“Many of the cats in my book The Secret Life of Greek Cats were photographed on the island of Hydra,” explains author Joan Paulson Gage.
“On a recent trip back to Hydra, I was curious to see if the economic crisis in Greece had affected the island's feline population. The harbor cats were there, as numerous as always. They were gathered to greet the tourists, waiting under the taverna tables for handouts, and avoiding being trampled by the donkeys in the harbor, who are the only form of transportation on Hydra,” Joan Paulson Gage continues.
“Every time I'd comment that the Hydra cats seemed thinner than before, my daughter Eleni would point out a fat cat who clearly enjoyed a regular meal schedule. The best fed and happiest cats on the island are, of course, house pets and store cats. The harbor cats have a harder life, but they regularly greet the fishing boats as they come in in the morning, hoping for scraps when fish are cleaned. They also keep an eye on the private boats anchored in the harbor-- to the point of mastering tightrope walking, if it will win a tasty bite. Even the wildest of the feral cats, when the sun begins to set, have to stop a moment and wonder at the beauty of their island, and take a moment to wish for good hunting and a full stomach tomorrow.”
You can find The Secret Life Of Greek Cats at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
“On a recent trip back to Hydra, I was curious to see if the economic crisis in Greece had affected the island's feline population. The harbor cats were there, as numerous as always. They were gathered to greet the tourists, waiting under the taverna tables for handouts, and avoiding being trampled by the donkeys in the harbor, who are the only form of transportation on Hydra,” Joan Paulson Gage continues.
“Every time I'd comment that the Hydra cats seemed thinner than before, my daughter Eleni would point out a fat cat who clearly enjoyed a regular meal schedule. The best fed and happiest cats on the island are, of course, house pets and store cats. The harbor cats have a harder life, but they regularly greet the fishing boats as they come in in the morning, hoping for scraps when fish are cleaned. They also keep an eye on the private boats anchored in the harbor-- to the point of mastering tightrope walking, if it will win a tasty bite. Even the wildest of the feral cats, when the sun begins to set, have to stop a moment and wonder at the beauty of their island, and take a moment to wish for good hunting and a full stomach tomorrow.”
You can find The Secret Life Of Greek Cats at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
These kitties sure look cute waiting for the boats of tourists to come in. Yes, house cats always have it best.
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are lovely! I've never seen Hydra before.
How beautiful! They are intelligent and have very good taste. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch adorable kitties. I sure hope they get plenty of food.
ReplyDeleteThey sure are cuties!
ReplyDeleteSmart kitties - hanging around the harbor. That's the place to be if fish is the goal.
ReplyDeleteLove and licks,
Cupcake
Thank heavens for the kindness of the fishermen and strangers who help the harbor cats survive.....They are so sweet - and patient!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sammy
What lovely cats - we hope they get given lots of fish and treats.
ReplyDeleteLuv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
What a beautiful place for the cats to live.
ReplyDeleteCats have to be clever to be well fed! Lovely pics.
ReplyDeleteCats are immune from the Eurozone crisis. What do they care?
ReplyDeleteThey each make do with their situation. I'd be very popular there as I'd toss something to every cat I saw.
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful, aren't they?!
ReplyDeleteLovely Greek cuties!!!
Hugs and kisses, sweetheart!
~~~~~~~~ waves two everee one in Hydra.....we hope ewe all R doin grate N everee one haz plentee ta eat & drink....all wayz ♥♥♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteThat would be a good place to get fish!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be a tourist and have kitties greeting me. Hope the harbor cats get lots of fish. That reminds me of the fishing village on Martha's Vineyard that I love - cats are always hanging around the fish markets. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos! And how nice of the fisherman to give them some yummy fish!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful place to hang out!
ReplyDeleteHave a super Thursday...
Noodle cat and crew
Very nice!
ReplyDeletePlease come share at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/10/a-little-bit-squirrelly.html
How lovely! I do love the kitties even though ours only comes out to yell at me for more food or water ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us for Photo Friday again this week!
What lovely pictures. I must confess I had never heard of Hydra island - but the Greeks have so many islands that is impossible to know them all :)
ReplyDeleteLovely place for the cats to live!
ReplyDeleteSo precious! Thanks for sharing at My Flagstaff Home!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
I bet those harbor cats keep the harbor rat population down too!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely lovely.
ReplyDelete(I'm having an Avengers geek moment and want to say Hail Hydra!)
Disneyland has hundreds of feral cats to keep the rat population under control. Once in a while we'll see them.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I remember all the cats on Hydra when I went there! We bought cat food and fed them and I had a wonderful time in a square surrounded by about 30 cats!! And the ones around the harbour were hilarious!!! One was so keen to get at the fish that he fell in the water!!x
ReplyDeleteThose cats are adorable. Thanks for linking up for Wordlless Wednesday! have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI hope they fatten up! I don't want to see any kitty hungry!
ReplyDelete