ORIHUELA (25 November 2025) –
The City of Orihuela has officially launched its Stray Cat Sterilization Plan, targeting feral and unowned feline colonies throughout the municipality, including urban areas, villages, and the coast. The initiative aims to control cat populations, improve neighborhood coexistence, and promote animal welfare.
City Councillor for Health, Irene Celdrán, explained that the plan uses the CER method (Capture, Sterilize, Return), recognised as the most ethical and sustainable approach for managing feral cat colonies. Participating animals will receive veterinary care, microchip identification, vaccination, and deworming, ensuring their health and well-being.
The program will be rolled out in phases across Montepinar, Orihuela Costa, the city center, and surrounding districts. Each day, five cats will be captured, sterilized, and returned, with participation from municipal staff and authorised volunteers from local animal organisations, including Colonias Felinas Orihuela, Gatitos 7 Vidas, and Protectora Oriolana.
The contract covers 640 cats (320 males and 320 females), costs €131,348, and is expected to last up to 15 months. Celdrán emphasised that the initiative seeks responsible coexistence, public health, and animal welfare, while also urging residents to avoid abandoning pets, feed cats responsibly, and report new colonies to the municipality.
Summary: Orihuela has begun a comprehensive sterilization program for stray cats, combining population control with veterinary care, community involvement, and public awareness to promote animal welfare and healthier neighborhood coexistence.
