NICOSIA, Cyprus — The Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus is facing an unusual problem, a booming cat population estimated to be roughly equal to its one million residents.
Officials and animal welfare groups say the number of feral cats has grown out of control, with sterilization programs too limited to manage the surge. “It’s a good program, but it needs to expand,” said Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou, noting that only about 2,000 sterilizations are conducted each year on a modest budget of 100,000 euros ($117,000).
Responding to mounting pressure, Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou announced on October 4, World Animal Day, that the government would triple sterilization funding to 300,000 euros annually. The move was welcomed by animal rights groups, but lawmakers cautioned that funding alone won’t solve the crisis.
“There has to be a plan,” said Charalambos Theopemptou, chairman of the Parliamentary Environment Committee. “We can’t just go ahead with sterilizations without having a plan.”
Experts warn that the island’s expanding cat population threatens both its ecosystem and the welfare of the animals themselves. Large numbers of feral cats often roam congested streets in search of food and shelter, while conservationists struggle to contain the situation.
Cyprus’s deep-rooted relationship with cats dates back thousands of years. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a domesticated cat buried alongside a human from a 9,500-year-old Neolithic village, one of the oldest signs of human-feline companionship. A 4th-century legend even tells of Saint Helen bringing cats to Cyprus to combat a snake infestation, a story still commemorated by the monastery of St. Nicholas of the Cats.
Today, the island’s feline residents are part of its cultural and tourist identity, often seen lounging near restaurants and being fed by visitors. But unchecked breeding, particularly in urban areas, has caused the population to explode, said Veterinary Association President Demetris Epaminondas.
The government’s sterilization program, run by the state’s Veterinary Services, funds local municipalities that pay private veterinarians to neuter cats brought in by animal groups. Authorities, however, admit the effort is “lesser than the real need.”
Animal welfare advocates are calling for a more unified approach. “Tripling funds won’t have the desired effect unless groups with the know-how are recruited to round up cats,” said Elias Demetriou of Friends of Larnaca Cats.
Eleni Loizidou of Cat Alert said her group recently trapped 397 feral cats in Nicosia “a mere drop in the ocean.” She added that too few females are being sterilized due to the difficulty of trapping them.
Epaminondas believes Cyprus could control its cat population within four years if authorities simplify procedures and collaborate more closely with private clinics. “People will be more motivated to get cats neutered if we make it easier for them to do so,” he said.
His association has proposed a national strategy that includes a smartphone app to help locate cat colonies, designated clinics for mass sterilization, and a public fund to encourage private and corporate donations.
Theodosiou said her office is working on a long-term plan to unite government agencies, animal advocates, and volunteers to accurately track the cat population and legalize private sanctuaries.
“There are solutions,” Loizidou affirmed.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
