Are Seasians cat lovers? You bet and it’s not just a few people! These furry companions are hugely popular and well-loved throughout Southeast Asia.
Pet and stray cats are a common sight across the region, a sign of the deep, sometimes complex, but always special bond between cats and the people who live here.
Cat Lovers: A Reflection of Southeast Asians' Care for Animals
Cats are known for their affectionate, clingy nature, often bringing out their humans’ nurturing side.
A 2021 survey by Rakuten Insight Global revealed that Indonesia tops the list for cat ownership in Southeast Asia, with 47% of respondents reporting they own a cat. That’s more than the Philippines (43%), Thailand (42%), and Malaysia (34%).
In many Southeast Asian countries, cats also hold a place in local beliefs and traditions. Kindness toward cats is expressed in many ways—from feeding strays to setting up shelters for them.
Some cat lover communities even care for strays in large numbers, which speaks volumes about the compassion people here have for animals.
Animal welfare efforts are also growing, with more community-led and government-backed initiatives, such as free spaying and neutering campaigns to help control the stray cat population.
Caring for Cats Means Caring for All Animals in Southeast Asia
Loving cats often sparks a broader desire to protect and care for animals in general. Several animal welfare organizations are active across Southeast Asia, playing key roles in promoting animal rights and wellbeing.
Here are some standout organizations making a real difference for cats and other animals in the region:
Four Paws
This global animal welfare organization operates in Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Their programs focus on providing medical care, rescuing injured and sick animals, and ending the dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia.
They partner with local charities and collaborate with governments to support stray animal care and raise awareness about the dog and cat meat trade.
Four Paws, in collaboration with Jakarta Animal Aid Network, also launched an online platform to provide animal welfare training materials.
Soi Dog Foundation
Founded in 2003, this nonprofit is dedicated to improving the lives of stray dogs and cats throughout Asia.
They provide medical services, work to control stray populations, and fight against the dog and cat meat trade, particularly in Thailand and nearby countries.
Their shelter in Phuket, Thailand, currently houses over 1,800 rescued dogs and cats, many saved from the illegal meat trade.
Animals Asia
Headquartered in Hong Kong, this foundation focuses on public education, empowering local groups, and influencing government policies.
Its largest program, as reported by warnasia.org, is rescuing bears from the bile trade. Animals Asia is also part of Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI), showing its dedication to ending the dog and cat meat trade in the region.
Read also: How Cats Meow Around the World: A Global Journey of Feline Vocalizations
So yes, Seasians, your love for cats actually reflects something bigger. It’s a powerful symbol of compassion and humanity that’s deeply rooted in Southeast Asian culture and values.
References:
Four Paws. (2021). Four Paws Southeast Asia Partnership Program. https://www.fourpawsusa.org/campaigns-topics/topics/help-for-strays/four-paws-southeast-asia-partnership-programs
Soi Dog. (n.d). Our Work. https://www.soidog.org/content/about-us
Wild Asia Rescue Network. (n.d). Animals Asia. https://www.warnasia.org/members/animals-asia/
Fajar Network. (2024). 7 Fakta Pecinta Kucing Menurut Sifat dan Kepribadian. https://rakyatsulsel.fajar.co.id/2024/02/11/7-fakta-pecinta-kucing-menurut-sifat-dan-kepribadian/
Unair News. (2022). Kucing Itu Disayang Bukan Ditembak. https://unair.ac.id/kucing-itu-disayang-bukan-ditembak/
Rakuten Insight. (2021). Pet Ownership in Asia. https://insight.rakuten.com/pet-ownership-in-asia/
Faunalytics. (2015). Cat Metaphors In Malay And English Proverbs. https://faunalytics.org/cat-metaphors-in-malay-and-english-proverbs/
Festive Pinoy. (n.d). Exploring Filipino Superstitions and Beliefs. https://festivepinoy.com/exploring-filipino-superstitions-and-beliefs/
