Last Updated on 15 July 2025 by Vanessa
Cyprus is famous for its plentiful four-legged resident cats. With more cats than humans in Cyprus, the feline population is out of control, with estimates putting the number of stray cats on the island at 1.5 million, while the number of people is only 1.2 million.
The city of Limassol, too, is full of stray cats.
“If you have not walked the streets of Limassol yet, then you should. You will see a lot of homeless cats there. They live and sleep anywhere, attracting the gaze of many people who pass by,” says photographer Yuko, who has photographed cats all over Cyprus but particularly in Limassol. “Cats in Limassol are something special. They are everywhere, and they are all different. Each cat has its own life and its owner corner in this world.”
But with so many felines roaming the Cypriot streets, their is one important question on everyone’s lips:
Why are there so many stray cats in Cyprus?
When did cats first arrive in Cyprus?
According to legend, the rise of cats in Cyprus dates back to AD 328. This is when Roman Empress Saint Helena, also known as Helena of Constantinople, shipped hundreds of cats from Egypt to Cyprus to chase snakes from the St. Nicholas of the Cats monastery.
A contradictory legend claims Cleopatra, Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, was the one to bring in the cats to exterminate the snakes.
However, the earliest known archaeological evidence of a house cat on the Mediterranean island goes back to 7,500 BC, with a human and a cat buried in the same grave.
Do Cypriots love their cats?
Unfortunately, no. The majority of Cypriots attach little value to their cats. They are usually not regarded as pets and are considered vermin (much like rats). For shopkeepers and hotel managers, their presence is a nuisance. As such, many people in Cyprus refuse to take care of stray cats. Several animals are malnourished and wounded.
Government cat sterilization program
Luckily, things are slowly shifting…
In recent years, the state had set aside 75,000 euros annually for cat sterilizations, but that funding has been dramatically sliced due to the economic crisis.
The aim of this cat sterilization program was to effectively manage the island’s feral cat population in a humane and sustainable manner. By sterilizing stray and feral cats, the program sought to control their numbers and reduce issues related to overpopulation, such as the spread of diseases, nuisance behavior, and strain on resources. Additionally, the program aimed to improve the welfare of cats by preventing unwanted litters and reducing the need for euthanasia as a means of population control, ultimately fostering a healthier and more harmonious coexistence between cats and humans on the island.
Following the government sterilization program, countless cat feeding stations have been established all over the island as well, and many towns now have one or more volunteers who feed and look after the local strays, oftentimes with their own resources.
Cat shelters and cat welfare organizations
In response to the pressing issue of stray cat populations, an increasing number of cat shelters and welfare organizations are emerging across Cyprus.
These organizations play a crucial role in addressing the welfare needs of the island’s numerous stray cats, offering vital services such as rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, essential medical care, and spaying and neutering services to prevent further overpopulation and alleviate the suffering of stray cats.
Furthermore, they engage in community outreach and education programs to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and the importance of sterilization, fostering a culture of compassion and empathy towards the feline residents of Cyprus. Through their dedication and efforts, these shelters are making significant strides towards improving the lives of stray cats and creating a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between humans and felines on the island.
Below are some of the most well-known organizations in Cyprus, most of which can be visited by the public:
Malcolm Cat Protection Society
Malcolm Cat Protection Society near Limassol – named after its founder, Malcolm C. P. Stevenson – is probably the most mediatized of the cat rescue organizations in Cyprus.
This has led to Malcolm Cat Protection Society becoming the island’s main tourist attraction.
The sanctuary is free to visit, and you can easily spend an hour and a half in the company of the approximately 200 cats, most of which are affectionate and well-behaved.
It is a safe shelter for the cats, with an outdoor area to play in, and they are taken care of twice daily by volunteers who also give them love and attention.
St. Nicholas of the Cats monastery
The famous St. Nicholas of the Cats monastery is nearby and can be visited in combination with Malcolm Cat Protection Society.
This historic monastery has a unique association with cats.
According to legend, the monastery was founded by a group of Byzantine monks who were saved from a severe rat infestation by a colony of cats. In gratitude, the monks dedicated the monastery to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of cats.
Over the centuries, the monastery became known for its resident feline population. The animals are lovingly cared for by the nuns, who regularly receive generous donations from visitors to ensure the wellbeing of as many cats as possible.
Read more in our dedicated article on the St. Nicholas of the Cats monastery in Cyprus.
The Tala Monastery Cat Park
You can also visit The Tala Monastery Cat Park, which cares for nearly 1,000 stray cats.
Located in the village of Tala, the Tala Monastery Cat Park is a unique destination that offers a perfect blend of feline charm and cultural significance. Nestled in the serene grounds of the Agios Neophytos Monastery, this cat park is a haven for both cats and cat lovers.
As soon as you enter the cat park, you’ll be greeted by the friendly feline residents who roam freely around the monastery grounds. These adorable cats are well-cared for by the monastery’s staff and volunteers, and they have formed a close-knit community in the park. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature, and they’re always eager to interact with visitors.
One of the highlights of the Tala Monastery Cat Park is the opportunity to feed and interact with the cats. The park provides designated feeding areas where you can purchase cat food and treats to feed the cats. It’s a heartwarming experience to watch the cats eagerly approach you for food and see their appreciation as they enjoy their meal.
Aside from interacting with the cats, the Tala Monastery Cat Park also offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Cyprus. The Agios Neophytos Monastery, founded in the 12th century by Saint Neophytos, is a place of great religious significance. The monastery features stunning frescoes and carvings, and you can explore its peaceful chapels and cells. As you wander through the monastery, you’ll also come across the charming cat-themed artwork and decorations that adorn the park, adding to its unique character.
The Tala Monastery Cat Park is not just a tourist attraction, but also a sanctuary for stray cats. The park operates as a non-profit organization, relying solely on donations and the support of volunteers. The park’s mission is to provide a safe and caring environment for stray cats, as well as to promote responsible cat ownership through education and awareness.
Visiting the Tala Monastery Cat Park is not only a fun and memorable experience, but it’s also a way to support a worthy cause. By purchasing cat food and other items at the park’s gift shop, you are directly contributing to the well-being of the cats and supporting the park’s efforts to provide them with a better life.
Cyprus Cats
The non-profit organization Cyprus Cats is another important cat sanctuary.
Founded in 2001, Cyprus Cats has been working tirelessly to make the stray cats of Cyprus healthier and happier through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption efforts, as well as promoting responsible cat ownership and advocating for animal welfare.
Not only do they provide fresh food and water, they also bring ill or injured cats to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. They operate a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, where stray cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, and then returned to their original locations to prevent further breeding. This approach helps to control the population of stray cats and improve their overall health and well-being.
Cyprus Cats also fosters cats and kittens who need time off the streets to grow or recover. They seek suitable permanent homes for those cats ready for a life off the streets through their adoption program. They carefully screen potential adopters to ensure that the cats are placed in safe and loving environments. Each cat is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before being adopted, to ensure their well-being and to promote responsible cat ownership.
Cyprus Cats also focuses on community education and awareness to promote responsible cat care and reduce the number of stray cats. They provide information and resources to the local community on topics such as spaying/neutering, proper nutrition, and providing adequate shelter for outdoor cats. They also organize educational workshops and events to raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and the humane treatment of cats.
How to help the stray cats of Limassol and Cyprus?
Yet, with so many stray cats in Limassol (and Cyprus in general), the valuable work of these organizations is not enough. Everyone must take responsibility for helping control the cat population while keeping the cats’ well-being a top priority.
The good news is that you, too, can help the stray cats of Cyprus.
Donate
The obvious option is to donate a small amount to one or more cat sanctuaries in Cyprus. A donation of only $25 can save a cat’s life as it can help provide medical treatment and food. Some organizations (such as The Tala Monastery Cat Park) offer sponsorship programs for specific cats.
You can also order cat food for the shelter cats straight from the Cyprus Cats website.
Charity shops
Malcolm Cat Protection Society also offers to purchase cat calendars and homemade Christmas cards that feature the cats of the sanctuary. Revenue from these calendars and Christmas cards will go directly to the cats – a welcoming extra since Malcolm Cat Protection Society’s volunteers find abandoned cats and kittens dumped outside the fence nearly daily.
Malcolm Cat Protection Society and The Tala Monastery Cat Park also have charity shops.
The Malcolm Cat Protection Society shop used to be located in Limassol but has now moved to the nearby town of Episkopi. The Tala Monastery Cat Park shop is in Paphos.
Spread the word
Sharing this this article with your friends and on social media only takes a second, and it really helps in creating more awareness regarding this issue and in generating more donations from strangers.
Adopt
Have you ever thought of giving a stray cat from Cyprus a forever home?
Cat sanctuaries like Cyprus Cats, The Tala Monastery Cat Park, and Malcolm Cat Protection Society regularly have cats needing a new home.
You can even adopt these stray cats from your own country. The sanctuaries will organize travel and paperwork for cats leaving the country.
Final thoughts
These compassionate and dedicated organizations and volunteers are all making a significant difference in the lives of stray cats in Limassol and Cyprus. Their unwavering commitment to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome cats, as well as their efforts in promoting responsible cat ownership and advocating for animal welfare, is truly commendable.
However, even though these efforts exist, there are still more cats than humans in Cyprus.
If you are a cat lover or an animal advocate, supporting these cat rescue organizations is a meaningful way to contribute to the wellbeing of cats and help make a positive change in their lives. Together, we can help save lives, one whisker at a time.
Read next 👉
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Photos by Yuko Photography
Text by Vanessa Morgan
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