children, pets and the environment.
- Miawi shelters allow stray cats to stay nearby and play their role as natural regulators.
According to INRAE, the presence of a single cat can reduce the rodent population by up to 40% in a given area.
2. They reduce nighttime disturbances
A hungry or homeless cat constantly seeks shelter. It meows, fights with other cats, and rummages through garbage. In contrast, a cat that is fed, neutered, and sheltered becomes calm and discreet .
Installing a shelter and participating in its sterilization allows for:
- Less aggressive urine marking
- Fewer nighttime fights
- Less noise and fewer conflicts with the neighbors
A safe cat is a quiet cat.
3. They prevent property damage
Without shelter, stray cats seek places to protect themselves:
- Under car hoods (risk of mechanical accidents and serious injuries)
- In attics or garages, causing dirt and odors
- In vegetable gardens, searching for shade or water
By providing them with a Miawi shelter placed away from dwellings, they find a space to land without causing damage.
Every year, thousands of cats die or are injured under car hoods. A simple shelter can prevent these dangerous situations.
4. They contribute to hygiene and health prevention
A neighborhood without a stable population of stray cats attracts more rodents and insect pests. These pests contaminate:
- Food reserves
- Evacuation systems
- Children's play areas
Cats, by occupying a territory, play a role as a natural sanitary barrier . Sheltering and feeding them properly helps maintain this balance without the use of chemicals.
5. A neighborhood that takes care of animals attracts respect and tranquility
An environment where animals are protected is a good place to live:
- Passersby feel safe.
- Neighbors develop a sense of pride and collective responsibility.
- Acts of mistreatment or vandalism are less frequent in areas where cats are cared for.
"Animal protection is one of the indicators of the level of civility in a neighborhood."
Urban Well-being Observatory, 2023
Conclusion: Protecting cats is also protecting your community
Helping a stray cat is not just an act of compassion. It's a concrete action that contributes to:
- Health and safety,
- Nighttime tranquility,
- Environmental cleanliness,
- And social cohesion.
At Miawi, we believe that a neighborhood that protects its animals is a neighborhood that protects its residents.
Installing a shelter not only saves a life, but also enhances the quality of life for an entire community.
Protecting a cat is protecting a neighborhood.
