Houtong Cat Village Introduction
Houtong was once known for its rich coal mining, but as the mining industry declined, it gradually faded into obscurity. Today, it has transformed into a cat village and developed into a tourist destination, becoming an internationally renowned spot for cat lovers. In April 2021, Houtong established the preparatory office for the Cat Council to enhance the care for the village's cats. This initiative includes providing “identification cards” for stray cats, conducting a census of the local cat population, and setting up a medical station to meet various needs of the community's felines. By the end of April 2024, the Houtong Cat Council will officially unveil its operations. The Cat Council will serve as a comprehensive information station for cats living in Houtong, issuing identification cards, implanting microchips, and regularly conducting cat population censuses. They will also collaborate with non-profit organizations to establish a medical station providing health care services for the cats, along with forming patrol teams with various volunteer associations to enhance the safety and protection of the cat village, preventing abandonment. The exterior of the Cat Council features a large electronic information board displaying popular activities for the cats in Houtong, along with updates on village happenings, and links to adoption information from eight animal shelters in New Taipei City. The Cat Council, renovated from the former Taiwan Railways dormitory, is designed with a primary color theme of "Ruifang gold" to reflect local mining elements. The building features a rooftop with a cute cat peeking out, outdoor grass designed with cat paw print motifs, and indoor arrangements of cat play equipment, showcasing a new aesthetic of life in the cat village. The Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Department of New Taipei City has also planted a large area of catnip next to the Cat Council to create a diverse and integrated ecosystem for both plants and animals.
