Very few places in the world can boast of having a number of cats equal to or greater than that of its human inhabitants.This phenomenon, more typical of an anecdote or an urban myth, occurs on the Mediterranean island of CyprusThere, the daily awakening is characterized by the choruses of meows that can be heard in every corner and nook, in addition to the usual hustle and bustle.
This curious demographic imbalance has transformed urban coexistence, being the main challenge for authorities and volunteers who seek to care for and manage this abundant population of felines, undisputed protagonists of everyday life. Their presence, far from going unnoticed, generates debate, mobilizes resources, and has given rise to an entire popular culture surrounding cats.
While many cities face challenges such as an aging population, Cyprus is experiencing a unique situation: the absolute prominence of stray cats and its incessant growth.
One million cats on the island: a unique case in the world
In Cyprus, the feline population exceeds one million specimens According to estimates by local organizations, this figure not only equals the number of human inhabitants, but may even exceed it, as official censuses are inaccurate when it comes to stray animals. For more details on the scientific classification of cats, you can consult our Guide to the scientific classification of cats.
People like Tell us Ayiomamitis, president of the Cat PAWS association, knows this reality all too well. Every morning he walks the streets of Nicosia, feeding hundreds of cats.It is an overwhelming task, but we know that on the island, felines are everywhere, possibly as many as people,” he says as the felines surround his van waiting for breakfast.
The link between Cyprus and cats goes back a long way: it's been more than 9.500 years in the Making There were records of feline domestication on the island, as demonstrated by French archaeologists. Furthermore, history tells how in the 4th century, Helen of Constantinople He brought cats to Cyprus to mitigate a plague of poisonous snakes, further strengthening the relationship between the inhabitants and these animals.
Currently, shelters and sanctuaries such as Malcolm's Cats, located about 80 km from the capital, houses around 200 cats under controlled conditions. However, its director, David Fender, warns that “The number of cats entering far exceeds the number leaving., even if we manage to relocate more than a hundred each year.”
The effort for feline control and protection
Cypriot institutions dedicate resources to sterilization programs, with an annual investment of around 75.000 euros. However, those on the front line, such as shelter managers and volunteers, agree that this is a insufficient quantity compared to the rate of cat reproduction and the new litters that appear each year. To learn more about feline species in different regions, you can visit our .
The most recent program began in June 2024, but both shelter officials and animal rights organizations agree that public aid is still “not significant"given the magnitude of the problem. The cycle repeats itself: despite efforts, the feline population continues to grow and Cyprus maintains its particular record.
Local culture is deeply connected to cats: on the southern peninsula, near one of the main shelters, there is a monastery dedicated to "Saint Nicholas of the Cats," where bells once served both to call people to prayer and to gather the felines.
This phenomenon raises an important debate about the balance between the conservation of ancient traditions and the need for responsible and ethical management. Cyprus, for better or worse, has become the ultimate paradise for cats: a global enclave of the feline population that leaves no one indifferent.
The main issue centers on how to maintain sustainable coexistence between the large number of cats and the community, protecting both animal welfare and social harmony on the island.
