Feeding Every day, we feed nearly 200 cats in central Athens. We bulk-buy tinned cat-food and dry cat biscuits, which we mix together for a healthy combination, and we always ensure that the cats have access to clean water. We do not feed household leftovers. We are careful to leave no mess or rubbish behind us, and we encourage casual feeders to do the same in order not to antagonise other citizens, who might take out their feelings on the cats. 

We also provide food to a number of, mainly elderly, citizens who feed large numbers of cats around Athens.

 

Neutering Neutering of stray cats is the most important step towards humanely reducing the overpopulation. According to animal rescue organisations, a single unneutered cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in seven years.

In addition to helping reduce the surplus of unwanted kittens, neutering a cat means it will be healthier (less risk of ovarian, testicular or breast cancer, no risk of sexually transmitted diseases), cleaner (no territorial marking), less aggressive, and significantly less likely to get run over or otherwise meet a sticky end when wandering in search of a partner.

 

In collaboration with local vets, we neuter/spay every new cat that gets dumped in the areas where we feed, so that no kittens are born there. We also operate catch-neuter-release programmes in other districts, and offer practical (and sometimes financial) assistance to feeders in wider areas of Athens who need help in getting cat colonies sterilised. Each year, we organise and pay for around 300 cats in Athens to be neutered.

 

In addition, through the Greek Cat Welfare Society, we organise neutering programmes on Greek islands and remote areas where there is no local veterinarian. On average, 1,000 stray cats are neutered each year through these programmes.

 

Treatment We also provide medical treatment for the cats we feed when they are ill or injured.

 

Rehoming It may appear to be a decent life on the streets of Athens, but the cats we feed are in great danger from stray dogs and fast cars. The dogs kill the cats for fun, not food; the attacks are triggered by boredom and the pack mentality.

 

By far the happiest, most rewarding part of our work is when we find good homes where our cats can live out the rest of their days in safety. We try especially hard to rehome the kittens, which have fewest chances of survival. See our Adoptions page for more details of cats in urgent need of good homes.

 

Fundraising Once a month, we take part in a car-boot sale/bazaar organised by SPAZ charity, selling our old clothes and household objects as well as some donated items from friends. We also arrange fundraising book sales three times per year, as well as dinner parties and other fun, social events. For news about upcoming events, check our Facebook page and the community announcements in the Athens News and Athens Plus, as well as this site.