Prisoners of demand and supply curves: Inside the cat market of Mirpur-1
Persian and other pedigree kittens are confined in cramped cages and sold to hobbyists for thousands of taka, often under harsh sunlight and unhygienic conditions
Under the glare of late-morning sun, a row of metal cages rattles as Persian kittens press their noses against the bars. Their fur, meant to shimmer under softer light, now clumps with heat and dust as buyers circle, bargaining over prices while the kittens — panting and confused — wait to be sold.
At Mirpur-1's cat market, known locally as "Biraler Hat", the trade in exotic and foreign breeds has become a spectacle of profit and neglect.
Persian and other pedigree kittens are confined in cramped cages and sold to hobbyists for thousands of taka, often under harsh sunlight and unhygienic conditions.
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While the illegal trade thrives, thousands of stray cats struggle to survive on Dhaka's streets, highlighting a cruel cycle driven by demand and supply.
During a recent visit to the cat market, a disturbing scene unfolded. Fluffy Persian kittens, with their innocent eyes and soft fur, were cramped into tiny cages and sold like mere commodities.
Prices ranged from Tk8,000 to Tk15,000 per kitten, according to the sellers, but for these animals, the cost of confinement was far greater than any price tag.
The market, located behind Mukto Bangla, originally began as a hub for trading birds, where enthusiasts bought and sold parakeets, finches, and other local species. Over the years, it expanded to include exotic pets, particularly cats, and became one of Dhaka's busiest pet trading hubs.
Sellers often post videos of foreign cat breeds on Facebook, showcasing Persian kittens and other exotic cats, which frequently go viral, attracting hobbyists willing to pay top prices. Today, the market is notorious not just for the high demand but also for the compromised health and welfare of the cats being sold.
"People come here for hobbies, not to give them a proper home," said one seller who requested anonymity, shrugging as he adjusted the cramped cages stacked along the walkway. "They just want a pretty cat, that's all."
Scorching heat and unhealthy conditions
Persian cats are delicate creatures. According to The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PSDA), Persian cats require cool temperatures due to their thick coats and brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy.
Yet, here, they're left under direct sunlight with no provision for cooler temperatures, enduring heat that can be dangerous for their sensitive bodies.
Many are seen panting inside metal cages, their long fur matted and their bodies visibly distressed. Without shade, ventilation, or drinking water, the cats struggle to cope as buyers crowd around to inspect them.
Seller Nabilur Rahman claims "they'll be fine", brushing off concerns while the animals quietly suffer a cruel contrast to the elegance and care Persian cats are known for.
When asked about the heat, one seller replied, "Some of the sellers have fans. If I had one, I'd put it on as well." When questioned about the cramped cages, he remained silent.
One of the sellers, a young boy, jokingly remarked, "We have already installed a fan, what more do you want? An air conditioner?"
According to veterinarian Dr Maruf Hasan, long-term confinement in these harsh conditions carries several health risks for the felines.
"Humid weather is a major factor. They are kept in inhumane conditions. I've noticed these cats often suffer from skin diseases, fungal infections," he told The Business Standard.
Dr Maruf, who is also the owner of Pet Heaven Veterinary Clinic, further said that administering proper food habits and hydration is important for any animal.
The sellers often do not keep track of their water intake, which leads to dehydration and may cause jaundice and kidney issues, he added.
He also noted that these cats are not vaccinated properly, which increases their health risk.
"Without proper vaccination, almost 50% of the time, the cats fall prey to diseases like the flu. If the buyers have other pets at home and introduce unvaccinated pets to the environment, it increases health risks for the other animals as well," he said.
Rakibul Haque, founder of the People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation, said selling animals on noisy, polluted streets is unethical and a direct form of abuse.
Noting that under Section 6 of the Animal Welfare Act 2019, confining or displaying animals in ways that cause pain or restrict natural behaviour is cruelty, he said traders must be strictly regulated.
"Even if animals were sold in a luxury hotel, it would still need to follow regulations," he told TBS, stressing the need for national standards on breeding and sales.
"The government must intervene — these practices are illegal and should be stopped through mobile court drives," he added.
Goutom Kumar Biswas, social welfare officer, Dhaka North City Corporation, said, "These roadside markets mostly fall under the Revenue Department and Estate Department. But as far as I know, sometimes our mobile courts conduct eviction drives. They remove these setups. The problem is, after eviction, the vendors just come back and sit again in the same spot."
He added that the officials from the Revenue and Estate departments of the city corporation would be able to explain the issue better.
The role of hobbyist
This cat market thrives on the high demand for foreign and exotic cats. Hobbyists, eager to own Persian or other exotic breeds, fuel this booming trade.
Most buyers rarely inquire about breeding conditions or animal welfare; they're drawn by the breed's appearance and social appeal.
What begins as a hobbyist's desire for beauty and prestige ends up sustaining a cycle of neglect, suffering, and abandonment.
"I bought this one for Tk12,500," a hobbyist we spoke to in the market said, showing the kitten he had just purchased. "Foreign cats cost a bit more, but I like them. Yes, I plan to buy another one soon."
When asked why he buys foreign cats when stray kittens roam the streets of Dhaka, he replied, "We also take care of stray kittens. Whenever they come to our home, I make sure they are fed and looked after. But owning a Persian or other exotic breeds is a personal preference — it doesn't mean we ignore the strays."
Arfan Saleh Priyo, an animal lover who regularly feeds stray cats in Dhanmondi, said, "Every day I see hungry cats searching for food in the garbage, but people still spend thousands on foreign breeds.
"If even a fraction of that care went to the ones on our streets, their lives would be very different."
Meanwhile, stray cats suffer
Outside the cages, the streets tell a different story.
An estimated 40,000 stray dogs and countless stray cats roam Dhaka's streets, often unfed and exposed to harsh conditions. Few shelters exist, leaving these animals vulnerable to harsh weather and hunger.
"If you have the ability and willingness to own a cat, you have two options: spend thousands or maybe even lakhs to get a high-maintenance cat who'd have had a home anyway; or give a needy stray cat the chance to have a family.
"The choice you make says a lot about you," Arfan added.
Studies show that young cats are particularly vulnerable, with a higher incidence of diseases such as Cryptosporidium infections among those under one year of age. A lack of veterinary care, shelter, and food leaves these animals exposed to injury, malnutrition, and disease.
Animal welfare organisations report that urban residents rarely engage in systematic feeding or rescue of the strays, and enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act is limited, leaving most strays to fend for themselves.
"The kittens in the market are in cages, but at least they get some food," says a local animal rescuer. "The strays? They fight for scraps or starve. It's heartbreaking."
In response to the growing number of stray cats, several Facebook groups have emerged as platforms for rescue, adoption, and awareness, playing a crucial role in connecting individuals who care about animal welfare.
Notable groups include Cat Society of Bangladesh, where members share tips on cat care, food, and litter, along with stories of rescuing and rehoming cats; Dhaka Stray Cat & Dog Adoption & Rescue Unity, dedicated to rescuing and finding homes for stray cats and dogs in the city; Cat Adoption Society Of Bangladesh, which coordinates rescue efforts and adoptions; and Animal Care Society of Bangladesh (ACSB), focused on fostering strays and educating pet owners about responsible care.
Together, these communities are providing vital support for stray cats, bridging the gap between need and action.
An ethical dilemma
Purchasing kittens from illegal breeders perpetuates cruelty and neglect, ensuring that more cats are trapped in cages, exposed to the sun, and bred unethically.
Animal welfare advocates urge people to support ethical adoption. Giving a loving home to a stray not only saves a life but also helps curb the demand that drives the trade, reducing the pressure on markets like the one at Mirpur-1.
The consequences are clear: a cycle of suffering for the animals and moral compromise for the buyers.
The cat trading at Mirpur-1 market is a reflection of a larger issue: how supply and demand often prioritise profit over life, pushing innocent creatures into confinement for human amusement or status. Sharing awareness and advocating for adoption are critical steps toward protecting vulnerable animals.
Animal health experts believe that if the trade goes on, the sellers should at least enforce strict health, hygiene, and welfare standards to improve the conditions of the cats.
Disease control is critical — regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and year-round parasite prevention should be mandatory.
Sellers must maintain sanitary conditions, ensure access to clean water, and veterinary supervision to reduce illness, stress, and zoonotic disease risks in traded cats.
