I’m so excited to see everyone and to continue my mission statement. My soul's desire is to help to make the world a better place, one dog, one cat, one horse and one human at a time.
I learned so much in Greece about the street cats that thrive there. It’s a very interesting society of cats. I’ve never seen so many fat and happy cats, especially In Hydra.
Veterinarians come from the mainland to the island to spay, neuter and vaccinate the cats. They then ear tip the cats. They take a tiny bit of the tip of the ear off, much like they do here with feral cats. This makes it easy to see that they have been cared for. There are still kittens, but not many.
There are no cars or predators in Hydra, so basically the cats own the place. The felines are of all colors and sizes, they are so loved, everyone stops to love on them and they milk it.
As I walked all over the port side of the island I saw bowls of water and kibble set out for the cats.
I met at least 20 cats that I fell in love with. I thought I could take a cat home. I realized that I could never give these cats the life they are loving to live. They are free, they have jobs and
they are loved.
From 4-6 it’s siesta time for the cats, after a busy day of begging for food, they go into a deep sleep, often in the middle of walkways, benches and steps.
At one point I thought one had passed away. A big orange tabby was sprawled across a bench, he was out cold. I had to get closer to see if he was breathing. As I approached I could see his ribs rise, as I got a little closer his eyes opened. "Hey, I’m sleeping. What do you want?" I smiled and gave this handsome guy some space. He went right back to sleep.
I had so much fun taking pictures of the sleepy cats. I call the collection of photos, reclining cats in various positions.
These cats are such skilled beggars, they work the outdoor cafes, which line the port.
As a side note: I saw no mice or rats.
They are working cats. They have jobs. They have a purpose, they love people, and people love them.
While you’re eating, if you're looking the other way, a very young cat may try to get on the table to sample your dinner. They may try to squeeze under your arm, not for love, but for a bite to eat off your plate, or these young cats will alert you to their needs by placing a paw on your leg, if you ignore them you might feel the prickle of little nails.
The senior cats have got begging down to a science. They approach the table, they lovingly brush against your leg to get your attention. They let you pet them, they purr and brush against you, then comes the hook. They sit at your feet and do the hard stare. How can you resist them, you toss some food. That’s when they got you, just where they wanted you.
Don’t try tossing bread or vegetables, they will thumb their noses at the rejected food. Cats want meat. These cats get what they want or they turn on their heels and find another person who will give them what they want — meat.
The seniors have no time for younger cats horning in on their turf. They will posture and gesture with their paws and the youngsters scatter.
Lots of noise, no blood shed. Then they get right back to work. The younger cats will sit outside of the circle of the seniors turf and watch and learn. Someday the best turfs will be theirs.
Hydra’s cats were amazing, the veterinarian support was very evident. I didn’t see sick cats. I did see 2 cats who only had 1 eye. They were a little heavy, their handicap served them well.
As I was leaving the island of Andros, I met a great cat.
I was sitting waiting for the ferry to take me back to Rafina, when I felt something soft and warm push up against my shoulders. I had no idea at first what it was, when I looked behind me there was a beautiful gray and white cat, softly looking into my eyes. He was the port cat and he was working.
As new people would come to the waiting area he’d jump down and beg, then he would return to me.
I asked him if he wanted to come home with me. A Greek Orthodox Priest overheard me. He came over, he smiled at me, then blew into the cat's face. The cat parted his ears back to his head. The Priest looked at me and then in broken English he said, “The cat says he doesn’t have to go with you. If his ears had come forward it would have meant yes.”
The Priest taught me a new animal communication skill.
Seeing the cats living so happily, in their own societies, made me so happy. It was like a fairy tale where the cats live in harmony with the people. They take care of each other. I saw the cats stop people, just to say hello. The people dropped their bags and crouched down to love on the cats.
I'm still processing 3 weeks in a magical country. My heart is full of love for Greece, her people, the history, the food, the sea, the sky and all of the cats in every city I visited.
— October 2024
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