The decline in the number of kittens is a key factor behind the city’s confidence in the program’s success. Currently, kittens constitute only 5.1% of the stray population, a stark contrast to the 40.1% recorded in 2015. (Image courtesy of Pexels/CCL)
SEOUL, Mar. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – Seoul’s effort to neuter stray cats has paid off, cutting the city’s stray cat numbers in half over the past eight years. City officials are optimistic that they will be able to halve the number of stray cats again in the near future.
A recent survey conducted by the city revealed that, as of 2023, the stray cat population in Seoul stood at approximately 100,000, a sharp decline from the 203,000 recorded in 2015.
The city has been monitoring the stray population and neutering rates biennially since 2015. An official explained that the survey was planned to include both areas with high and low neutering rates across 18 districts to gather meaningful statistics.
Seoul’s effort to neuter stray cats has paid off, cutting the city’s stray cat numbers in half over the past eight years.
(Image courtesy of Seocho District Office)
Although the number of stray cats has significantly reduced from years past, a slight increase was noted in the last two years, rising from 98,800 in 2021 to over 100,000 in 2023.
City officials attribute this to a temporary phenomenon, suggesting that improved nutrition has led to an increase in the elderly cat population.
The decline in the number of kittens is a key factor behind the city’s confidence in the program’s success. Currently, kittens constitute only 5.1% of the stray population, a stark contrast to the 40.1% recorded in 2015.
The city attributes this drop to the dramatic increase in neutering rates in previously underperforming areas, leading to fewer births and an aging cat population, which is expected to result in a significant decrease in numbers.
As the neutering policy proves effective, the city has an ambitious goal to regulate the stray cat population to 60,000. (Image courtesy of Gyeonggi Province)
One successful strategy last year was the introduction of “Neutering Day,” where Seoul residents participated in trapping and neutering stray cats in collaboration with the city.
According to city officials, the initiative led to the neutering of 116 cats over five sessions. They emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that locals who care for stray cats are well-informed and adept at trapping.
With the high rate of neutering making it increasingly challenging to find cats for the program, the city acknowledges the need for assistance from cat-friendly citizens. Seoul plans to resume “Neutering Day” on March 17 and expand the initiative to a weekly event starting in May.
As the neutering policy proves effective, the city has an ambitious goal to regulate the stray cat population to 60,000.
Given the current trend of low birth rates and an aging population, officials are optimistic about reaching this target soon.
A city official mentioned, “It’s time to upgrade our policies to focus on coexistence between stray cats and citizens,” highlighting the remaining challenges.
With the demonstrated success of the neutering policy, the long-standing issue of stray cats in urban settings may finally be on the path to resolution.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
