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French municipalities can declare free-roaming cat populations and implement mandatory sterilization programs under the 2021 animal welfare law
Source: French Ministry of Agriculture (2021)
Notes
Part of broader animal welfare reforms including pet store puppy/kitten sales ban
French Ministry of Agriculture. (2021). Loi contre la maltraitance animale. As cited in Cat Cognition. https://catcognition.com/statistics/feral-cats/#fr-free-sterilization-program-2024
11-15 million
France has an estimated 11-15 million stray and feral cats, nearly equal to the 16.6 million pet cat population
30 Millions d'Amis (2024)
30%
Only 30% of stray cats in France are sterilized, compared to 75% of pet cats, contributing to ongoing population growth
Fondation Brigitte Bardot (2024)
Banned 2024
France banned the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores starting January 2024, requiring all purchases to go through breeders or shelters
French Ministry of Agriculture (2021)
30-40 million
The estimated number of community cats (strays and ferals) in the US is 30-40 million
HumanePro (Humane Society) (2025)
