A first Chatipi for stray cats in the Normandy region – Inauguration in Rouen on 4 June
On Tuesday 4 June at 2pm, the City of Rouen, the local association 3 P’tits Chats, and One Voice will inaugurate Normandy’s very first Chatipi at Square Jules Verne (rue Albert Dupuis). This innovative project is part of an ethical and practical approach to protecting stray cats, in line with the Animal Welfare Plan adopted by the municipality in March 2023.
The inauguration will be attended by Jean-Michel Beregovoy, Deputy Mayor in charge of sustainable cities, ecology and energy transition and animal welfare, and Stéphane Martot, City Councillor in charge of the eastern sector of Rouen, Virginie Billaux, co-president of the association 3 P’tits Chats, and Mathilde Perrot for the association One Voice.
A united response to feline misery
One Voice, which has been fighting the problem of stray cats in France for years, is developing three-way partnerships with local authorities and associations. The aim is to identify, neuter and treat homeless cats before releasing them back into their original location, now equipped with a wooden hut where they can find food, hut and water.
In Rouen, this approach took shape with the involvement of three complementary players. The City Council kicked off the project by laying the concrete slab, installing the hut, the information panel and the enclosure, and ensuring their long-term maintenance. The association 3 P’tits Chats managed the fitting out of the hut and will be responsible for feeding and trapping the cats, monitoring their health, cleaning and long-term veterinary care (with municipal support). One Voice provided funding for the hut, cat flaps, educational panels and initial care (sterilisation, identification and health checks) for 12 cats.
The cats taken in are tagged in the name of the local association. The most sociable among them may be put up for adoption in accordance with the regulations in force.
An essential educational purpose
Beyond the practical protection of stray cats, the Chatipi project has a strong educational dimension. It aims to raise awareness among residents about the reality of life for homeless cats, who are often mistakenly perceived as free and happy animals living on the streets. In truth, their daily lives are filled with hunger, injuries, disease and constant danger.
Chatipi helps to change people’s perceptions: the physical element serves as a reminder that these animals need care and protection, and that they cannot survive with dignity without human intervention. By involving residents –both children and adults– the project also uses its educational aspect to create a link between animal protection and civic involvement, right at the heart of the neighbourhoods concerned.
A festive and committed inauguration
The programme includes educational activities on the reality of stray cats organised by One Voice, and a convivial reception organised by the City Council, which will bring the event to a close.
As part of this project, other activities will be organised the following week: a mural painted live on the hut, and a workshop for children, during which they will be able to colour part of it and give names to the cats featured in it.
📍 Practical information
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025.
Time: 2pm.
Location: Square Jules Verne – Rue Albert Dupuis, 76000 Rouen
We invite the press to attend the inauguration and talk to the partners involved in the project.