Last Updated on 17 July 2026 by Vanessa

Did you know Corfu is home to thousands of stray cats? Some are lucky, fed by kind locals, yet most others struggle to survive. Most tourists walk past without realizing they can save their lives. But what if I told you helping the Corfu cats is easier than you think? (without ruining your vacation!)

A little kindness goes a long way, and these five simple actions can make a real difference!

5 simple ways to help Corfu cats

1) Spaying and neutering of Corfu cats

One of Corfu’s biggest problems is that most of the stray cats are not spayed or neutered. This leads to an endless cycle of kittens being born into an overcrowded and struggling cat population. While you may love seeing these adorable furry residents around the island, their numbers are growing at an alarming rate, and that’s a serious problem.

Why is the lack of spaying and neutering such a big issue?

When stray cats aren’t sterilized, the consequences are severe:

• More cats, less food: The cat population explodes, with each female cat capable of producing multiple litters yearly. However, food sources remain the same, leaving many cats malnourished or starving. Unfortunately, local cat rescue organizations don’t have the budget or people to feed them all. To make things worse, since many Greeks still see cats as vermin, many destroy their food sources.
• Suffering and disease: Weak, hungry, and often exposed to harsh conditions, many kittens don’t survive. Those who do face a tough life filled with disease, injuries, and constant struggle.
• Lack of resources: There are no government-funded programs to control Corfu’s stray cat population. That means local charities and small groups of volunteers are left to handle this massive issue—with very little money.

Why aren’t more cats being fixed?

There are a few key reasons why spaying and neutering efforts on Corfu remain limited:

• No government support: The Greek government does not fund widespread TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, burdening charities and kind-hearted individuals.
• Expensive veterinary costs: Neutering a single cat costs €50-€100, and with thousands of cats needing the procedure, the costs add up fast.
• Economic struggles: Many Greeks struggle with economic hardships due to high unemployment rates, low wages, and the lasting effects of financial crises, making it difficult for many families to afford the cost of sterilizing their cats.
• Pests, not pets: Some Greeks, especially in rural areas, still see stray cats as vermin rather than pets. This mindset means they don’t feel responsible for feeding, neutering, or caring for them. Instead, many believe the cats should fend for themselves, contributing to neglect and overpopulation.
• Too many cats, not enough help: Volunteers and rescue groups are doing their best, but they can’t keep up with the rapidly growing population.

How can you help?

The good news? You can make a difference—even with a small effort!

Donate to a cat rescue organization

The best way to make a difference is by donating to cat rescue organizations on the island. Even a €1 donation from every tourist or each person who reads this article would go a long way in funding neutering programs.

You’ll find some amazing groups working to fix Corfu’s strays at the bottom of this article, along with links to their websites or Facebook pages.

If you would like to offer a substantial amount of money but are unable to do so, you may want to consider organizing a fundraiser or a yard sale for maximum results.

I’m currently raising money at the Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels. The funds will help Kassiopi Cats Meow sterilize cats in April.

Sponsor a cat’s neutering

Many rescues allow you to pay directly for a stray to be spayed or neutered, ensuring fewer unwanted kittens are born.

Catch and neuter yourself

If you’re on Corfu for an extended period, consider working with local organizations to trap, neuter, and return stray cats yourself. Many vets offer discounts for TNR efforts, and rescues can often provide advice or assistance.

Corfu’s stray cat population could be controlled humanely if every visitor contributed just a little. This would reduce suffering and ensure a healthier future for these beloved island felines.

2) Provide food and water

One of the biggest daily struggles for Corfu cats is finding enough food and fresh water. Like many other tourists, I used to give leftovers and kibble near restaurants and hotels. What I didn’t know for a long time, however, is that this can have dangerous consequences.

The harsh reality

With thousands of stray cats and few organized feeding programs, many go hungry, especially in the off-season when tourists leave.

However, feeding stray cats is not always a solution because many business owners see them as a nuisance, especially if they start gathering around outdoor dining areas. Sadly, poisoning is a common and cruel method used to get rid of stray cats in Greece. Of course, we want to avoid this at all costs.

Water sources are also unreliable. In the hot summer months, natural water sources dry up, so cats drink from dirty puddles or leaking pipes.

How to feed Corfu cats safely

If you want to help, where and how you feed them matters:

• Use feeding stations when possible: Some rescue groups and kind locals have set up designated feeding areas. These are the safest places for strays to eat without risking poisoning or complaints from businesses. You may contact local rescue organizations (see below) to find out where they are.
• Avoid feeding cats at restaurants and hotels: While it may feel natural to give food to a begging cat on a terrace, this can encourage cats to return, leading to their poisoning. Instead, feed them in quiet areas away from businesses.
• Keep kibble with you when exploring: If you’re on a road trip or hiking, carrying some dry cat food is a great way to feed hungry strays you encounter in remote areas.
• Donate food to local rescues: Many animal welfare groups struggle to provide enough food for all the stray cats they care for. If you can’t personally feed strays, consider donating cat food to local rescues.

What to feed (and what to avoid)

The best foods for stray cats include:

✅ Dry cat food (kibble): Affordable, easy to carry, and doesn’t spoil quickly.
✅ Canned tuna in water: A good option if you don’t have cat food on hand.
✅ Wet cat food: Nutrient-rich and great for hydration.

Avoid giving them:

❌ Spicy, salty, or seasoned food: These harm cats and cause illness.
❌ Dairy products: Despite the myth, most cats are lactose intolerant.
❌ Leftovers with (fish-)bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

Remember that water is just as important as food.

Cats suffer from dehydration, especially during Corfu’s hot summers. If you’re feeding strays, leave out a bowl of fresh water whenever possible. A collapsible water bowl is a great travel-friendly option. Refilling existing water dishes left by locals can also help.

3) Don’t ignore a cat in need

Injured, sick, or starving cats are a heartbreaking sight. You might feel helpless or think there’s nothing you can do—but you could be their only chance at survival.

How to help a sick or injured cat

You must know that sick or injured cats rarely get better on their own. Infections, wounds, and illnesses can quickly become fatal without medical care.

Kittens and weak cats, in particular, struggle to survive. If you find a tiny kitten alone or a cat that looks severely underweight, they likely need urgent help.

Sadly, some cats are also victims of poisoning, intentional harm, and neglect.

Contact a rescue organization

If you can’t bring the cat to a vet, your best option is to contact one of the local rescue organizations or volunteers who do their best to help stray cats.

It’s essential to know that…

• Most organizations work in specific areas: If you contact one outside their zone, they may be unable to assist directly. However, they can often direct you to the right group.
• Language barriers may exist: Some rescuers speak English, but others do not. Be patient and use translation apps if needed.
• They are often just regular people doing their best: These are not government-funded shelters; most rescues operate on donations and volunteer time, meaning resources are limited.

That said, it’s always worth reaching out—you never know when help might be available!

Bring the cat to the vet or take it somewhere safe

If no rescue organization can assist, you can still take action:

• Bring the cat to a vet yourself: Many vets on Corfu will treat stray cats, especially in emergencies. Some may offer discounted care for strays.
• Provide temporary care: If the cat is in immediate danger but no rescue can take it, consider keeping it safe until a solution is found. Even a cardboard box with food and water can be a short-term lifesaver.
• Spread the word: Posting about the cat in local Facebook groups or contacting expat communities may lead to help from individuals.

4) Consider adopting or sponsoring a cat

Falling in love with a stray cat while visiting Corfu is easy. But did you know that you can adopt one and give it a forever home? It’s pretty simple, too.

Many local rescues facilitate international adoptions, allowing cats to find loving families abroad. Many even organize paperwork and transportation, even when you are back home.

For example, check out these kittens needing sponsors at the Angelina Cat Sanctuary.

How to adopt a Corfu cat

The process of adopting a Corfu cat is surprisingly simple. Local rescues will guide you through each step if you can’t do it yourself. Here’s what you need to know:

• Paperwork and legal requirements: Your new feline friend will need a passport, microchip, and vaccinations before they can travel.
• Health check & vaccinations: The cat will be examined by a vet, dewormed, vaccinated, and tested for common diseases.
• Transport arrangements: Many airlines allow cats to travel in the cabin or cargo, and rescues can help arrange the safest travel option.

For a detailed step-by-step guide on adopting a cat from Greece, check out my article on adopting a cat from Lesbos—the process is exactly the same!

Sponsor a cat

If you can’t bring a cat home, sponsoring one is the next best thing. Many rescues offer a virtual adoption program, where you can:

✅ Provide food, medical care, and shelter for a cat in need.
✅ Receive updates and photos of your sponsored cat.
✅ Help cover the cost of neutering and vaccinations.

5) Spread awareness

Helping Corfu’s stray cats isn’t just about what you do during your visit—it’s also about raising awareness so that more people know how to help. The more tourists and locals understand the issue, the more likely change will happen.

Here’s how you can start raising awareness:

Share your experience on social media

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness. If you see stray cats on Corfu—whether healthy, hungry, or needing help—talk about it.

• Share photos of cats in need in dedicated Facebook groups such as Stray Cats Roda and Beyond or Kassiopi Cats Meow. These people will try and help the cats to the best of their abilities.
• Post photos and videos of your encounters on your own social media.
• Share information about TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs and rescue organizations.
• Tag local businesses that support stray cats to encourage others to visit them.

Support cat-friendly businesses

Some hotels, restaurants, and cafés care for the stray cats on their property, offering food, water, or even sterilization efforts. For example, in Barbati (Mparmpati), several restaurants and hotels (Starlight, Akrogiali, Yannis Apartments) have their own resident cat(s) that they care for (although none were sterilized). The same goes for the village of Chlomos. However, many hotels and restaurants poison or remove them in other parts of the island.

Here’s how you can reward the good ones:

✅ Leave a positive review on Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or Booking.com, mentioning their kindness to animals.
✅ Thank the staff for caring for the cats. You’d be surprised how much this encouragement matters!
✅ Recommend cat-friendly places to other travelers so they get more business.

By showing that tourists appreciate animal-friendly policies, more businesses may start treating stray cats with kindness instead of cruelty.

Advocate for TNR programs

The only humane way to control Corfu’s stray cat population is through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return)—a method in which cats are sterilized and then released back into their territory.

Unfortunately, Corfu lacks a government-funded TNR program, meaning local rescues and volunteers are left to do this crucial work alone. Supporting these efforts is key to breaking the cycle of endless kittens and suffering.

Share this article and help spread the word

Share this article with your friends, family, and fellow travelers. The more people understand the issue, the more support these neglected stray cats will receive.

One post, one share, one conversation—it all adds up to real change.

List of cat rescue organizations on Corfu Island

Here’s a list of cat rescue organizations on Corfu Island, including their contact information and areas of focus:

Corfu Angel Cats Rescue & Care TNR – 24 villages across Corfu

This sanctuary provides food, medical treatment, and a safe living environment for around 100 rescued stray cats.

Corfu Angel Cats Rescue & Care TNR also plays a crucial role in managing the island’s stray population by trapping cats from various colonies for neutering and parasite treatment before returning them to their territories.

During the winter months, the organization distributes food to volunteers in 23 villages, ensuring that stray cat colonies across Corfu receive regular nourishment.

Kassiopi Cats Meow – Kassiopi

The welfare group Kassiopi Cats Meow is dedicated to helping stray cats in the village of Kassiopi and sometimes beyond. Their main focus is on sterilizing and feeding them.

Angelina Cat Sanctuary – Corfu in general

Since 2019, Angelina Cat Sanctuary has provided food, medical care, and sterilization to help control the island’s cat population. They take in abandoned kittens, foster them, and ensure they find safe homes.

To protect their growing number of rescues, they built a sheltered area for adult cats while keeping kittens indoors for warmth and care. Through their work and online presence, they raise awareness and give Corfu’s stray cats a chance at a better life.

The Ark – Corfu in general

This registered charity, The Ark, focuses on a catch, neuter, and release program for the numerous stray and abandoned dogs and cats on the island.

Stray Cats Roda and Nearby – Roda, Agios Giorgios, and other surrounding areas

A community group focused on assisting stray cats in Roda and surrounding areas. You can post photos and messages of Corfu cats in need on their Facebook group to help find assistance for them.

Agni Animal Welfare Fund – Agni

The UK-registered charity Agni Animal Welfare Fund promotes neutering and educating locals to help street cats in Agni, a small coastal village on the northeast coast of Corfu.

Corfu Animal Help – Corfu in general

Another registered charity, Corfu Animal Help assists sterlizes and fosters both cats and dogs. They also provide medical care to ill animals.

Do you know other organizations that help stray cats on Corfu Island? Let us know in the comments.

Visiting Corfu – Final thoughts on how to help the cats

Even if you’re visiting Corfu briefly, your actions can mean the difference between life and death for a suffering cat. It only takes a moment to reach out to a local rescue organization—but for that cat, it could change everything.

Whether you donate to a rescue, feed a hungry cat, report an injured animal, or even adopt, every action matters.

If every visitor took just one small step—giving €1, leaving out water, or sharing this article—thousands of cats would have a better chance at survival.

Now it’s your turn. Choose one way to help and start with that.

✅ Donate to a local cat rescue.
✅ Feed and provide food and water to strays safely.
✅ Report suffering cats to rescue organizations.
✅ Adopt or sponsor a Corfu cat in need.
✅ Share this article to spread awareness!

Will you be the reason a Corfu cat gets a better life?

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