In a quiet neighborhood in Shanghai's suburban Baoshan district lies a sanctuary, a repurposed kindergarten that shelters over 400 stray cats.

Known as the "cat island", this is Shanghai's first community governance and education base for stray cats. The cat island follows the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) model, an internationally recognized humane method for managing and reducing stray cat populations.

Volunteers, together with community helpers, capture stray cats, perform neutering surgeries, and either release them back to the community or shelter them on the island.

Beyond providing a safe haven for cats, the cat island is dedicated to raising public awareness about the scientific management of stray cats. In its education center, visitors can learn about community governance of stray cats, the TNR model, and responsible pet care practices.

Through social media and offline activities, the cat island is also promoting knowledge about stray cat management and adoption, encouraging residents to participate and help to build a long-term mechanism for managing stray cats.

Originally located in Pudong New Area, the cat island was relocated to Baoshan district in April. As a stray cat management initiative, it has built connections with over 1,700 communities across Shanghai, with more than 7,400 stray cats neutered and released.

Despite a large volunteer group, the cat island still faces a shortage of regular helpers. Only four full-time volunteers keep operations running around the clock.

If you are interested in volunteering, you can reach out via WeChat by adding the account "mdzyz88888". Opportunities include hands-on care such as feeding, cleaning, disinfecting, as well as administrative tasks, educational activities, and even online content creation.

No special skills are required, just a loving heart.

If you go

Address: No 62, Shengzhai village, Gucun town, Baoshan district

Admission:

Free entry, no reservation required; visitors may enter after on-site registration; a fee of 20 yuan (about $3)/person for education center. 

How to get there:

Metro Line 7: Nanchen Road Station

Metro Line 1: Gongfu Xincun Station

Bus Baoshan Nos 25, 828

Note: For safety reasons, cat island is only open to visitors aged 12 and above. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

 

Source: Baoshan Media Center