American University of Beirut Becomes Unlikely Home to Over 1,200 Stray Cats

Feline Frenzy: American University of Beirut Home to Over 1,000 Stray Cats BEIRUT, Lebanon - The American University of Beirut (AUB) has become an unlikely sanctuary for more than 1,200 stray cats, which roam the campus freely, much to the delight of students and staff. The university's feline population began to grow in the late 1980s, when AUB started taking in abandoned cats during Lebanon's civil war. The influx continued last year, with hundreds more arriving at the campus gates after the conflict with Israel. Today, the cats are an integral part of campus life, with some even attending classes. "It's a unique situation," said Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president. "We've tried to adopt out as many as possible, but it's not easy. We have to spay and neuter them, vaccinate them, and provide food and shelter." The university's sprawling campus, with its lush green spaces and Mediterranean views, provides the perfect environment for the feline residents. While some students may grumble about the cats' presence, they are required to treat them with kindness. "It's not a problem at all," said student Rania El-Hajj. "We love having them around. They're like part of the family." The AUB cat population has sparked interest among animal lovers and researchers worldwide. Dr. Barbara Funnell, an expert on feral cat populations from the University of California, Berkeley, notes that the situation at AUB is not unique. "Feral cats are a common problem in many parts of the world," she said. "In some cases, they can be beneficial to local ecosystems by controlling rodent populations." However, others argue that the presence of stray animals on campus poses health risks and creates maintenance issues. "We understand the sentimental value of these cats, but we also have concerns about their impact on our facilities and students' well-being," said a university spokesperson. Despite these challenges, AUB continues to care for its feline residents. The university has established a cat sanctuary on campus, where volunteers provide food, shelter, and medical attention to the animals. As the situation at AUB demonstrates, the relationship between humans and animals is complex and multifaceted. While some see stray cats as pests, others view them as beloved companions or even beneficial members of their community. Background: The American University of Beirut was founded in 1866 by a group of Protestant missionaries from the United States. Today, it is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Lebanon, with over 7,000 students from more than 80 countries. Additional Perspectives: Animal welfare organizations have taken notice of the situation at AUB and are offering support to help care for the cats. The Lebanese Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has partnered with AUB to provide medical attention and adoption services for the felines. As the university continues to navigate the challenges posed by its feline population, it remains committed to finding a solution that balances the needs of both humans and animals. Current Status: The cat sanctuary on campus is currently caring for over 1,200 stray cats. AUB staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to spay and neuter the animals, vaccinate them, and provide food and shelter. Adoption efforts are ongoing, with several local organizations partnering with the university to find forever homes for the cats. Next Developments: AUB is exploring innovative solutions to manage its feline population, including a proposed cat cafe on campus that would provide a safe space for visitors to interact with the animals while also generating revenue for their care. *Reporting by Npr.*