Post Complaining About Damage Caused by Stray Cats
Cases of Animal Abuse Including Cat Noise Issues
Experts Say "Neutering Surgery Is Necessary"
A feeding station for stray cats inside an apartment complex in Jung-gu, Seoul. The pet food is scattered around. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "Aren't stray cats living beings too?", "I can't even sleep because of the cats' crying sounds."
Recently, conflicts surrounding the issue of stray cats have erupted mainly on online communities. While some argue that stray cats should be cared for to promote animal welfare, many others express discomfort, citing reasons such as cats rummaging through food waste or causing noise disturbances.
Experts emphasize the need for measures such as neutering surgeries to prevent the increase in the stray cat population.
Recently, a story was posted on an online community about a resident who had a conflict with neighbors over feeding stray cats.
The author, Mr. A, who revealed he has a cat allergy, said, "Four years ago, the family living upstairs started feeding the stray cats. At first, I thought they just liked cats because they were feeding them in the parking lot, so I didn't think much of it."
According to Mr. A, the neighbors continued to feed the cats, which led to an increase in the stray cat population. As a result, Mr. A claimed he suffered various damages, both big and small.
He lamented, "I once stepped on cat feces in the parking lot while getting into my car at night, and the cats frequently caused annoying problems like scratching the air conditioner pipes, making a mess, and leaving paw prints on my car."
He continued, "I endured the noise from the cats crying, but then the upstairs neighbors started bringing the cats right up to their front door to feed them, and the cats began entering the building and even my home. There was even a time when a cat was under my car, making me afraid to move it."
Despite multiple warnings, the neighbor's attitude did not change, so Mr. A wrote on the suggestion board, "Stop feeding the cats. They give birth to kittens, poop everywhere, and cause chaos. If you feel sorry for them, take them home and raise them."
However, the next day, posts condemning Mr. A's claims appeared on the suggestion board. Comments such as "They are just cute, try feeding them once," and "This is really too much" flooded in, criticizing the author.
Mr. A concluded his post by saying, "My whole family is stressed because of this. If anyone knows a solution, please help."
A house for stray cats set up inside an apartment complex in Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr
Conflicts between so-called 'cat moms' who care for stray cats and residents continue frequently. 'Cat moms' care for the cats citing animal welfare reasons.
B (27), an office worker who has been caring for stray cats for five years, said, "At first, I started feeding them because I felt sorry that the stray cats couldn't even get proper food," adding, "Recently, perceptions of cat moms have improved, and more people seem to view feeding stray cats favorably."
He added, "Still, some people feel uncomfortable about feeding cats, so I try not to cause inconvenience. I make continuous efforts, such as cleaning up immediately after the cats finish eating to prevent insects from gathering around the food bowls."
On the other hand, another office worker, C (27), expressed a skeptical view of stray cats. He said, "There are countless nights when I can't sleep because of the cats' crying. I don't have prejudice against stray cats, but who would like it if they cause such problems? Nowadays, they even rummage through garbage bags," he lamented.
University student D (25) also said, "I think the low level of awareness about stray cats is turning into conflicts between individuals," adding, "If feeding is combined with neutering surgeries, the population can be controlled, and incidents like rummaging through food waste or fighting over food can be reduced."
He continued, "But currently, individuals often have to take the cats they feed to get neutered personally, which is financially limiting. So, just feeding them leads to an increase in the population, and such controversies keep repeating."
There have been cases where conflicts escalated into crimes. In 2018, a man in his 30s was arrested by the police for assaulting a woman in her 60s over feeding stray cats. The two reportedly had frequent conflicts over feeding stray cats.
Hate crimes against stray cats have also occurred. In May last year, in Gunsan, Jeonbuk, an incident occurred where a cat was shot in the head with a lethal arrowhead to chase it away from a house. The cat lost its left eye due to this incident.
Meanwhile, in November 2015, in Changwon, Gyeongnam, a person was arrested by the police for shooting a bow at stray cats because they disliked the cats crying or rummaging through trash.
Experts suggest that measures such as neutering surgeries are necessary to prevent the increase in the stray cat population.
Professor Kim Seongho of the Department of Social Welfare at Korea Bible University said, "The presence of stray cats itself can help control the increase in rat populations. Therefore, it is good to maintain a certain level of the cat population," adding, "Nowadays, local governments also provide neutering surgeries. If 70-80% of cats are neutered, it becomes a level where humans and cats can coexist."
He emphasized, "People who care for cats must also feel responsible. They should not only feed the cats but also maintain etiquette by cleaning up the surroundings after feeding."
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