Wang Jingli wangjingli0715@163.com SHENZHEN’S commitment to pet care reached new heights last month with the launch of the city’s first smart cat adoption hub, which is located outside Gate No. 3 of the pet-friendly Haiya Mega Mall in Bao’an District. The Smart Cat Hub, a 6-square-meter cube-shaped pod with a glass front, was created to shelter stray cats and increase adoption efficiency by providing potential adopters with more opportunities to interact with the cats. Basic information about cats for adoption in the hub is displayed on the door, including name, age, sex, and the rescuer’s name. According to a representative from the hub’s management company, two stray cats were adopted in July. More smart cat adoption hubs are expected to open at pet-friendly shopping malls in Nanshan and Bao’an districts in the future. Smart cat adoption hub When someone rescues a stray cat, they can apply for the cat to be admitted to the hub. When processing an application, the staff assess whether the cat is suitable to live there. Once a cat is approved for residency, the accommodation fee is 20 yuan (US$2.79) per day. This fee can be covered by either the rescuer or through online crowdfunding. Recently, a cat rescued by a citizen surnamed Cheng was successfully admitted to the hub. “They ensure the cats are free from contagious diseases. The cat I rescued is very safe here. The hub also has 24-hour surveillance to monitor the cats,” said Cheng. People who are interested in adopting a cat can enter the hub by scanning a QR code and paying a fee of 10 yuan. Posters on the inside of the hub provide visitors with tips on how to interact with the cats. To prevent cats from escaping, the hub was designed with a small foyer with two doors. After entering through the exterior door, guests are asked to put on shoe covers and use hand sanitizer in the foyer before passing through another door that leads to the main area where the cats are kept. Inside, there is a smart feeding machine that allows visitors to purchase food for the cats. On Sunday, a tourist surnamed Wang stopped by the hub to take a look. Wang, who was in Shenzhen for a social practice program, told Shenzhen Daily that sheltering stray cats is a praiseworthy initiative. “This is my first time seeing a smart adoption hub like this. It offers great protection for stray cats, especially during winter,” said Wang. Clear steps and reminders are posted on the exterior glass door to promote responsible adoption. There are no fees for adoption. Xian Huan, the founder of the hub’s management company, said that the Haiya Mega Mall, one of Shenzhen’s pet-friendly shopping malls, attracts a large number of visitors. The mall’s strategic location enhances the visibility of the cats, thereby increasing their chances of adoption. Moreover, the cats in the hub benefit from scientific management supported by intelligent facilities, he said. Cat safety is paramount While many view the hub in a positive light, some netizens have expressed concerns over the possibility that the cats could be abused. When asked about these concerns, a staff member explained to Shenzhen Daily that visitors must verify their phone numbers before entering the hub. Additionally, staff remotely monitor the area and can lock the doors if any suspicious behavior is detected. If there is a serious issue, staff will alert the police and provide them with security camera footage. Cameras inside the hub allow staff to monitor activities and respond to any issues. A maximum of three visitors can enter the hub at the same time, and children are required to be accompanied by a parent. Pet-friendly city In recent years, Shenzhen has embraced the concept of a “pet-friendly city” through various initiatives. The city is now home to more than 10 pet-themed community parks and more than 50 pet-friendly shopping malls. Additionally, the city introduced its first pet-friendly bus route (H239) in April, providing pet owners with a convenient transportation option on weekends and public holidays. This May, the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport launched China’s first waiting hall designed specifically for pets and their owners. With soft lighting, eco-friendly materials, an advanced air quality monitoring system, and a clean environment, the waiting hall includes separate zones for dogs and cats. The hall also offers comprehensive travel services. | 