SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – Jongno District, the first in Seoul to install winter shelters for stray cats, has expanded its program to provide the animals with safe havens during the city’s harsh winters. This year, the district has added 45 new shelters to the existing 180, bringing the total to 225.
Stray cats, with an average lifespan of just two years, face numerous winter dangers, including frostbite, dehydration leading to kidney issues, and fatal accidents from seeking warmth inside car engines.
Cats are particularly vulnerable to cold due to their evolutionary origins in warm climates and lower muscle mass compared to dogs.
The shelters, made from durable and eco-friendly materials, are designed to retain heat and resist moisture. Each is easy to maintain, featuring a double-layered, detachable design. The shelters will be managed in collaboration with local cat welfare groups until February.
In addition to the shelters, the district has upgraded 12 of its 48 feeding stations to ensure consistent food supplies. Officials believe these measures will not only prevent fatalities but also help reduce community disputes and improve cleanliness and population management.
“We are committed to creating a community where people and animals can coexist harmoniously,” said Mayor Jeong Moon-heon. He also highlighted the district’s sterilization program to control overpopulation and address residents’ concerns.
Animal welfare groups have also called on drivers to tap their car hoods before starting their engines, as stray cats often seek refuge in vehicles during the winter months.
Jongno District’s efforts reflect a growing recognition of animal welfare as essential to fostering compassionate urban communities.
Image credit: Yonhap, PickPik/CCL, Jongno District / photonews@koreabizwire.com
