The removal of a popular feral cat from Mount Pulag, one of the Philippines’ highest peaks, has stirred intense debate online between animal welfare advocates and environmental conservationists. The cat, affectionately named Pugal, became a local celebrity after photos of it interacting with hikers on the mountain began circulating widely on social media. Seen entering campsites and cuddling with climbers, Pugal quickly captured the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts.
However, due to Mount Pulag’s designation as a protected landscape, environmental authorities decided to remove the cat, citing its classification as an invasive species. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed that Pugal is now under the care of a staff member from the Pulag Protected Area Management Office and is being checked by a veterinarian.
The decision followed a post from a local media outlet describing Pugal as an “invasive predator” that poses a risk to the mountain’s native wildlife, including endemic birds, cloud rats, and small reptiles. Conservationists warned that even a single free-roaming cat could disrupt fragile ecosystems by preying on native species, echoing global studies by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Still, many netizens expressed disappointment, saying the cat was unfairly targeted while larger threats like mining and mass tourism remained unaddressed. “Pugal is just one cat,” one commenter noted, lamenting the focus on the feline instead of human activities causing broader ecological damage.
Animal Kingdom Foundation’s program director Heidi Marquez-Caguioa supported the DENR’s decision, emphasizing that domestic cats, while lovable, can become carriers of disease and predators of wildlife when left in natural habitats. She noted the importance of keeping such animals out of protected areas to maintain ecological balance.
Meanwhile, Furvent Animal Rescue and Advocacy, a Baguio-based organization, offered support for Pugal’s transition to his new environment. Founder Lovely Tuazon said they coordinated with the DENR to ensure Pugal’s welfare and health are prioritized, stressing that the situation reflects the complexity of balancing conservation with compassion.
The case of Pugal has shed light on the challenges faced when domestic or feral animals inhabit protected natural spaces, raising broader questions about how best to reconcile environmental preservation with humane animal treatment.
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