As we have entered April, we would like to share an important update about our Paros and Antiparos Cat Care Project. After 3 years of tireless work, our project will be coming to an end in its current large-scale form at the end of this month. 

Thanks to Battersea, whose generous funding made this project possible and viable, we have been able to implement this large-scale initiative and make a meaningful difference to the lives of stray cats in Paros and Antiparos. 

Since 2023, in collaboration with the municipalities of Paros and Antiparos, the three local vet clinics, the islands’ animal welfare groups (Paroscat, PAWS, FEP, Cats of Antiparos) and lots of volunteers, we have worked with one clear goal: to manage the stray cat population in an ethical, scientifically proven way, through neutering. This was achieved while also improving overall health and preventing the spread of disease, thanks to a comprehensive package detailed below. 

Neutering has been the cornerstone of the program, as part of a package including: 

• Electronic identification/microchipping (mandatory by law). 

• Rabies vaccination (mandatory by law). 

• Internal and external parasite treatment. 

• Vaccination against common feline diseases. 

Collaboration has been the foundation of everything achieved. The volunteers have given their time, energy and emotional strength for the animals of these islands. Without them, none of this would have been possible. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire AAG team who worked on this project over the past three years, from the local island team to our headquarters and everyone in between. Whether for a long or shorter period, each member contributed their knowledge, passion, dedication and hard work to achieving these results and helping improve the lives of thousands of cats.  

Over three years, the results have been measurable and significant: 

• 6,800+ stray cats neutered, vaccinated, dewormed and microchipped (6,000+ in Paros and 800+ in Antiparos). 

• 1,392 cats received additional medical treatment. 

• 645 colonies mapped in Paros, 77 in Antiparos and 265 feeders were identified. 

• An estimated 14,000+ potential births prevented each year. 

These numbers represent far more than statistics. They translate into thousands fewer births, preventing kittens from being born into the harsh realities of stray life. They also reflect a healthier future for more than 6,800 cats, as vaccinations help prevent the spread of feline diseases and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the islands’ colonies. Overall, this means fewer animals suffering from disease, starvation or injury and a more balanced and humane coexistence between people and cats on the islands. However, population management is not a one-time intervention. If neutering efforts slow down significantly, the population will quickly rebound and undo years of hard work. 
 
We strongly encourage Paros and Antiparos residents and visitors to: 

• Continue reporting unneutered and injured cats to the municipality and local animal welfare groups. 

• Take initiative in coordinating and transporting cats for neutering and treatment. 

• Feed responsibly, protecting the cats’ welfare. 

• Report animal abuse to the police and the municipalities. 

Stray animal welfare is not only a practical issue. It reflects who we are as a society and animals are an integral part of this; the way we treat vulnerable members of our community -children, the elderly and animals- defines our culture. Let’s continue what has been achieved with such persistent effort over the past three years. With cooperation, shared responsibility and continued initiative, Paros and Antiparos can remain examples of humane and responsible stray population management as well as ideal tourist destinations. 

The legacy of these three years will not be measured by how the program closes but by whether the community continues the effort. 

The next chapter depends on all of us. Let’s protect what we have built, together.