About Our Organization
In the spotlight of Mykonos's fame lies a hidden reality—one that goes unnoticed by many. Beyond the picturesque scenes and vibrant energy, the island harbors a silent struggle: the plight of its stray cat population.
In August of 2021, Mykonos local Anna couldn't turn a blind eye to the stark contrast between the island's allure and the harsh lives led by countless abandoned felines. With a simple mission to rescue a handful of her neighbors' neglected kittens, she launched Mykonos Cats on Instagram. What began as a personal endeavor to make a difference quickly evolved, gaining a devoted following and sparking a wave of support and adoption inquiries.
Capitalizing on the island's booming tourist season, we leveraged the kindness of tourists to connect Mykonos with other parts of Europe where the stray problem is less prevalent. Their willingness to adopt kittens and cats became a bridge, helping us get our felines adopted and safely relocated.
Word spread among locals, leading to requests for assistance in finding homes for stray cats. Anna's one-person mission transformed into a dedicated team of five, united by the common goal of offering Mykonos strays a second chance.
In the summer of 2023, Mykonos Cats forged a partnership with Sandra and her organization “Mykonos Animal Welfare,” marking a turning point in our commitment to feline welfare. Together, we achieved a record high of 150 successful adoptions in 5 months, a testament to our joint dedication to the well-being of these animals.
Rescuing cats from the street, providing them with medical treatment, food, shelter, and a chance to find their forever home is our shared mission. We take the time to match adopters to the perfect cat, offering guidance, support, and veterinary recommendations even after adoption. Every cat we come across, even those now adopted, remains a part of the Mykonos Cat family, gracing our "Success Stories" page and reminding us of our purpose.
We work closely with local vets and residents, committed to helping anyone reaching out for assistance. With no functioning animal shelter on the island, we feel obligated to provide residents with a humane alternative to limit cruel abandonment. If they are committed, we ensure that the cat in question finds its perfect home, understanding their journey as we were once in their shoes.
While rehoming is crucial, we acknowledge that it alone won't solve the island's stray problem. Our aim is to tackle the root of this issue through future educational programs in partnership with our vet Athina Tsokana, "cleaning up" the mess as we go through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives for every cat we come across.
By supporting us, you are helping ensure a better future for the felines of the island. Join us in illuminating the unseen struggle and contributing to a brighter tomorrow for Mykonos's beloved cats.