In recent years, Cyprus has witnessed an extraordinary rise in its feral cat population, with roughly one cat for every human—though some estimates suggest the total number may be several hundred thousand higher. The proliferation of stray cats has prompted concern among conservationists, municipal authorities, and lawmakers about ecological balance, animal welfare, and the effectiveness of current intervention measures.
During a parliamentary committee meeting in late September, Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou acknowledged that although Cyprus already runs a sterilization initiative, it remains insufficient to curb the burgeoning numbers. At present, the program performs around 2,000 neuterings annually on a modest budget of €100,000. Officials say that scaled-up efforts will be essential to avoid letting the population spiral further out of control.
Responding to these concerns, the government announced on October 4—World Animal Day—that it would triple funding, raising the sterilization budget to €300,000. But lawmakers warned that money alone will not resolve the crisis. Charalambos Theopemptou, chair of the Environment Committee in Parliament, pressed that sterilization efforts must be part of a cohesive, actionable plan rather than standalone interventions.
Beyond the numerical challenge, there is a delicate interplay between the cats and Cyprus’s natural environment. Feral cats are natural predators, and such a large, unmanaged population could disrupt local wildlife populations. In urban areas, the animals face risks from traffic and scarcity of shelter and proper nutrition.
Cyprus has a long-standing cultural affinity for cats—feeding stations and mini-shelters lining public walkways are not uncommon. Archaeological discoveries further attest to this bond: remains of a domesticated cat found near a human burial in a 9,500-year-old Neolithic settlement hint at millennia of feline companionship. A centuries-old local legend even speaks of Saint Helen, who allegedly brought cats to the island to eradicate snakes; a monastery known as St. Nicholas of the Cats continues to operate as a sanctuary.
Tourism, a pillar of Cyprus’s economy, has inadvertently amplified the cat presence. The friendly felines often roam freely through cafés, restaurants, and other visitor hotspots, enjoying meals provided by patrons.
Veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations argue that the root drivers of the surge include unchecked breeding, especially in densely populated zones, and higher kitten survival thanks to public caring and feeding. Currently, the government channels funds to municipalities, which subcontract private veterinarians to carry out sterilizations for cats brought in by wildlife groups. However, officials concede that the program is falling short of its intended goal. To better allocate resources, municipal authorities have been asked to map regions of high feral cat density.
Volunteers and NGOs have contributed to trapping efforts, but maintain that the scale is insufficient. In Nicosia alone, a recent campaign trapped 397 stray cats, yet female cats—which are crucial targets for population control—remain difficult to capture. Individual organizations lament the bureaucratic red tape and limited coordination that hamper more effective action.
Veterinary Association President Demetris Epaminondas believes that within four years, the population could be dialed back with a concerted, comprehensive effort. His proposal envisions designating high-density zones for capture and sterilization at local clinics, and launching a smartphone app to allow citizens to report stray cat clusters. He argues that streamlined free neutering could motivate greater participation, and suggests supplementing state contributions with private and corporate donations. At present, sterilizing a female feral cat costs around €55, while caring for domesticated cats through full veterinary services can run up to €120 per individual.
The Environment Commissioner’s office says it is drafting a longer-term roadmap that unites government bodies, conservation groups, and volunteer networks to establish a reliable headcount, grow mass sterilization, and legalize privately run cat sanctuaries. Advocates argue that success hinges on coordination, public participation, and consistent funding—not just short-term price tags. “There are solutions,” declared Eleni Loizidou, head of the volunteer group Cat Alert.
