AUB's Flourishing Feline Community: A Sanctuary Forged in Conflict

The American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon is home to an estimated 1,200 to 1,600 cats on its campus. This significant population has grown steadily over decades, a direct consequence of various regional conflicts and a severe financial crisis.

A Sanctuary Forged in Conflict: History of the Feline Population

The cat rescue program at AUB originated during the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s, when animals sought refuge on the campus from intense street fighting. The program has since continued and expanded, providing crucial care for felines abandoned during more recent conflicts. This includes a year of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel that began in late 2023.

Cats initially flocked to AUB's campus during the civil war, instinctively seeking protection from the turmoil. More recently, the campus has become a haven for pets abandoned due to people fleeing homes and economic hardship. Owners frequently leave cats near AUB, trusting they will receive care.

Dedicated Care and Management

Veterinarian Rana Bou Khalil leads the charge, managing two clinics and overseeing the comprehensive care of the campus felines. A significant achievement includes the spaying or neutering of approximately 1,000 cats over the past two years, a critical step in population control. The program extends its reach to vaccinate and treat sick or abandoned cats, catering to all, from purebreds to those with special needs like blindness.

Over the past two years, approximately 1,000 cats have been spayed or neutered, a vital effort in managing the growing population.

A dedicated caretaker spends an hour daily distributing dry cat food throughout the extensive campus gardens. While the clinic actively attempts to facilitate adoptions, the sheer volume of abandoned animals means these efforts have a limited impact on the overall population numbers.

AUB's Commitment: An Extension of Community Mandate

AUB clarifies that the extensive cat care program does not impact student funding, and is partly sustained by generous donations. Established in 1866, the university itself is recognized for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and its expansive, well-maintained gardens.

Henry Matthews, an AUB staff member, eloquently articulates the university's perspective:

"The university's commitment to the cat population is an extension of its mandate to work with the wider community, promoting kindness towards vulnerable beings."

Student Life: Coexistence with Campus Cats

The presence of numerous cats elicits varied reactions from AUB's 10,000 students. Many feral cats maintain their distance, often avoiding human interaction and seamlessly blending into the campus landscape. In contrast, some former house cats display more comfort with humans, boldly seeking attention or food from students.

Cats occasionally venture into dorms and classrooms, though the administration's policy is to gently remove them. For many students, especially those navigating the ongoing threat of war, the cats offer a profoundly calming presence, significantly helping to alleviate stress.

"The cats are a calming presence, helping to alleviate stress," particularly for students dealing with the ongoing threat of war.

Mimi Touma, an AUB press officer, notes that an inscription at the university's entrance, referring to purpose and abundant life, is broadly interpreted as applying to all beings, including the beloved campus cats.