Sometimes, we are not aware of the attractiveness or charm of something that surrounds us until someone stops, photographs it and those images become viral on social networks. Well, that is neither more nor less what happened in the Taiwanese town of Houtong, a municipality, just 40 kilometers from the capital of Taipei (Taiwan), which has 200 stray cats in its census.
But this is not a situation resulting from the irresponsibility of someone who released the animals and they reproduced without control, but rather the opposite. This is the story of a small town where all its inhabitants – and a good part of the outsiders – care almost devotedly to these felines.
Houtong, which decades ago made a living from mining exploitation, suffered the crisis in the sector that hit the vast majority of its inhabitants hard, who had to learn to turn the page and emigrate to other areas of the country. Thus, this town went from six thousand inhabitants to just over one hundred.
The snapshots that a photographer knew how to share on social networks were decisive in promoting the town and giving it this new opportunity starting in 2008. Given the repercussion, citizens became more involved – even if possible – in caring for the cats, caring for them, clothing them and feeding them every day.
Now, when tourists visit the town, interest focuses on the multitude of affectionate cats that live in its streets. A commission, made up of volunteers and veterinarians, ensures the comfort, health and control of the population of these cheerful kittens that wait with cuddles for locals and tourists.
When the latter arrive in Houtong, they must abide by a current protocol to protect the health and integrity of the felines. Some of the main recommendations are not to bother them too much, not to chase them, not to violate them and, above all, to maintain good hand hygiene before touching them.
This is Houtong, a small town that already has more cats than people in its population register.
