Earlier this year we were very excited to officially launch our new project to help the cats of Paros and Antiparos more than ever! We are committed to supporting the local animal welfare groups we have been working with for the past 3 years on Paros – Paroscat, Φιλοζωοι Εθελοντες Παρου and PAWS – Paros Animal Welfare Society, as well as supporting new organisations, Cats Eden and Cats of Antiparos – for another 3 years to manage the cat population on the islands. 

Working with the 5 local welfare groups and 3 veterinary practices, we aim to make a huge difference by neutering, microchipping, vaccinating, treatment administering, and most importantly, engaging and educating the community, to help care for the stray cats of Paros and Antiparos. We are very pleased to welcome Project Coordinator, Evdokia, and assistants, Isa and Martina (Paroscat volunteers) to the team.

Already, the trapping, neutering and releasing of strays has been taking place every week and making a huge difference to the overwhelming number of cats on both islands. Each week we have updates of sick, injured, pregnant and nursing cats and kittens being taken in and treated, getting their signature ear clip before returning to their colony or being adopted. This work is not only crucial for the cats’ welfare, but for the community who struggle daily with the growing population of strays. Colonies grow each year, and volunteers struggle to keep up with adequately feeding them all, as well as identifying those who are ill and in need of treatment for issues such as cat flu and fleas. Without solutions, the issue only worsens over time, and we believe we have a responsibility to address it before it becomes too late. 

This project wouldn’t be possible without the support given by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Greece is one of the countries in which Battersea is supporting the animal welfare sector this year, and we are extremely grateful.