community cat; communally owned cat
Refers to a cat that is cared for by a local community rather than an individual owner, often part of a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program.
この公園には地域猫が何匹か住み着いている。
Several community cats have taken up residence in this park.
Community cat programs are supported by volunteers.
Compound of 地域 (region, community) and 猫 (cat). The term emerged in the context of community-based animal welfare programs.