TOURISTS

The situation with cats in Cyprus is extremely difficult; there are stray cats in Cyprus more than there are in any other country in the world and solving the issue has been bestowed on the shoulders of volunteers. The cats reproduce uncontrollably and the latest estimates say that on this island of 1.3 million people there are around 1.5 to 2 million homeless cats. The government funds some spaying and neutering campaigns of the cats, but in such small numbers that this drop in the ocean sort of managing the issue hasn't really made any difference. You can read more about the situation here.

Many of the cats on this island have their helpers already; they've been spayed or neutered and someone feeds them. However, if you come across a cat in need, take action immediately – the cat will get help the fastest when you help yourself and do not pass the responsibility on to someone else. You can always ask for advice, but for example taking the cat to the vet is relatively simple to arrange yourself. For those who are used to Finnish prices, vet fees are low and the cat can be left at the clinic for treatment.

Many people realize the situation when they are already on their vacation in Cyprus and ask us what they could do. You can help the island's cats when you are planning your trip by choosing animal-friendly tour operators, hotels and restaurants. Cats are everywhere in Cyprus, so you can find mentions of them in reviews and even ask directly. Tourism is such an important source of income in Cyprus that tourists have more influence than you think, use this to the benefit of the cats!

You can also help the cats by escorting them to their homes waiting for them in Finland. You can act as a flight parent if you have at least 15 days before your flight and the airline you are using also flies cats. More information about flight parenting here.

Our social media campaign "Help a cat friend in need" starts on the 1st of March.

The spring campaign aimed at tourists highlights concerns related to homeless cats and concrete ways to help them. The campaign is done in collaboration with The Rhodian Stray Animal Association in Finland and has 6 different themes:

1. Welcome to Cyprus/Rhodes!
2. Helping a sick or injured cat
3. Helping kittens
4. Taking a cat for spaying or neutering
5. Adopting from a responsible association
6. Adopting a cat on your own

We will publish the campaign themes on our social media accounts on Sundays between 1.3.-5.4. and as a refresher between 19.4.-24.5. Welcome along!

This page updates as the campaign gets posted.