IN CELEBRATION of International Cat Day on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, local feline advocacy groups Paw Pantry Mission and Cats of Cebu partnered to rescue and bring stray cats from Cebu Business Park and IT Park in Cebu City to the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) for treatment.
The rescued cats, many of which are regularly fed by volunteer feeders in the area, were part of the DVMF’s intensified Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (CNVR) program. This ongoing initiative aims to humanely control the population of stray animals in the city.
Under the CNVR program, stray cats and dogs are captured, spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and given vitamins to improve their overall health before being returned to their original location. In cases where pregnant strays are brought in, DVMF veterinarians consult with the owners or feeders to decide whether to proceed with an abortion, as part of population control efforts.
DVMF head Dr. Alice Utlang explained that neutering reduces mating behavior, which helps curb the growth of stray populations over time. “Neutering these animals not only limits their ability to reproduce but also promotes better health and safer communities,” Dr. Utlang said.
The program also plays a crucial role in rabies prevention, as all treated animals receive anti-rabies shots before release. The initiative receives regular support from Biyaya Animal Care, which sponsors the medicines and surgical supplies for the CNVR procedures every Friday.
Advocates say International Cat Day serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and community participation in addressing the city’s stray animal situation, a challenge that continues to require both compassion and coordinated action. (Juan Carlo de Vela)