How to help the cats on Gavdos
- David Neumeyer
- Jan 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 21
There are several cat populations living on Gavdos. Together, we support the animals by providing food, medical care and sterilisation. In order to give the cats a healthy and dignified life, we rely on outside support. Whether it’s a monetary donation or cat food – every contribution helps. In this article, you’ll learn how the animals are supported on the island and how you can help. ♥️
Support for the cats on Gavdos➡️ https://buymeacoffee.com/gavdoscats
#1: The current situation of cats on Gavdos
There are two large free-roaming cat populations: in Sarakiniko and in Agios Ioannis right up to Lavrakas. In Agios Ioannis in particular, part-time or permanent residents of the beach try to give the animals a good life. A small group of residents and holidaymakers take care of the cats all year round and every day (especially in the important winter months) with heart and dedication, feeding them daily (if food is available), buying and giving medicine. Most of the local supporters live on the island as escapists and have hardly any money. They are therefore largely dependent on donations and support. I have been supporting the helpers for 2 years and regularly buy food and medication.
Unfortunately, the situation in Sarakiniko is more difficult. The animals are in a much worse condition. This is mainly due to the fact that the holiday season in Sarakiniko is much shorter and hardly any permanent campers stay in Sarakiniko, especially in winter. But there are also opportunities to help (see chapter 2).
The island administration keeps an eye on the general situation on the island and participates in sterilisation programmes. In recent years, some animals have been sterilised in order to keep the population under control to some extent. As a result, many cats in Ag. Ioannis have been sterilised, but not all of them.
#2: Opportunities to help: Food and medicine boxes in Agios Ioannis and Sarakiniko
I currently visit the island several times a year. Every time, I bring kilos of dry food, worming tablets, antiseptic ointments, eye creams and everything else a cat needs. If you would like to support the animals on the island, there are very simple ways to help. Food and medicine boxes have been placed for the strays in both Agios Ioannis and Sarakiniko.
In Agios Ioannis, you will find this (red) box slightly below the shower, which is located between the Livykon taverna and Kantina. Right next to this shower, a small path leads to "Fetife Beach". You will find a suitcase there under the trees. If you have food or medication with you, you can leave it in the box. Very important: Be sure to close the box tightly, otherwise the goats will empty the entire contents of the suitcase within a few minutes - including all the medication. Unfortunately, this has all happened before. The goats eat the pills like Smarties.
In Sarakiniko you will find the same suitcase behind the "Gorgona" taverna. There is a small sandy road behind the beach tavernas. You will find the donation suitcase under a tree.
#3: Where you can buy cat food and medicine
If you are already on Gavdos and would like to help spontaneously, you can buy cat food (wet food) directly from the mini-markets. A can costs 1 euro. Any food will help, but it must be said that the tinned food on the island is not of very good quality. If you take the ferry from Paleochora to Gavdos, there are many opportunities to buy higher quality and cheaper food. Good dry food is available in the pet shop "Woof Paleochora". In addition, the two large supermarkets "Synka" and especially "Petrakis" offer a good and large selection. You will find a large selection of medicines in the pharmacy "Astousaki Family Pharmacy" in the centre of Paleochora. The staff there will be very open to answer your questions, as one of the pharmacy's employees is part of the animal welfare organisation "Paws Paleochora". You may immediately notice that there are one or two cats lying on the shelves in the pharmacy, sleeping cosily. Accordingly, the pharmacy offers a wide range of medicines for animals. From worming tablets to antiseptic creams for wounds and eyes. They are very knowledgeable and can provide professional advice. The staff also liaise with the helpers on Gavdos and keep an eye on the animal situation on the southernmost island in Europe. There are also several small shops in Chora Sfakion that offer a small selection of food supplies, just in case you are travelling from there to Gavdos.
#4: Donations for the cats on Gavdos
In addition the animals also appreciate any financial support. I have set up a donation link where you can make a small contribution to support the animals. All donations collected will be used to buy food and medicine for the cats on Gavdos.
To the donation website: https://buymeacoffee.com/gavdoscats
Do you have any questions and would you like to help the cats on Gavdos? Contact me!
#5: Adopt a Gavdos cat
Would you like to adopt a cat and give a stray cat a new home? How about a Gavdos cat? Get in touch with me!
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