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Very interesting, Thank you for sharing! Also really lovely pictures of the cats!

<p>Very interesting, Thank you for sharing! Also really lovely pictures of the cats!</p>

Thank you, Phoebe! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you come back to Skiathos soon!

<p>Thank you, Phoebe! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you come back to Skiathos soon!</p>

 Like all Greek islands, Skiathos is no different in that is has a large population of stray cats, mostly appearing during the summer season. Much to the delight of cat-loving tourists, some lounge in the sun, draping themselves off the crooked steps of the town’s back allies, walls or the typical local blue painted chairs, as if waiting to be photographed. Others sit patiently in groups at the harbour, knowing when the colourful kaiki fishing boats will come in to give them bits of fresh fish. Another favourite hang-out, are the lively open-air tavernas, where they can meander between tables in hopes of scraps. Most of them are feral and can be shy, whereas others are looking for affection and are happy to be stroked.

 One such cat ventured to visit us on our Villa Maestrali terrace. We fed him and named him Jason:

 However, we were breaking our own rule, which is to never feed a stray at the villa, let alone let him inside. The first reason being that not all of our guests are cat fans and may even suffer from cat hair allergies. The other reason is that, having fed them all summer, the strays are in for a rude awakening, once the season is over, their food supply has been shut off and they are left to fend for themselves.                                                                                                    
 

To help with the growing problem of starving strays in the off-season months, British ex-pat Sharon Hewing formed the Skiathos Cat Welfare Association in 2007.

Without government support or funds, with the help of volunteers and donations she has managed to alleviate much of the Skiathos cats’ suffering. She has set up feeding stations in and on the outskirts of town and has organised an adoption program for strays to find new homes in various European countries and in the UK.

Hewing’s greatest success worth mentioning however, was raising the awareness about, and implementing the most powerful tool for saving lives and preventing suffering: the spaying and neutering of stray and feral cats as key to preventing suffering and reducing overpopulation. She set the program into motion, with the help of the local Skiathos vet and visiting vets willing to volunteer some of their time to help. Many hours of patient waiting go into the neutering process. A team of volunteers searches for strays all over the island, often at night, luring them and catching them, to bring them to the vet. After a period of healing, they are released back into their original neighbourhood, with a piece of their ear nicked off to show they have been neutered.                                                                                                                                                 

Being brought back to their old neighbourhood is essential and is what keeps cat overpopulation under control. Studies have shown, that by just being there, they prevent other cats from moving into the area. And because they have been fixed, they will never have litters of kittens. These ear-tipped cats have an important job to do in keeping the neighbourhood a nice place.

V-shaped notch for female, straight clip across for male cats.

, the Skiathos Cat Welfare Association always needs funds for food and medication.

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 for a stay at our lovely Skiathos Villa Maestrali, and visit our 

                                                                                                                                                                                                Luxury 3 Twin BR VILLA MAESTRALI, 2 Sea View Terraces, Private Pool, in Exclusive Area, Near Beach within Walking Distance

#BookDirect and Fee-Free, No Commissions, and Excellent Owner Service, Generous Welcome Package 

Cats on Skiathos Island

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Skiathos Rental Villa Maestrali, Greece - Pool, Sea Views &  Near Beach

Skiathos Villa Maestrali

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Hi, my name is Elisabeth. Born in  Hidden  to an US mom and a German dad, I grew up moving around the world.  I welcome you to our Villa Maestrali, the family vacation home built in the early 1970's on Skiathos island. 

After raising a family, and for the past 18 years, my main focus is now managing this magical place, and helping our guests create wonderful memories. Thanks to its lush green vegetation, soft sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters, Skiathos is called the "Emerald of the Aegean". As the filming location of "Mamma Mia" in 2008, this Greek island is no longer an insider tip. Come bask in sun, relax on the over 60 beaches and coves, take boat rides around the island and spend a day on its tiny neighbouring islands. Enjoy the friendly locals and wonderfully fresh cooked dishes offered in the colourful tavernas in town, and on most beaches.

After welcoming our guests, we stay on Skiathos all season, ready to share local insider tips and to be of assistance if so desired.

Cats on Skiathos Island

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