Yes, feeding stray cats in Egypt is generally permitted, but municipal and veterinary regulations impose strict conditions to prevent public health risks and nuisance complaints. Local authorities, particularly in Cairo and Alexandria, enforce bylaws requiring permits for large-scale feeding operations near residential zones or public spaces.
Key Regulations for Feeding Stray Cats in Egypt
- Municipal Permits Required: Local governorates (e.g., Cairo Governorate’s Law No. 106 of 2023) mandate permits for feeding more than five cats in public areas, with inspections by veterinary or sanitation departments to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
- Prohibited Locations: Feeding is banned within 50 meters of hospitals, schools, or food markets per Ministry of Environment’s 2024 Circular on Urban Animal Control, to mitigate disease transmission and litter hazards.
- Waste Management Obligations: Feeders must dispose of food waste in sealed containers and report overpopulation issues to the General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS) to trigger sterilization programs under the National Stray Animal Management Strategy (2025–2030).
Non-compliance risks fines up to EGP 5,000 (≈$160) or confiscation of feeding equipment, as outlined in Law No. 143 of 2021 on animal welfare. Exceptions exist for licensed NGOs, which must coordinate with GOVS for colony management. Recent 2026 amendments emphasize digital reporting via the Animal Welfare Portal to track feeder activity and enforce accountability.