The 'Stationmaster Cat' by the Roadside and the Social Media Check-in Craze: Warm Revitalization or Excessive Disturbance?

In the fast-paced modern life, many small towns, old markets, and even independent bookstores across Taiwan have seen the emergence of 'stationmaster cats' or 'shopkeeper cats,' promoted from stray animals. These furry friends, who seem to have settled in unintentionally, patrol at the entrance daily, swishing their tails and accepting pets as they stretch, unexpectedly attracting countless visitors who make special trips to check in and take photos. This has also boosted local tourism and a sense of community. Some believe this is the warmest form of local revitalization, using the healing power of animals to re-energize quiet communities and raise public awareness and friendliness towards the rights of stray animals. On the other hand, dissenting voices point out that if too many tourists flock in without proper regulations like 'no feeding' or 'no forced petting,' it could cause severe mental stress and survival risks for these small animals. Cute little animals have become the saviors and mascots of cities, but how should we balance the 'social media check-in craze' with 'truly respecting the living space of our furry friends'? When animals become part of a landmark, is it a win-win beautiful situation, or another form of excessive attention imposed by humans?