Meet the Stray Cats of Gozo
Malta's green little sister is located a short 20 minutes ferry right North of the main island of the Maltese Archipelago. Only 67 square kilometres in size, Gozo (Maltese: Għawdex) has much history to offer, including one of the oldest free standing temple in the world, 5,500 years old Ġgantija. The island is popular amongst divers from all over the world, for hiking, for its rough yet green landscape, or simply for relaxed holidays away from the busy tourist centres of Malta. And cats know that, too.
By conservative estimation, some 350,000 stray cats live on Malta and Gozo. With very little control exercised by official bodies, it is thanks to the initiative and devotion of more than 1,000 individuals who feed the strays daily, provide veterinary support and have them neutered and spayed as young as 4 months (primarily at their own costs!). However, some clever moggies hide too well and do reproduce. Today the cat population in this overdeveloped, sea-locked small nation is stable, if not declining.
For the book Islands of Cats - the humble Stray Cat Carers of the Maltese Islands, 6 of the 22 stray cat carers portrayed were visited in Gozo, namely Żebbuġ, Xlendi, Fontana, Għajnsielem, Qala, and Rabat (former brit. Victoria). While the book highlights the work of the stray cat carers, for this post, the stray cats of Gozo are the stars, photographed at around feeding time during the winter months. Enjoy the view.
We enjoy meeting other island cats.
ReplyDelete350,000 cats? I think I've found where I would like to live, never mind visit.
ReplyDeleteI loved Gozo, and have visited the free standing temple and the new one, Ta Pinu, Didn't know about the quantity of cats though
ReplyDeleteSo many cats. that first shot is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to think there are structures that old.
Oh my goodness. What a lot of cats.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of cats but so wonderful that they are being taken care of. Would love to visit and see all the history and meet some pussy cats. Love the first cat...beautiful eyes.
ReplyDeleteWauw! Dat zijn er veel, maar wel heel leuk :) Liefs en Pawkisses :) <3
ReplyDeleteI love meeting all the beautiful and interesting cats on your blog. Thanks for sharing. Have a terrific week!
ReplyDeleteSo happy they are being taken care of! Precious they are!
ReplyDeleteSuch beauties, I wish they could all have forever homes.
ReplyDeleteWow! all those strays in Malta, love the photos especially the first one
ReplyDeleteHave a tanfastic week :-)
350,000...wowzers! That's a lot of cats. That first photo is beautiful btw.
ReplyDeleteThat is more cats than I can imagine! Thanks for linking up at NanaHood!
ReplyDeleteThere's also an organization of volunteers in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a similar program. Nice idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-little-dab-of-color.html
Wow! That is a lot of cats.
ReplyDeleteFascinating!
ReplyDeleteNice cats!
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