Helping cats in Corfu

Use a piece of cardboard, a clean container or something similar rather than putting food directly on the ground. Remove food packaging and leftovers when you leave.

Unable to remove the can, a frightened cat may run into traffic, injure itself or be unable to eat and drink. Always dispose of cans safely after feeding.

A few seconds of cleaning up can prevent a terrible accident.

• Use a clean, stable container
• Place it in the shade whenever possible
• Keep it away from busy roads
• Replace dirty or very warm water

Milk can cause digestive problems and diarrhoea, which can be particularly dangerous for an animal that is already dehydrated.

Avoid cooked bones, heavily salted or seasoned food, onions, garlic and large amounts of dairy products.

If cat food is unavailable, plain cooked chicken or fish without seasoning and without bones can be a temporary alternative.

Discarded food containers and leftovers can attract insects, create hygiene problems and put cats at risk.

Keeping feeding areas clean also helps avoid conflict with residents and businesses.

Mother cats regularly leave their kittens while searching for food and may hide while people are nearby. If the kittens are warm, clean and safe, keep your distance and observe before moving them.

Seek help if they are injured, cold, extremely weak, constantly crying or in immediate danger.

Please don’t move a healthy cat simply because it lives outdoors. Moving it can separate it from its colony, food source and the people who monitor it.

If you have seen cats or kittens near your vehicle, take a quick look underneath before driving away. A few seconds can prevent an accident.

This visible marker helps volunteers identify cats that have already been through a Trap-Neuter-Return programme without catching them again.

If you cannot help directly, contact charities early — not on the day you leave or after you have left the island.

Send clear photos of the cat and surroundings, the exact location and a Google Maps link so volunteers have a realistic chance of finding it.

Find a local vet

Once the person who saw the cat has left Corfu, locating the animal can become extremely difficult. The earlier volunteers know, the better the chance that someone can help.

Do not grab a frightened or badly injured cat with bare hands. If it must be moved urgently, a secure carrier is best and a towel or blanket may help.

When in doubt, ask an experienced rescuer or veterinarian for advice.

Untreated eye infections can permanently damage the eye and may lead to loss of sight, especially in young kittens. Act early.

In Greece, antibiotic eye drops containing tobramycin, such as Eyetobrin, are commonly available from pharmacies and may be used in the treatment of eye infections. Ask a veterinarian or pharmacist for advice before using medication on a cat, particularly if the eye is badly swollen, injured, cloudy or remains closed.

Never use steroid-containing eye drops without veterinary advice.

Heavy infestations can become a serious health problem, particularly for kittens and weakened cats. Outdoor cats may also suffer from internal parasites such as worms.

Do not give treatments unless the product and correct dosage are known. Never use dog flea products on cats, as some ingredients can be highly toxic to them.

Ask nearby residents, accommodation or restaurant staff and, if adoption is being considered, have a vet check for a microchip.

Ask around first whether the cat is owned, then have it checked by a vet and scanned for a microchip. Travel may require microchipping, rabies vaccination, waiting periods and an EU Pet Passport.

See Adopting a cat or contact us.

Groups such as Corfu Cemetery Cats, Agni Animal Welfare, Corfu Angel Cats Rescue, Kassiopi Cats, Angelina Cat Sanctuary, Stray Cats Roda and Nearby, and the Ark all work with limited resources.

• Provide fresh water
• Feed responsibly
• Support neutering programmes
• Donate food or veterinary costs
• Share our work with other visitors
• Support Corfu Cemetery Cats