Gov’t Plans Dedicated ‘Cat Island’ to Tackle Stray Cat Issue

The Maldivian government is working on plans to establish a dedicated island for the care and management of cats, Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam has announced.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office today, Shiyam said the proposed “Cat Island” would be a major undertaking requiring substantial financial resources. However, he expressed confidence that the initiative could become a successful and internationally recognised project.

The minister said a purpose-built facility equipped with modern infrastructure for cats could attract considerable interest internationally, particularly given the Maldives’ unique island geography.

The proposed island comes amid increasing public concern over the growing number of stray cats in the Greater Malé Area. As part of the government’s efforts to address the issue, authorities are also expanding the capacity of Olhuhiyaa, a dedicated pet shelter in Hulhumalé Phase II.

According to Shiyam, Olhuhiyaa currently accommodates around 280 cats, while ongoing expansion works are expected to increase its capacity to approximately 500 cats.

The government established Olhuhiyaa as part of efforts to provide a more organised approach to the management and welfare of stray animals in the capital region. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the facility on November 2, 2024.

The shelter was developed with facilities aimed at providing comprehensive care for cats, including a quarantine area, veterinary clinic, laboratory, veterinary pharmacy and designated living areas.

The proposed Cat Island would represent a larger-scale approach to the issue, potentially providing dedicated space for sheltering and caring for cats while easing pressure on existing facilities in the Greater Malé Area.

Shiyam’s announcement comes as the government continues to explore longer-term solutions to animal welfare and the management of the country’s stray cat population.