Does Greece have a cat problem?
In contrast with Northern Europe and the United States, where cats are expected to belong to someone or they are often considered a nuisance, stray cats are regarded as a natural co-habitant in Greece. They truly are community cats! The temperate climate and abundance of food makes it easy for them to survive.
Why does Greece have so many stray cats?
These Cats Are Mostly Strays Since there are no harsh winters in Greece, this makes it easy for the cat to survive. In certain parts of Greece, they are able to easily find food, shelter, and water, and they are often helped by the kindness of humans.
Does Athens have a cat problem?
The country has one of the largest stray feline and canine populations in the world, with the problem becoming ever more acute during the country’s prolonged debt crisis. Animal rights activists estimate that Athens alone may have as many as 2 million street cats and dogs.
Do cats in Greece have fleas?
Disease in cats is a non-issue in Greece and has been since 1970. So while you don’t have to worry about contracting rabies when you go to pet a cat, many cats have fleas or the cat flu, so it is always good to wash your hands after petting a cat.
Is Greece overrun with cats?
Cats of Greece – cats are commonplace in Greece. Most of the cats in Greece are very friendly despite being feral. The community takes care of the cats. They feed them and work on getting them spayed and neutered.
Can I take a cat home from Greece?
So your new pet can actually leave Greece and travel to its new home within 21 days of visiting the vet! Any licensed vet will be fully aware of EU requirements for travel and be able to prepare your pet for travel with one visit. It may travel in cargo either accompanied by a passenger or as “freight”.
Should you feed stray cats in Greece?
Do remember strays need water as well as food. Don’t give cats or kittens milk. It will give them diarrhoea. Don’t be frightened that you might catch rabies.
Do Greeks love cats?
Cats in Greece. Cats of Greece – cats are commonplace in Greece. They are well taken care of by the community and very friendly. Most of the cats in Greece are very friendly despite being feral.
How can I help my cat in Greece?
Since 1992 we have been promoting the care and welfare of cats in Greece. Our main strategy is to support neutering of colonies of stray cats to reduce breeding. Trap, neuter and return (TNR) is now recognised to be the only humane, effective method of reducing a stray cat population.
Why did Egypt worship cats?
Egyptians believed cats were magical creatures, capable of bringing good luck to the people who housed them. To honor these treasured pets, wealthy families dressed them in jewels and fed them treats fit for royalty. When the cats died, they were mummified.
Are there Stray Cats in Greece?
While there are many stray cats, there are great numbers of cats that do belong to people. In Greece, much of the population do not believe in keeping cats in shelters or having them put down. The cats keep the mouse, rat, and lizard population down. For the people of Greece, they are simply part of everyday life.
When do cats go into heat in Greece?
Typically, outdoor female cats go in to heat the most between February and October. The Spring months being the most active for breeding, as with many other species. The best months to visit Greece to avoid large numbers of cats would then be November, December, and January. This isn’t the case with all cats.
Where do the street cats of Greece hang out?
The street cats of Greece mainly hang out in areas where food is served outside. They do this because people have fed them in that area. They have no issue walking right up to a table and rubbing your leg hoping for a bite of food. Most restaurants let them come and go as they please as they keep the rodent numbers down around their food supply.
Were stray dogs poisoned before the 2004 Athens Olympics?
It is widely believed, although denied by authorities, that thousands of stray dogs and cats were poisoned to clean up the streets and parks before the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Municipal shelters are full of animals in appalling condition, with little or no medical care and minimal food and shelter.