WHAT IS A “COLÓNIA DE GATOS”?

A Community Guide
Understanding, Respecting, and Protecting Porto’s Feral Felines

Did you know?
Porto is home to over 100 officially managed cat colonies. These are not stray “pests”—they are organized, cared-for communities of feral cats.

Learn how the city, local volunteers, and YOU can help keep them safe.

WHAT IS A “COLÓNIA DE GATOS”?
A cat colony is a group of feral (wild) or semi-feral cats that live together in a specific territory. In Porto, these are not abandoned pets—they are generations of cats that have always lived outdoors.
The Official Program: C.E.D.
Porto City Council runs a legal, science-backed program for these colonies. It stands for:

  • Capture
  • Esterilize (Spay/Neuter)
  • Devolver (Return)

Why this works:

✅ Stops population growth humanely.

✅ Prevents fighting and spreading of diseases.

✅ Keeps the colony stable (new cats are less likely to move in).

✅ Improves the cats’ quality of life.

HOW TO SPOT AN OFFICIAL COLONY CAT
Look for the “Tipped Ear” (a small, straight notch cut into the tip of the left ear). This is a universal sign that the cat has been:

✔️ Sterilized

✔️ Vaccinated against Rabies

✔️ Dewormed

✔️ Microchipped

WHERE ARE THE COLONIES?
Colonies are spread across the city. The highest concentrations are found in:

📍 Bonfim / Campanhã

📍 Aldoar

📍 Baixa (Downtown) / Centro Histórico

They are often located near green spaces, abandoned buildings, or quiet alleys where food and shelter are accessible.

WHO TAKES CARE OF THEM?

It is a team effort!

  • Local Caregivers: Volunteers who feed the cats daily, monitor their health, and report injuries.
  • Porto City Council (CROA): The official animal collection center coordinates the sterilizations and vet care.
  • Partner Animal Associations: The city works closely with four local groups to manage the colonies:
    • Miacis
    • Animais de Rua
    • Midas
    • Causa de Caudas

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Even if you aren’t a caregiver, you can make a huge difference:

✅ Do NOT feed them without talking to the caregiver first. Uncontrolled feeding attracts rats, causes messes, and makes the cats sick. Stick to the schedule!

✅ Do NOT remove kittens. If you find kittens, contact a partner association. Removing them too early takes them away from their mother’s care and breaks the colony cycle.

✅ Keep your dog on a leash in known colony areas.

✅ Report sick or injured cats to the CROA or one of the partner associations—do not try to catch them yourself.

✅ Spread awareness, not food. Share this pamphlet with neighbors so everyone understands the program.

CONTACTS (GET IN TOUCH)

NEED HELP OR HAVE QUESTIONS?
For emergencies, call the associations above. For general advice or guidance, we’re happy to help! Email us: info@velvetpawpress.com