There are an estimated 1.5 million stray cats in Greece, which is more than double the number of stray dogs. The high number of stray cats is due to a variety of factors, including the country’s economic crisis, the abandonment of pets, and the lack of spaying and neutering. In addition, Greeks have a cultural tolerance for strays, which has led to an increase in the number of cats on the streets.
Cats In Ancient Greece
Cats have been a part of Greek culture for thousands of years. Cats were believed to bring good luck and were often kept as pets by the wealthy. In ancient times, they were revered as gods and goddesses. Today, there are an estimated three million cats in Greece, making it one of the most cat-friendly countries in the world.
The Aegean Cat
The Aegean Cat is a naturally occurring breed of domestic cat originating from the island of Cyprus. The Aegean Cat is considered to be one of the oldest natural breeds of domestic cat, and is thought to be the ancestor of the modern Turkish Angora and Turkish Van. It is a medium-sized cat with a short to medium-length coat and a triangular head.
The Aegean Cat is named after the Aegean Sea, which lies between Cyprus and Turkey. The breed is thought to have originated on the island of Cyprus, from which it is thought to have spread to other Mediterranean islands and the mainland of Greece.
The coat is typically pale in color, with darker markings on the face, ears, and tail. The eyes are typically green or blue in color. The Aegean Cat is a medium-sized cat, with a short to medium-length coat. The Aegean Cat has a triangular head, with large, pointed ears.
The Aegean Cat is considered to be one of the oldest natural breeds of domestic cat. The breed is thought to be the ancestor of the modern Turkish Angora and Turkish Van.
Why Are There So Many Cats In Greece?
There are a number of reasons for the high number of cats in Greece. Finally, the high number of cats in Greece may also be due to the fact that they are considered good luck. Additionally, Greeks have a long history of keeping cats as pets, which has contributed to the high number of cats in the country. The warm climate is ideal for cats, who are able to live and breed year-round.
Most Of Them Are Strays
In Greece, it is not uncommon for people to abandon their cats when they no longer want them or are unable to care for them. One reason is that many of them are strays. There are a variety of reasons why there are so many cats in Greece. This results in a large population of stray cats.
Another reason for the high number of cats in Greece is the climate. Additionally, the abundance of food in Greece (including rodents and birds) means that there is plenty of prey for cats to hunt. The warm Mediterranean climate is ideal for cats, and they are able to thrive in this environment.
Finally, Greeks have a long history of loving and respecting cats. Cats have been revered in Greek culture for centuries, and this deep-seated admiration is reflected in the high number of cats that are present in the country today.
It’s Easy To Survive
Additionally, Greeks have a long history of keeping cats as pets. One reason is that the climate is ideal for cats. They were even thought to be sacred animals in ancient times. The warm weather and lack of predators make it a perfect place for them to thrive. Cats are also known for being good at controlling rodents, which can be a problem in Greece. There are a number of reasons why there are so many cats in Greece. As a result, many people view them as helpful animals and are more likely to feed and care for them.
Limited Funding For Neutering/Spaying
Greeks also tend to view cats as good luck charms and this means that they are often reluctant to have them neutered or spayed. One reason is that there is limited funding for neutering and spaying. Cats were first brought to Greece by the Romans and they have been popular ever since. Another reason is that Greeks have a long history of keeping cats as pets. There are a number of reasons why there are so many cats in Greece. This means that there are more cats being born than there are homes for them.
The Greek Cat-Islands
One reason is that the Greek islands are home to a large number of feral cats. These cats are not owned by anyone and they live off of the land, scavenging for food and shelter. The Greek government does not do much to control the feral cat population, so they continue to grow in numbers. There are a number of reasons why there are so many cats in Greece.
Greeks believe that cats bring good luck and they often keep them in their homes to protect against evil spirits. Another reason why there are so many cats in Greece is that Greeks have a long history of keeping cats as pets. Cats were first brought to Greece by the Egyptians and they quickly became a popular pet among the Greeks.
They can be found roaming the streets, living in abandoned buildings, and lounging in the sun on the Greek islands. Today, there are an estimated 1.5 million cats living in Greece.
Syros Island
The Greek Cat-Islands are a group of small islands located in the Aegean Sea. The most well-known of these islands is Syros, which is home to a large population of cats.
There are several theories as to why there are so many cats on Syros Island. Another theory is that the cats were brought to the island by Italian immigrants in the 19th century. One theory is that the cats were brought to the island by sailors in the 18th century in order to control the rat population.
Visitors to Syros Island will often see cats lounging in the sun or napping in the shade. Whatever the reason, the cats of Syros Island have become a symbol of the island itself. And it’s not uncommon to see a cat or two walking down the streets of the island’s capital, Hermoupolis.
Santorini Island
Santorini Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. It is also home to a large number of cats. The cats of Santorini Island are believed to be descendants of the cats brought to the island by the early settlers.
They can often be seen lounging in the sun or playing in the streets. The cats of Santorini Island are an important part of the island’s culture and are loved by both locals and visitors alike. The cats of Santorini Island are known for their friendly nature and their love of people.
Cyprus Island
The Greek Cat-Islands are a group of small islands off the coast of Greece that are home to large populations of cats. The cats are thought to have arrived on the islands centuries ago, and they have since thrived in the warm climate and ample food supply.
Visitors to the islands often remark on the large number of cats that can be seen lounging in the sun or taking a nap in the shade. The cats of the Greek Cat-Islands are known for their friendly dispositions and their love of sunbathing.
The islands are home to many small rodents and birds, and the cats help to keep the population in check. The cats of the Greek Cat-Islands are also known for their hunting skills.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the company of some friendly felines, the Greek Cat-Islands are the perfect destination.
Should You Feed The Stray Cats In Greece?
Some people argue that the cats should be fed and cared for, while others believe that they should be left to fend for themselves. So, what is the right thing to do? The stray cat population in Greece has been a source of contention for years.
What To Do If You See Cats Or Kittens
The most important thing is not to feed them, as this will only encourage more strays to congregate in areas where people are likely to see and feed them. There are an estimated 1.5 million stray cats in Greece, and visitors to the country often wonder what to do if they see them. If you are able, the best thing to do is to have the kitten spayed or neutered and then release it back into its colony, as this will help to reduce the overall population of stray cats in Greece. If you see a kitten that appears to be abandoned, you can try to catch it and take it to a local animal shelter, but be aware that most shelters are already overwhelmed with cats and may not be able to take in any more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why are there so many cats in Greece?
There are a number of reasons for the high number of cats in Greece. One reason is that Greeks have a long history of keeping cats as pets. Cats were first brought to Greece by the Phoenicians around 1000 BC, and they quickly became popular as both pets and symbols of good luck. Another reason for the high cat population is that Greece has a warm climate, which is ideal for cats. Additionally, there are a number of stray cats in Greece due to the country’s economic problems.
2. How many cats are there in Greece?
There is no exact number, but it is estimated that there are millions of cats in Greece.
3. What do Greeks think about cats?
Greeks have a long history of keeping cats as pets, and they are generally seen as symbols of good luck.
4. Are there any stray cats in Greece?
Yes, there are a number of stray cats in Greece due to the country’s economic problems.
5. What is the climate like in Greece?
The climate in Greece is warm, which is ideal for cats.
Final thoughts
There are a number of reasons for the high population of cats in Greece. One reason is the lack of a spay and neuter program. Cats are also considered good luck, so many people choose to keep them as pets. The warm climate is also ideal for cats, who can often be seen lounging in the sun. Whatever the reasons, it’s clear that cats are a big part of Greek culture.