International Cat Day is today, August the 8th. And since we became international by moving to rural Mallorca, we’ve had plenty of cats in our lives.
Seventeen feral or homeless felines have called our finca home over the years we’ve lived here. We currently have Dusty, Shorty, Nibbles, Sweetie (all born on the finca and now ten years old), and Pip. Pip arrived as a tiny kitten – dumped, we believe – and inveigled her way into our home after our own cat Minstral died.
We’ve taken responsibility for each of the cats that have spent time around the place. As a result, we’ve named them, fed them, looked after their welfare, and neutered them (not personally, you understand). In return, they keep the rural rodent population away from our house. Believe me, it’s a good deal.
Find Yourself a Feline
We’re not running a cat refuge here, although at times we feel as though we are. However, there are plenty of people in Mallorca who look after stray and unwanted cats and kittens. On International Cat Day, I salute their dedication. If you’re on the island and would like to adopt or event foster a feline, I’ve posted some links below to a few of the animal sanctuaries in Mallorca. All of them are always grateful for donations towards their costs; Eden Sanctuary especially needs urgent financial assistance as the property owner is selling the land Eden Sanctuary has been renting.
Refugio Marylou
This particular cat refuge is a figment of my imagination and plays a major part in my debut novel. Write about what you know, they say. Well, Daughter of Deià features a radio presenter, cats, and Mallorca. I think I’ve ticked the ‘write what you know’ box.
Daughter of Deià will be published in early September. If you’re not a subscriber to this blog, click the follow button for updates and further news.
Real Cat Refuges in Mallorca
Some of the below also care for other unwanted animals.
Feliz Animal, Andratx
Amics Puigpunyent, Galilea
Moixos de Son Talent, Manacor (Facebook only),
SOS Animal Mallorca, Calvià
Kats Karma (rescues and sends street cats to Germany)
©Jan Edwards 2021
I love this and the picture is so beautiful 🐈🐈🐈
Thank you! I love this photo too. I have HUNDREDS of the cats, I must admit.
Hi Jan, do you know if the sanctuaries are looking for a flight escort to the Netherlands? Maybe we can help ?
Hi Em, I’m afraid I don’t, but you could always contact them – if they are sending cats to the Netherlands, I’m sure they’d be thrilled to have your help. I know that Cats Karma organises escorted-cat trips to Germany, but not sure if they go elsewhere. I’ve sent a Messenger to their Facebook page asking if they ever send to the Netherlands. I’ll post an update here if/when I get a reply. Have a great week. Best wishes, Jan