Last Updated on 15 September 2026 by Vanessa
Welcome to the island of Iraklia in Greece, a part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea.
Among the stunning Mediterranean landscapes and cobblestone streets, you’ll notice some adorable furry inhabitants: the stray cats of Iraklia. These felines have lived alongside the local community for generations.
The cat welfare organization Cats of Iraklia works around the clock to ensure the wellbeing of these cats.
In this article, we explore the world of Iraklia’s stray cats and the dedicated efforts of the organization that goes the extra mile to give these kind creatures a better life.
Cats of Iraklia: the stray cat heroes of Greece
Where is Iraklia?
Iraklia is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Cyclades archipelago, which contains over 20 different islands, including Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, and Naxos.
With an area of 17.6 square kilometers, Iraklia counts only two villages: Agios Georgios by the port and the hilltop village Panagia, plus the main beach, Livadi.
Only around 100 inhabitants live on Iraklia, making it a tranquil and close-knit community.
Unlike more popular Greek islands, Iraklia remains a hidden gem. It doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest major airport is Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). From there, you can take a domestic flight to Naxos, and then a ferry that takes you to Iraklia. You can find the best ferry rates and routes here.
The few travelers that come here mostly seek an authentic experience amid serene landscapes. Its history dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence from the Neolithic period. Despite its size, Iraklia offers a variety of activities, including exploring stunning beaches and hiking trails. The crystalline waters surrounding the island also offer opportunities for snorkeling and diving adventures.
Cats of Iraklia
There are around 150 cats on this tiny island, some living in the hilltop village Panagia, some by the port village Agios Georgios, and some by the beach.
“The lives of the cats are precarious with many dying pitifully young,” says Londoner Mike Nicholas, who has been visiting the island of Iraklia since 2018 and is now helping the cat welfare organization Cats of Iraklia with fundraising, copywriting, and photography. “The cats on Iraklia may have lived on the island for hundreds of years, they need 21st century healthcare and love to live fulfilling lives.”
Caring for the stray cats of Iraklia
Chatzoudi Kyriaki-Kia, a nurse on the island, founded Cats of Iraklia in 2017 with the aim of helping the Aegean cats that have lived alongside Greek people for centuries.
“The main reason that this project started is that we realized that during the autumn, winter and spring, the cats of Iraklia were facing starvation along with various feline diseases,” says Mike Nicholas.
The main mission of “Cats of Iraklia” is to improve the lives of the cats on the island by providing essential care and support. Some of the things the organization has done for the cats so far are:
- Feeding the approximately 150 cats all year round, long after the tourists are gone.
- Setting up a neutering program, which involves a vet on the much larger neighboring island of Naxos.
- Using life-saving medicines to treat the deadly cat flu found on the island of Iraklia and Greece in general.
- In 2023, they vaccinated the first 20 cats to help them tackle a range of diseases.
Engaging the community for cat welfare
Collaboration with the local community is essential to promote cat welfare.
After many years, locals are now slowly starting to communicate with the organization about feline health and other issues that they notice around the island. Not all of them, but quite a number of them.
However, some people still object at the neutering because it is often too costly for most Greek families. Eventually, they will come around due to the Greek law regarding the compulsory sterilization of stray cats.
Nevertheless, progress is being made with the support of the local municipality, which is becoming more involved in food distribution and neutering efforts.
Additionally, even though there are only around 100 residents on the island, volunteers in both Agios Georgios and Panagia help feed the cats at various points around the island.
How to make a difference?
If you’re interested in helping Cats of Iraklia care for stray cats on this Greek island, there are several ways you can contribute:
Donate
Making a donation is one of the most direct and effective ways to support the organization. This can help fund life-saving medicines, essential neutering, and food for the cats.
“Our main challenge is raising the funds that are needed to help the lovely cats here,” says Mike Nicholas.
Why not create a support group with each of your friends donating just €1 per month? Readers who wish to make a difference can visit the GoFundMe page.
You can also reach out to “Cats of Iraklia” to see if there are any specific items or supplies they may need for their work, such as cat food, medical supplies, or equipment.
Spread awareness
Share information about the organization with your friends, family, and social media networks. Raising awareness about their mission can help garner more support and resources.
Volunteer
While formal volunteering opportunities are not available, you can reach out to the organization and help them feed and keep an eye on the cats while you are enjoying your time on Iraklia.
Adopt
If you fall in love with one of the stray cats of the island, you should get in touch with Cats of Iraklia volunteer Chatzoudi Kyriaki-Kia. She can help with arranging the veterinary treatment and paperwork that will be needed from the vet on the neighboring island of Naxos.
However, keep in mind that some cats are really happy on Iraklia and much loved by the residents. Nevertheless, there are many others that would be perfect for adoption.
For adoption inquiries and any other questions, readers can reach out via email: catsofiraklia@gmail.com.
📍 Thinking seriously about taking one home? We’ve explained how to bring a stray cat home from Greece in a separate guide.
Feed the cats
“Please do feed the cats,” says Mike Nicholas. “Some are friendly, but others will be more wild. If you find an injured cat please contact Cats of Iraklia for help.”
Host a sale
Hosting a sale or auction of your old clothes, toys, and other items presents a wonderful opportunity to raise funds. Spread the word that the proceeds from the event will go to the shelter’s animals. It’s a win-win situation, as you declutter your home while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our furry friends. Your contribution will provide them with the much-needed help they deserve.
Hold a fundraising
You can organize fundraising events or campaigns to support the organization’s efforts. This could include charity drives, bake sales, or online fundraising campaigns.
Connect with local resources
If you have contacts or knowledge of resources in Greece that could support the organization, share this information with them.
Like, follow, and share Cats of Iraklia on their social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) to help expand their reach and engage more people in their cause.
Remember, every little bit helps, and your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these stray cats and the dedicated volunteers caring for them.
Conclusion: a better life for Iraklia’s cats
“Our goals for the future is to create a long-term environment where the cats of Iraklia live happy and healthy lives,” says Mike Nicholas. “With the volunteers on the island and our supporters around the world, we can create a better world for the lovely cats on Iraklia. Purr!”
To help spread awareness about the cause of Cats of Iraklia, please share this article with your cat-loving friends and on social media. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for Iraklia’s beloved strays.
Love Greek cats?
Curious about Greece’s felines beyond Iraklia? These stories and guides are a good place to start.
- Which Greek island has the most cats? (It’s not what you think)
- Stray cats in Greece: everything you need to know
- All the cat cafés in Greece (Yes, this is a thing, and it’s amazing!)
- Five simple ways to help the stray cats of Corfu
- The Bloody Greek Cat: a funny memoir about living in Greece with 35 rescue cats
Photos of the cats of Iraklia by Mike Nicholas.
English version / version française / versione italiana
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