How a Bengaluru apartment found harmony with community cats | Bengaluru News
Torn milk packets, raided dustbins, and disturbances caused by frequent fights – complaints about stray cats flooded community forums of Purva Fountain Square in Marathahalli in 2020. The 16-acre residential complex with more than 1,150 flats and over 10 acres of open space was struggling with a growing population of cats, and with them, rising tensions among residents. As calls to remove the cats grew louder, a group of residents decided to take a different approach. They formed a core committee and, in collaboration with the Apartment Owners’ Association (AOA), launched a structured vaccination, sterilisation, and feeding programme. The initiative was inspired by a similar effort at Prestige Mayberry in Whitefield. Around 30 cats were humanely trapped using cage traps, vaccinated, sterilised, and released back into the campus with the support of animal welfare organisations Compassion Unlimited Plus Action and Sarvodaya.
Pika and Ranjini Rao
The AOA funded the sterilisation of the cats, while feeding expenses were met by about 20 volunteers. “We dispense about 30 kg of cat food every month,” said Sandeep Reddy, a member of the core committee. “Each of our 16 towers has food and water bowls that security guards help keep filled. If a cat is injured or unwell, we ensure prompt treatment.” Reddy cited a 1990 World Health Organization study that warns against animal removal. “The scientific approach is to maintain a stable, sterilised, and vaccinated population. Cats are territorial, and the incumbent population prevents other cats from moving in,” he said.
Buttons and Oliver Sequiera
The population of the stray cats in the apartment complex is down to 15 over five years now, with no kittens born on the campus since the start of the programme. There are no complaints now — milk packets remain intact, dustbins are not raided, and fights have reduced.
Pompom and Biscuit with Sandeep Reddy
Over time, cats like Mao, Pika, Pompom, Vanilla, Biscuit, Tiger, Buttons, and Momo have become a familiar presence. Residents often stop to observe their playful antics and interact with them, and families unable to keep pets find companionship in these cats.
Mao and Rajul Garg
Security staff also have a similar bond with these cats. “Biscuit stays by my side for most of my shift. I look forward to work because of her,” says security guard Rahul Dubey.This initiative shows that large communities can coexist peacefully with community animals through planning, cooperation, and compassion. Cat DiaryPom Pom is choosy and interacts only with select people she likes. She ignores everyone else. Sunitha CN Pika is Ms Congeniality—when Mao or Vanilla hisses at her, she rolls on her back in submission and wins them over. Ranjini RaoButtons converted my family from “indifferent” to “cat lovers” in a matter of weeks. Oliver SequieraBiscuit is vocal and follows you around if you speak to her gently. She loves our security guards. Rajul Garg Apartment complexes interested in management of community cats can contact Laavanya Koushik (Fiapo, SPCA member) on 9945213796.
