Cats at Apolinář have become a sensitive topic of public debate in recent weeks. The VFN has taken over the petition "For a sustainable and humane solution for the cats of Apolinářka" and takes the public's interest in the fate of the animals seriously. At the same time, it is important to remember that the hospital began to prepare practical steps to set up a further regime even before the petition was submitted. In recent weeks, negotiations have taken place with professional partners, local government, state administration, veterinary administration and the hygiene station.

The General University Hospital in Prague understands that many people care about the fate of cats. At the same time, as a healthcare facility, it must ensure the safe operation of the maternity ward, the protection of patients, newborns, employees and visitors, and compliance with hygiene regulations.

In the course of negotiations with representatives of the Tlapro association, we managed to open the way to a joint solution. A mutual agreement is now being prepared that will set clear rules for the care of cats in the U Apolináře area. The goal is for the set regime to be sustainable in the long term, professionally managed and not have to change depending on the current situation or personnel changes.

"I am glad that we have managed to open the way to an agreement. Our goal is to set up a long-term sustainable solution that will respect the welfare of the cats, but at the same time maintain the safe operation of the maternity hospital and other healthcare facilities. Animal care must have clear rules, responsibility and control within the hospital premises," said the director of the General Hospital, doc. MUDr. Ján Dudra, PhD., MPH.

Part of the planned procedure will be the monitoring of cats in the area, which will be carried out in agreement with the Tlapro association, the hospital and the relevant institutions. Based on this monitoring, it will be possible to more precisely determine the number of cats, their locations and other practical steps. A controlled care regime, including trapping, castration and veterinary care, is to follow.

The agreement is also to set conditions for controlled feeding areas. These will have to have a clearly defined regime, a responsible person or organization, limited feeding times, thorough cleaning and continuity with further care for the animals. This will not involve spontaneous care or free-range feed on the hospital premises.

The medical perspective reminds us why it is necessary to set rules sensitively but precisely. "At our clinic, we care for pregnant women, newborns, premature babies and patients with serious diagnoses. That is why it is important that any animal care on the premises has clear procedures and is carried out in a way that is safe for patients, staff and visitors," says Prof. MUDr. David Cibula, CSc., Head of the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology of the First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and the General Hospital.

When setting up the agreement, the VFN will also take into account hygiene considerations and the requirements for the safe operation of the medical facility. The aim is to find a practical solution that is considerate of the cats and safe for the hospital.

Overview of steps taken so far and next steps

Period/step	Status and next steps
2020	The VFN began to address uncontrolled feeding and facilities for cats on the hospital premises. Even then, there was talk of the need for rules for feeding, trapping, and other care.
2022 – 2023	According to available documents, some cats were captured and castrated in the U Apolináře area. However, the situation gradually returned due to uncontrolled feeding, food leftovers, and the creation of additional places for the animals.
February 2026	The new management of the VFN has entered into a topic that has been developing for several years. The goal is not to find the culprits, but to set a clear and controlled procedure.
June – August 2026	The topic once again resonated significantly in the public sphere, on social networks and in the media.
August and September 2026	Local investigations and negotiations were conducted with the participation of the General Hospital, the City Hall, Prague 2, the veterinary administration, the hygiene station and other professional partners.
September 2026	The VFN took over the petition and after negotiations with representatives of the Tlapro association, the path to a joint solution was opened. A mutual agreement is being prepared to establish clear rules for the care of cats in the U Apolináře area.
Cat monitoring	Monitoring will take place in agreement between the Tlapro association, the VFN and the relevant institutions. The aim will be to specify the number of cats, their locations and other practical steps.
Upcoming mode	The agreement is to set up managed care, including trapping, castration, veterinary care and conditions for controlled feeding areas with fixed rules, limited time and consistent cleaning.
Next step	After evaluating the monitoring and technical conditions, a specific care regimen will be agreed upon so that it is sustainable in the long term, considerate of the cats, and safe for the hospital.