Saving the stray cats in Raderberg: Petition reaches 6,000 votes!

Saving the stray cats in Raderberg: Petition reaches 6,000 votes!

The old Raderberg wholesale market in Cologne, a familiar meeting point for both traders and numerous stray cats, is facing drastic change. Loud Radio Cologne The wholesale market will be closed and demolished at the end of 2025. This closure will not only affect the local people, but also the many animals that have found their home there. The Cologne Cat Protection Association points out that numerous stray cats have been living on the premises for years and are dependent on support.

The closure of the area is worrying. Because the evacuation means the disappearance of important feeding places and shelters for the cats. Many of these animals are old, sick or even injured and are completely dependent on care from local traders. The impending closure could put these animals in serious trouble. There is currently an online petition that has collected more than 6,000 signatures to draw attention to the cats' situation and call for their rescue. The initiators are aiming to collect over 10,000 signatures and are asking for urgent support to ensure the animals' survival before the site disappears forever Change.org reported.

A call for support

Animal protection organizations such as the Cat Protection Association and Straßekatzen Köln e.V. are already actively looking after the estimated 100 stray cats on site. They caught, castrated and provided veterinary care to numerous animals to ensure their health. Nevertheless, the need for help with resettlement and species-appropriate care is great. The organizations are calling on the city of Cologne to provide habitable shelter for the cats, ideally in heated stables to enable them to make a smooth transition.

The petition therefore also proposes to apply for financial resources for this relocation as well as for the medical care of the cats. Because many of the cats are not easy to adopt - they are often traumatized and afraid of people. Time is of the essence, especially as the existing feeding stations are gradually being eliminated. Initial feedback shows that many cats are becoming increasingly restless and stressed, which underlines the need for quick action.

Forgotten animals in the city

The situation in Cologne is not unique. An estimated two million street cats live in difficult conditions in many cities in Germany. One example is Frankfurt, where animal protection associations like Felina Sicily regularly catch and neuter stray cats. This work requires great effort and financial resources to care for the animals and regulate their population Hesse show reported.

Preparations to help and improve the situation of stray cats in Cologne are the responsibility of everyone - from the Cat Protection Association to the general public. Right now it is important to support the animals during this uncertain time and ensure that they can find a safe home before the demolition of the wholesale market begins.