Shanghai's "Cat Island", a unique charity sanctuary for stray cats, has expanded significantly with the opening of its second phase.
Launched in 2022, the "Cat Island" is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary for urban stray cats which is situated in Shanghai's suburban Baoshan district. It operates under the TNR (trap, neuter, return) method, an internationally recognized humane approach to managing and reducing stray cat populations.
The second phase covers two hectares and is designed as an isolated island surrounded by water, creating a peaceful urban sanctuary for stray cats.
It currently houses nearly 80 stray cats and a dozen pet rabbits.
"Stray cats in residential communities usually prefer living in grassy areas and bushes. That's why the 'Cat Island's second phase is entirely designed to simulate a real community environment, making it more suitable and comfortable for them to live here," said Zhou Min, vice chair of Shanghai Yicai Flying Foundations, one of the operators of the project.
The cats at the "Cat Island" are available for adoption, and a rigorous adoption process will be followed to ensure the welfare of these former straying furry things is safeguarded.
Apart from providing shelter and facilitating adoptions, the "Cat Island" also works with residential communities across Shanghai to offer training on proper TNR practices.
The second phase of the "Cat Island" is open to the public on weekends, with advance appointments required for the safety and well-being of the animals.
Data shows that by the beginning of this year, the "Cat Island" project has taken in 735 stray cats, with 363 successfully adopted. In addition, the project has neutered 28,512 stray cats and released them back into their original communities.
Shanghai's 'Cat Island' expands to shelter more stray cats
