Although the cat facility was officially inaugurated in November 2024, the cat facility is finally seeing the first cats being housed as the facility was handed over by the Male' City Council to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare on 26th February 2025.
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Stray cats are one of the most commonly sighted creatures that can be spotted all across the roads of the city. Although most of the stray cats on the streets are friendly and do not cause disturbances, one of the biggest issues faced by the increased number of stray cats are
Stray cats are a familiar sight on the streets of Malé City, weaving between vehicles, resting on sidewalks, and often befriending passersby. While most of these cats are harmless and even welcomed by many residents, the increasing number of strays has led to a significant issue—cat faeces littering the streets. This problem worsens during the rainy season when the city’s roads flood, spreading waste and creating unsanitary conditions that pose health risks to citizens.
Malé’s persistent drainage issues exacerbate the situation, turning puddles and flooded streets into breeding grounds for bacteria and contamination. The combination of standing water and scattered waste not only leads to unpleasant odours but also increases the risk of disease transmission. Pedestrians, especially children, are particularly vulnerable as they navigate waterlogged streets that conceal potential hazards.
Recognizing the need for action, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has taken steps to address the stray cat population in the City. With this, in November 2024, the 'Olhu Hiyaa' cat shelter was integrated - one of the first steps taken in the Maldives towards addressing the growing stray cat population. The Olhu Hiyaa cat facility, which is located in Hulhumale' Phase II was set up not just to operate as a shelter for stray cats but will also include a quarantine area, a clinic, as well as a laboratory that can provide the services needed for cats. Additionally, Olhu Hiyaa also has a pharmacy where veterinary medication is available in addition to a recreational area for resident cats.
Although the cat facility was officially inaugurated in November 2024, the cat facility is finally seeing the first cats being housed as the facility was handed over by the Male' City Council to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare on 26th February 2025. According to the Animal Welfare Ministry, within 16 hours after the facility was handed over to the ministry, the necessary resources for the cat quarantine area was established and 15 cats had been housed at the facility.
With the first steps being taken with the opening of the Olhu Hiyaa cat shelter, many are hoping that the success of Olhu Hiyaa could pave the way for more structured solutions, ensuring that both the city’s human and feline populations coexist more sustainably.
