The gang allegedly traveled around Ho Chi Minh City in small groups at night to capture cats, which were then slaughtered for food. Each group is suspected of stealing four to ten cats per night.
De-shedding machines, cat traps and scales were found during the arrests in July, state-controlled media reported. Police said in a statement that the group had admitted to stealing and handling an estimated 2,700 cats.
It is legal to eat cat and dog meat in Vietnam. Media in the country have previously reported that stolen cat meat can be sold to restaurants for the equivalent of 27 kronor (about $2.60) per kilo.
Earlier this year, 18 people were arrested in Ho Chi Minh City on similar charges.
