Like all Greek islands, Skiathos is no different in that is has a large population of stray cats, mostly appearing during the summer season. Much to the delight of cat-loving tourists, some lounge in the sun, draping themselves off the crooked steps of the town’s back allies, walls or the typical local blue painted chairs, as if waiting to be photographed. Others sit patiently in groups at the harbour, knowing when the colourful kaiki fishing boats will come in to give them bits of fresh fish. Another favourite hang-out, are the lively open-air tavernas, where they can meander between tables in hopes of scraps. Most of them are feral and can be shy, whereas others are looking for affection and are happy to be stroked.

One such cat ventured to visit us on our Villa Maestrali terrace. We fed him and named him Jason:

However, we were breaking our own rule, which is to never feed a stray at the villa, let alone let him inside. The first reason being that not all of our guests are cat fans and may even suffer from cat hair allergies. The other reason is that, having fed them all summer, the strays are in for a rude awakening, once the season is over, their food supply has been shut off and they are left to fend for themselves.

SKIATHOS CAT WELFARE ASSOCIATION

To help with the growing problem of starving strays in the off-season months, British ex-pat Sharon Hewing formed the Skiathos Cat Welfare Association in 2007.

Without government support or funds, with the help of volunteers and donations she has managed to alleviate much of the Skiathos cats’ suffering. She has set up feeding stations in and on the outskirts of town and has organised an adoption program for strays to find new homes in various European countries and in the UK.

Hewing’s greatest success worth mentioning however, was raising the awareness about, and implementing the most powerful tool for saving lives and preventing suffering: the spaying and neutering of stray and feral cats as key to preventing suffering and reducing overpopulation. She set the program into motion, with the help of the local Skiathos vet and visiting vets willing to volunteer some of their time to help. Many hours of patient waiting go into the neutering process. A team of volunteers searches for strays all over the island, often at night, luring them and catching them, to bring them to the vet. After a period of healing, they are released back into their original neighbourhood, with a piece of their ear nicked off to show they have been neutered.

Being brought back to their old neighbourhood is essential and is what keeps cat overpopulation under control. Studies have shown, that by just being there, they prevent other cats from moving into the area. And because they have been fixed, they will never have litters of kittens. These ear-tipped cats have an important job to do in keeping the neighbourhood a nice place.

V-shaped notch for female, straight clip across for male cats.

If you would like to make a donation, the Skiathos Cat Welfare Association always needs funds for food and medication.

Or, if you would like to adopt a Skiathos cat or kitten like this one, please visit their website and Face Book pages. 

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