The Future of Cat Island "Aoshima": Residents and Cats Face Aging, Cat Mama Accompanies Everyone to Enjoy Their Final Happy Moments

Japan is home to several islands known as "Cat Islands," where the feline population far exceeds that of humans. One such island is Aoshima, located in the Seto Inland Sea of Ehime Prefecture. This island has become a pilgrimage site for cat lovers due to its abundance of stray cats. However, recent concerns have emerged regarding the future of Aoshima and its beloved cats.

The Current Situation on Aoshima

Aoshima has been facing significant challenges due to the aging population of its human residents. As reported by local volunteers, the island may soon become uninhabited as the elderly residents age and pass away. The cat population, which has been managed through spaying and neutering initiatives, is also declining, with no new kittens being born. This has led to fears that Aoshima could lose its status as a cat haven in the near future.

The Future of Cat Island:

Currently, the number of cats is continuously decreasing, and the cat population is aging, with all the cats on the island now over 7 years old. Since achieving complete spaying and neutering of all cats in October 2018, no kittens have been born. It is believed that in a few years, the cats will gradually cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Meanwhile, only 5 islanders remain. When tourists stop coming, the ferry service will also reduce its schedule or cease operations. When "Cat Mama" must leave the island due to her old age, it will mark the end of Cat Island. It sounds lonely, but I hope everyone can enjoy the last happy moments on Cat Island until the last cat is gone.

The Decline of Human Residents

Historically, Aoshima was a thriving fishing village with a robust human population. However, as fishing opportunities dwindled and younger generations moved to urban areas for better prospects, the number of residents plummeted. By 2013, only 15 residents remained, all aged between 50 and 80 years old. Despite the influx of tourists drawn by the island's feline inhabitants, the resident population did not increase significantly.

Volunteer Efforts and Concerns for the Cats

Volunteers have been actively involved in caring for the cats on Aoshima, providing food and medical care. However, with fewer tourists visiting recently, food supplies have diminished. The volunteers fear that without adequate support, many cats will go hungry. The aging cat population mirrors that of the humans; currently, all cats on the island are over seven years old.

The Future of Aoshima

The outlook for Aoshima is grim if current trends continue. As tourist numbers decline, ferry services may be reduced or canceled altogether. The potential loss of "Cat Mama", a dedicated resident who cares for the cats, could mark the end of an era for this unique island. Volunteers urge visitors to take advantage of the time left to experience Aoshima before it transforms into an uninhabited land.

Since 2013, Qingdao has been referred to as the "World's Number One Cat Paradise," and the reason lies in the presence of a "Cat Mama."

Every morning, Cat Mama cleans up the cat feces on the streets, ensuring that tourists do not encounter a mess during their visits. The cat food donated from various places in Japan is managed by Cat Mama. During the autumn and winter months into spring, ferry services often stop due to strong winds and waves. When tourists cannot reach the island to feed the cats, Cat Mama uses her stockpile of food to ensure that the cats are never hungry throughout the year.

Additionally, if any cats are injured and need medical attention, Cat Mama helps catch them and takes them to an animal hospital in Dazhou City.

The day Cat Mama can no longer stay on the island due to her old age will mark the end of Cat Island.

"The number of cats is gradually decreasing... We think the cats will cross the rainbow bridge in a few years." - Local Volunteer

Conclusion

Aoshima stands as a poignant reminder of how demographic changes can impact unique ecosystems and communities. As cat lovers around the world cherish their visits to this feline paradise, it is crucial to recognize and support efforts that may help sustain both the human and cat populations on this beloved island.