Anyone who travels or reads about travels in Greece, knows that Greece has cats. Lots and lots of cats. I wasn’t sure what I’d see on this trip, but I like cats (ok, I “love” cats) and I was hoping that I wouldn’t be saddened by dozens of skinny, sick, kitties on the streets.
I was pleasantly surprised by the cat culture here: many, many people had set out water bowls, food bowls, and cozy little shelters in doorways. The cats, although not loved as closely as I love my own cats, were clearly not ignored nor neglected.
My first introduction to Greek Cats, however, was not so nice: A family of five lived in the courtyard behind our hostel and they either yowled or meowed all night – every night. In the morning I had a look at our not-beautiful view and saw the culprits. Pffft – cats.
Our view
My nightly choir from the far end of the courtyard
In asking around about the number of semi-feral cats, I learned that while there is a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program, there is not much of a budget for it. Some people will take cats in to see a veterinarian on their own, but the city does what it can with its limited funds.
Cat of the Ruins
Camouflague Cat
Unlike Morocco, we saw more adult cats than we did kittens. I am not sure of the reasons behind this, but I will assume that the TNR is more effective than originally thought.
The gang
Inside a scooter shop
Some had a better life than others
As I mentioned: there were a number of feeding stations scattered around the city, and more often than not, the bowls were full of dry food. Apparently the cats were well-fed enough that they didn’t feel the need to eat all of the food as soon as it was offered. I myself bought a little bag of kitty treats to hand out, but they did not go over nearly as well as I had thought, with some of the cats practically indifferent to my offerings.
Soaking up the sun in front of a make-shift shelter
Insulated shelters
Snuggling
Treat distribution
The cats weren’t shy of providing for themselves
An incredibly photogenic family
