A video circulating on social media sees a man angrily telling people to not feed cats in the area. A woman who was off-camera responded to his warning by saying that he does not have to hit the cats. She accused the man in the video of physically abusing the cat.

Another video was posted in response to the first one. It shows a woman feeding a number of cats near Vinares Tower 6, Hulhumale' Phase 2, with the video stating that feeding stray cats in such a way results in the accumulation of animal waste and a strong unpleasant smell. The video goes on to state that the video of the alleged abuse against the cat was posted after requests to not feed cats in the area went unobserved, with dissatisfaction being expressed because the feeding did not stop.

The conflict on social media has reignited debate among citizens about feeding stray cats. Many animal rights advocates and cat lovers have gone to Vinares Tower 6 and held a "Cat Party", a mass feeding drive, as a vocal response.

The area is known for having a large number of stray cats. Those who gathered there have called for action to be taken against those who physically abuse cats and to stop such acts.

Conversely, some members of the public have raised their concerns and said that feeding stray cats is not an issue but cats leaving bodily waste behind and damage to people's property should not be entertained. They said that food is being left behind for stray cats in motorcycle parking areas and that cats would get on the motorcycles, scratch the seats and leave its waste on the motorcycles.

Some have said that it is a health risk to put down food anywhere they please while the number of stray cats have risen.

"There is bodily waste from cats that has polluted the area. Water leaks from feeding bowls during the rainy season, leaving an unpleasant smell in the area. It is difficult to breathe," said a concerned individual.

"Why do people who want to take care of cats not do this in their homes? Foreign entities that aid in this need to stop their funding."

In response, a person who feeds stray cats said that posting pictures of the people who feed stray cats is harassment and that the government needs to find a solution to it.

While there is public concern due to stray cats in the Male' region, the construction of the Olhu Hiyaa, a facility that cares for cats, is currently caring for 280 cats.

The facility was built with an expenditure of MVR 30 million, with Male' City Council stating at the time that the facility can accommodate 3,000 cats.

Last week, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam stated that some companies have expressed interest in developing a "Cat Island" in Maldives and have submitted their proposals, with the proposals currently being evaluated. Additionally, the minister said the space at the Olhu Hiyaa at Hulhumale' will be increased as well.