Cats of Mumbai are giving BMC a run for their money

An animal lover feeds stray cats opposite the High Court. Pic/Getty Images

Stray cat sterilisation is proving to be a difficult task for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body has only managed to find two sterilisation agencies in the past four years to help sterilise the cats. Since August 2019, the BMC has sterilised 4,261 stray cats. "Catching stray cats is more difficult than catching stray dogs, as they are smaller in size and can run anywhere. They can even climb trees," said an officer of the BMC veterinary department.

"Cats are more aggressive than dogs, and therefore more difficult to handle," said Dr Rajive Gaikwad, Head of surgery department at Mumbai Veterinary College. The college is helping the BMC with the sterilisations. "Cats don't respond to strangers. So, if locals help catch the cat, it would be easier," said Dr Gaikwad, adding, "The cat population is increasing faster than dogs. A dog may give birth twice in a year whereas cats give birth thrice."

Along with the Mumbai Veterinary College, the BMC has collaborated with In Defence of Animals, Deonar, informed Dr Kalimpasha Pathan, head of BMC's veterinary department. "We are in the process of appointing two more agencies for the final stage," Dr Pathan added. The BMC bears an expense of Rs 600 for sterilisation of a male cat and Rs 800 for a female cat. There are no figures available for the number of stray cats in the city.

Crunch for space

"After sterilisation, the female cat has to be kept under observation for seven to eight days till the wound is clear," said a veterinary doctor, adding that there are limited places to keep the animals. He added that the civic agency is working to sort out these issues.