Redevelopment plan for the Nicosia-Lakatamia linear park includes cat shelter updates

A new redevelopment report for the linear park connecting Nicosia and Lakatamia recommends removing existing makeshift cat shelters. The report states that the current shelters and feeding practices, which often involve liquid food, contribute to aesthetic issues, odors, and the attraction of insects and rodents. Ecologically, the high concentration of cats is identified as a threat to local biodiversity, particularly small birds and reptiles. The proposal involves replacing unauthorized structures with uniform, well-ventilated shelters made from natural materials. Municipal authorities, in coordination with animal welfare groups and sponsors, plan to implement a structured feeding program using solid food. Additionally, the initiative aims to intensify cat sterilization efforts within the Pedieos area. According to previous data from the Strovolos Municipality, there are ten identified cat colonies living within the park boundaries.