Stray cat sterilisation is proving to be a difficult task for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The civic body has only managed to find two sterilisation agencies in the past four years to help sterilise the cats. Since August 2019, the BMC has sterilised 4,261 stray cats. “Catching stray cats is more difficult than catching stray dogs, as they are smaller in size and can run anywhere. They can even climb trees,” said an officer of the BMC veterinary department.

“Cats are more aggressive than dogs, and therefore more difficult to handle,” said Dr Rajive Gaikwad, Head of surgery department at Mumbai Veterinary College. The college is helping the BMC with the sterilisations. “Cats don’t respond to strangers. So, if locals help catch the cat, it would be easier,” said Dr Gaikwad, adding, “The cat population is increasing faster than dogs. A dog may give birth twice in a year whereas cats give birth thrice.”