For Residents

The Paros & Antiparos Community Cats Project is the largest cat population management initiative in the Cyclades. Our mission is to improve the health and welfare of free-roaming cats on the islands through a combination of community care, spaying/neutering, and education. We work closely with local partners including Paroscat, Φιλόζωοι Εθελοντές Πάρου (Philozoi Ethelontes Parou), PAWS – Paros Animal Welfare Society and Cats of Antiparos, as well as the participating veterinary clinics: Veterinary Corner, Veterinary Center of Paros, and Veterinary Center FEP Paros.

The project focuses on humane population control through widespread spaying and neutering. We also provide ongoing care, including feeding and monitoring, with the help of dedicated volunteers and local residents.

Neutering is vital for controlling cat populations in a humane and effective manner. It prevents overbreeding, reduces health risks like certain cancers and infections, and leads to healthier, more stable cat colonies. Neutered cats tend to be less aggressive and are more likely to live healthier lives.

The CNVR process, also commonly known as TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), involves capturing community cats, neutering them, providing essential vaccinations and deworming, and then returning them to their original colony. This approach not only helps reduce overpopulation but also promotes healthier and more stable cat communities.

While it might seem kind to leave community cats undisturbed, without intervention, their populations can grow rapidly, leading to overcrowding, competition for food, and widespread health problems like disease and malnutrition. By intervening through spaying/neutering and providing essential care, we prevent suffering and improve the overall health and stability of cat colonies. This approach also reduces conflicts between cats and humans, leading to a more balanced coexistence. 

Neutering offers several important health benefits for cats. After being neutered, cats are less likely to develop certain cancers and infections, such as uterine infections in females and testicular cancer in males. Neutering also reduces the likelihood of injuries from fighting, as it lowers aggressive and territorial behavior. Additionally, neutered cats are less prone to roam, which decreases their risk of getting lost or involved in accidents. Overall, neutering leads to a healthier, safer, and less stressful life for community cats.

Ear-tipping involves the surgical removal of a small portion of a cat’s ear during spay/neuter surgery. It is a universally accepted way to indicate that a cat has been sterilized, allowing us to easily identify treated cats from a distance.

If you spot a cat on the islands that hasn’t been ear-tipped, you can report its location through our website. This helps us reach more cats in need of spaying/neutering and prevent overpopulation.

If you live on Paros or Antiparos, you can volunteer by helping to trap, transport, and return community cats after sterilization. We also need cat carers who can feed and monitor the local colonies. More details can be found on our For Residents page.

Cat-loving visitors can make a big difference by caring for strays during their stay. Whether it’s providing food, assisting in emergencies, or volunteering, there are many ways you can get involved. Visit our For Visitors section to learn more.

Your donation helps provide essential veterinary care and support for Greece’s homeless cats. You can donate through our website, with options for both one-time and monthly contributions. Visit our donation page for more details. 

Yes, we work closely with several local animal welfare organizations and veterinarians. You can learn more about our partners and their contributions on our “Local Partners” page. 

If you encounter a cat in need of immediate help, please refer to the emergency contact details on our website. We have guidelines for handling such situations and connecting with local support.

While rehoming is a wonderful act of kindness, it’s important to recognize that adoption alone cannot address the high cat population in Greece. The scale of the issue requires a more comprehensive approach, such as our community cat care and neutering programs. However, if you’re interested in adopting a cat from Paros or Antiparos, we encourage you to reach out to our local partners, who can guide you through the process.