Concern Grows as Stray Cats Mysteriously Disappear Across Male’
A local animal welfare group has sounded the alarm over the unexplained disappearance of stray cats in Male’, raising concerns among residents and volunteers who care for the city’s street animals.
Vanishing Without a Trace
According to Feline Welfare founder and president Ahmed Vishan, the number of stray cats in the capital has seen a sharp and sudden decline since late March. What’s especially troubling, he says, is that the cats aren't being found injured or dead — they’re simply gone.
“They’re just vanishing,” Vishan told. “We’re not seeing dead cats, nor any signs of violence or poisoning. There’s simply no trace.”
This sudden drop in numbers is unlike past incidents, where cats were found poisoned or harmed. This time, it’s the complete absence of any signs — no remains, no reports of injury — that has left volunteers and residents puzzled.
Drastic Decline in Familiar Feeding Spots
One of the most noticeable changes has occurred near the Marrybrown parking area, previously one of the most cat-populated parts of Male’. Vishan said that at the end of Ramadan, there were roughly 80 to 90 adult cats in that area. Now, just a handful — around 15 to 18 — remain. During feeding times, a few unfamiliar cats appear, bringing the count to no more than 30.
This concerning trend isn’t limited to one neighborhood. In the city’s industrial zone, only about 15 cats remain, and near Salman Mosque, volunteers report seeing just two or three.
“Our feeding volunteers are seeing it too — cats are missing from nearly every area where they used to be a familiar presence,” Vishan explained.
Widening Mystery Across the Capital Region
Efforts by the Feline Welfare team to search for answers have included scouring the outskirts of Male’ and even parts of nearby Thilafushi. Yet, there has been no sign of the missing cats — dead or alive.
What’s more, reports of similar disappearances are now starting to emerge from Hulhumale’ as well, raising questions about whether this could be part of a broader issue affecting the entire Greater Male’ Region.
No Official Response Yet
Despite multiple social media posts and growing public concern, Vishan said no government agency or city authority has responded or launched an official investigation.
“We’ve been raising this for three weeks, and still, there’s silence,” he said. “This isn’t just about animal lovers — it’s about something strange happening in our neighborhoods, right under our noses.”
As the mystery deepens, Feline Welfare is urging authorities to step in and investigate. In a city where stray animals have long been a part of everyday life, their sudden disappearance is not only heartbreaking for volunteers, but also unsettling for a community that has grown used to seeing them roam the streets.