Surviving winter: the plight of the stray cats in Ornos, Mykonos
stray cats in Ornos Mykonos Greece
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Ornos is a village located in a lovely bay in the South West of Mykonos island, only a ten-minute drive away from Mykonos Town (Chora). It has an abundance of trendy bars and restaurants that spill out onto the sandy beach, plenty of hotels, and… many, many cats.

These cats face numerous challenges as they try to survive the chilly and lonely winter months. In this blog post, we will shed light on the plight of stray cats in Greece during winter and explore the challenges they face, the efforts of animal welfare organizations, and how individuals can help.

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What is Ornos known for?

Ornos, located on the island of Mykonos in Greece, is a popular tourist destination known for its beach, which is one of the most popular and well-organized beaches on Mykonos island. Along the shore, there are plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars, making it a popular spot for sunbathing, relaxation, and beach parties.

Apart from its beach, Ornos is also known for its watersports activities, which attract many thrill-seekers and adventure lovers. Visitors can enjoy various water sports such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and scuba diving.

One of the advantages of Ornos is its proximity to Mykonos Town, also known as Chora, which is the capital of the island.

soulatso trattoria ornos Mykonossoulatso trattoria ornosginger cat ornos mykonos

Surviving winter as a stray

Many of the stray and feral cats in Ornos (and Greece in general) rely on the generosity of tourists for their survival, as they are often fed by visitors who are captivated by their charm. These cats may not have a regular food source or a stable home, and they often have to fend for themselves in search of food. However, the kindness of tourists who feed them significantly improves their chances of survival.

In addition to meeting their basic nutritional needs, the food provided by tourists can also contribute to the socialization and interaction of these cats, making them overall happier.

In winter, which typically falls between November and March, Mykonos sees fewer tourists due to various factors such as cooler weather, reduced flight and ferry schedules, and the closure of many seasonal businesses. Off-season, the town is nearly deserted.

That means the community cats have to fend for themselves. There are no more tourists around to feed them.

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Also, the weather in Greece during winter can be quite chilly and wet, especially at night. It even snowed in Mykonos in 2021, and many stray cats froze to death.

Cardboard boxes and sheds provided for them by volunteers are usually destroyed within a few days, and that photo that goes around the internet showing a taverna opening its doors to freezing strays is the exception, not the rule.

meowginger cat ornos

It is a myth that strays have it easy in Greece, because we are used to seeing them sunbathe and being fed by tourists during our two-week summer vacation.

Surviving winter as a stray is extremely difficult.

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How to help the stray cats of Ornos and Mykonos?

If you have the intention of visiting Mykonos island outside of the tourist season, there are several ways to make a positive impact on the lives of these cats. This will aid them in surviving the colder months.

If you’re lucky enough, the cats will reward you with a gentle rub against your leg.

cats of ornos mykonos

Provide food and water

If you visit Ornos in winter, make sure to bring some kibble and warm shelter along to help the stray cats. Cheap cat food can be found in most local shops, and it is easy to tag along.

Dry food, wet food, and water in non-freezing containers can be lifesaving for feral and stray cats. You can also give some kibble to each cat individually as you make your way through Ornos and the rest of Mykonos island.

cats of ornos mykonos

Create shelter

You can provide makeshift shelters for feral cats, such as a covered box with warm bedding or straw, to offer protection against the cold and wind. There are also DIY insulated cat house designs available online that can be used to provide shelter for feral cats during winter.

stray cats ornos

Support local animal welfare organizations

Many animal welfare organizations in Greece rely on donations and volunteers to carry out their work. Consider supporting them financially or through volunteering to help feral cats and other animals in need.

Here are some local welfare organizations that operate in Mykonos:

Mykonos Animal Welfare (MAW)

MAW is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of animals on the island of Mykonos. They work to rescue and care for abandoned, abused, and injured animals, including cats, through their shelter and adoption programs. They also provide spaying/neutering and veterinary care services, as well as promote responsible pet ownership and educate the local community about animal welfare.

Animal Care Mykonos

Animal Care Mykonos is a volunteer-based organization that aims to help the stray and abandoned animals, including cats, on the island of Mykonos. They provide food, shelter, and medical care to the animals in need, and they also run a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program to control the population of stray cats on the island.

Mykonos Animal Clinic

Mykonos Animal Clinic is a veterinary clinic located on the island of Mykonos that provides medical care and treatment for animals, including cats. They offer a range of services, including spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and emergency care, and they work closely with local animal welfare organizations to provide veterinary support to stray and abandoned animals on the island.

stray cats ornos mykonos

Raise awareness

Spread awareness about the challenges faced by stray and feral cats in Greece during winter by forwarding this article with your friends and family, or by sharing it on social media.

cats ornos

How to reach Ornos?

By car or scooter

Mykonos island is small, so it is easy and swift to reach Ornos Beach by car, especially if you stay in Mykonos Town.

There are several car and scooter rental agencies available on the island.

However, please note that driving in Mykonos can be challenging due to narrow roads, limited parking, and heavy traffic during peak tourist season.

By bus

Mykonos has a local bus network that connects various parts of the island, including Ornos. You can take the bus from the Fabrica bus station in Mykonos Town (Chora). From here, you can also take the water taxi to the beaches Platis Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Agrari, and Elia.

The bus ride from Mykonos Town to Ornos takes about 10-15 minutes.

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Final thoughts on the plight of the stray and feral cats of Ornos, Mykonos

Please consider visiting Ornos and Mykonos off-season in order to help the cats.

Despite the decrease in tourist numbers, Mykonos can still be an enchanting destination in winter for those who appreciate its natural beauty, local culture, and peaceful ambiance. The island’s picturesque landscapes, charming churches and monasteries, and friendly locals can still offer a unique and authentic experience during the quieter winter season.

However, it’s worth noting that some tourist amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and attractions, may have limited operating hours or be closed during the off-season, and the weather can be cooler and more variable compared to the summer months.

cat ornos

First photo by Eric Valette. Other photos by Vanessa Morgan.

Greek cats

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