Last Updated on 27 October 2025 by Vanessa
What better gift for your cat-loving friends (and yourself) than this beautiful cat wall calendar featuring the street cats of Vis?
Your purchase will directly support the work of Street Cats of Vis, a small, volunteer-run project on the island of Vis in Croatia.
Life on Vis, a small island with a lot of cats
Vis is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Croatia, located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from the Dalmatian coast.
A ferry ride from Split takes around two and a half hours, but once you arrive, you’ll feel a world away from the bustle of the mainland.
With an area of just 90 square kilometers (35 square miles) and a population of roughly 3,000 residents, Vis is known for its unspoiled nature and peaceful pace of life.
Unfortunately, resources on Vis are limited, especially outside the summer tourist season.
There are small local shops, a few pharmacies, and basic healthcare facilities. Yet life here still requires a lot of self-reliance. Getting specialized care or supplies often means taking a ferry to Split.
Obviously, it’s even harder for animals.
For over 20 years, there was no veterinarian on Vis. That means that injured, sick, or stray animals often had no access to professional care.
Today, things are improving.
There’s now a small veterinary clinic that’s open once a week (usually).
The municipality of Vis now also pays for the sterilization of street cats.
That’s a huge step forward in controlling the stray population humanely.
Street Cats of Vis
Street Cats of Vis began as a small, all-volunteer group during the years when no vet worked on the island.
Locals who cared about the cats decided to take action. They started feeding, rescuing, and organizing sterilizations to stop the endless cycle of kittens being born on the streets.
In Croatia, spaying and neutering are still not universally accepted practices.
Many people believe it is more natural to let animals breed freely, particularly in rural or island communities.
This results in feline overpopulation and the unnecessary suffering of many unwanted cats and kittens.
The consequences are heartbreaking: countless kittens born without shelter, food, or care, and adult cats struggling to survive in harsh conditions.
Unfortunately, cases of neglect, abandonment, and even poisoning still occur in some areas and reflect a broader need for education about animal welfare.
However, awareness is slowly improving thanks to targeted TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, educational outreach, and the work of volunteers who demonstrate compassionate care for animals.
Street Cats of Vis relies entirely on donations to cover veterinary expenses beyond sterilization, including emergency treatments, vaccinations, parasite control, and food.
The project also funds fostering and adoption efforts, giving rescued cats a second chance at life — sometimes on the island, sometimes abroad.
Rehoming is a vital part of the project’s mission.
Volunteers work tirelessly to find loving homes for rescued cats and to coordinate transportation for those adopted off-island.
Anyone who can help by adopting, fostering, donating, or assisting with travel logistics is more than welcome to do so. This plays an essential role in sustaining the project and improving the lives of the street cats of Vis.
How to support Street Cats of Vis?
To support Street Cats of Vis, you can make a donation via streetcatsofvis.com, or you can purchase their beautiful cat calendar by filling out this form: https://tinyurl.com/cat-calendar
100% of each calendar purchase goes directly towards helping the street cats of Vis.
You’ll be contacted with payment details once you’ve placed your order.
Calendar unit prices
- 1 = 90 hrk / 12 € / 10 £ / $12
- 2 = 80 hrk / 11 € / 9 £ / $11
- 3+ = 70 hrk / 10 € / 8 £ / $10
(plus shipping and handling, if required)
If you care about cats and want to help more people discover this project, feel free to share this post on your social media. Every share helps raise awareness and brings us one step closer to a kinder world for the street cats of Vis. 🐾
📍 Also check out the calendar Cats of Morocco by photographer Lisa M. Collard.
One Response
This is such a heartwarming initiative! It’s wonderful to see the street cats of Vis, Croatia, getting the love and care they deserve. The calendar idea is brilliant — not only showcasing the charm of these island kitties but also helping fund their wellbeing. Huge applause to the volunteers and everyone supporting the Street Cats of Vis project — you’re making a real difference for these furry residents!