Newsroom
Move over Cyprus problem, the island now has another headline-grabbing challenge: its cats. International outlets, including ABC News and the Associated Press, have spotlighted the Mediterranean nation’s unusually high number of felines. With estimates suggesting roughly one feral cat for every resident, the cats of Cyprus have become a viral sensation, but the story behind the cute whiskers is less amusing.
Cyprus has long been a cat-loving country. From small food dispensers along popular footpaths to centuries-old legends of cats helping monasteries with snake infestations, these furry residents are woven into the island’s history. And, of course, their presence comes with a perk: fewer rats and snakes. But today, the sheer number of stray and feral cats is creating a genuine animal welfare and environmental problem.
Authorities estimate that current sterilization programs aren’t nearly enough. The government conducts around 2,000 cat sterilizations annually on a budget of €100,000, a fraction of what is needed. On World Animal Day, Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou announced a tripling of funds to €300,000, but experts warn that money alone won’t solve the crisis without a coordinated, nationwide spay and neuter plan.
Veterinary Association President Demetris Epaminondas says the population could be brought under control in as few as four years if private clinics are mobilized, red tape is reduced, and the public is encouraged to neuter cats for free. Volunteer groups like Cat Alert and sanctuaries such as Friends of Larnaca Cats are already doing the heavy lifting, but their efforts cover only a fraction of the feral population.
The situation also raises a broader question about animal welfare in Cyprus. Experts and activists stress that the island must foster a spay and neuter culture, increase penalties for pet abandonment and cruelty, including jail time, not just fines, and address its stray dog population, which is not far behind the cats in numbers. After all, a society’s compassion is measured by how it treats its animals.
“The solution involves cooperation between government, vets, and volunteers,” said Eleni Loizidou, head of Cat Alert. “We have a plan, we have the tools, now we just need the commitment to make it happen.”
Cyprus’ tourists may love snapping photos of the well-fed felines lounging at cafes, but without sustainable sterilization efforts, the island risks letting a cute problem spiral into a serious one, for cats, for people, and for the island’s ecosystem.
