As Glorietta and Greenbelt malls in Ayala, Makati undergo redevelopment, the community cats that have roamed these areas for years face uncertainty. CARA (Compassion and Responsibility for Animals) Welfare Philippines is intensifying efforts to ensure these cats’ safety and well-being and seeks additional volunteer support.
Since 2007, CARA has operated a Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) program for the cats in Glorietta and Greenbelt. Over the years, the organization has neutered and vaccinated numerous cats, enhancing their health and longevity. In 2020, CARA further improved this program by adding rabies vaccinations alongside neutering procedures.
The responsibility of feeding the cats, once managed by volunteers, has also been taken over by CARA. With the redevelopment in progress, CARA has been actively relocating the cats to safe areas. Between May and June 2024, cats from Glorietta 1 & 2 and Greenbelt 1 & 2 have been moved to temporary shelters. Glorietta is constructing a large cattery on their open roof space, while Greenbelt has built a kitten cattery and relocated adult cats to their gardens.
Currently, there are 85 cats in Glorietta and 60 in Greenbelt. In temporary shelters, Glorietta houses 25 cats, while Greenbelt houses another 25. Additionally, Greenbelt has 15 cats in their gardens, and one cat remains in Greenbelt 2. CARA maintains constant communication with Glorietta and Greenbelt management to ensure the safety of these cats during the redevelopment process. Volunteers are crucial to sustaining the CNVR program and ensuring that the cats continue to receive the necessary care. Nancy Cu Unjieng, President of CARA, underscores the importance of community involvement: “We understand the concern of the community who have long taken care of and fed these cats.
These cats are like old friends to us, and we look forward to collaborating with volunteers to ensure their safety.” Those interested in helping can reach out through CARA’s Facebook page or fill out the Google form at https://forms.gle/aus7h83BneAbj6o47.
