Hundreds of Athens stray cats endure extreme heat

It’s not just Athens residents that have to deal with the heatwave, it’s also the capital’s furry, four-legged homeless friends.

An animal welfare organization, in collaboration with the city, cares for more than 500 stray cats every day in the capital.

Volunteers were out late on Tuesday (July 21) checking on the strays as temperatures in the country passed 40 degrees Celsius on the second day of a heatwave.

‘Nine Lives’ president Eftihia Lachanas says volunteers check the animals for dehydration and make sure they have enough water and food. The cats will often be less energetic and lose their appetites during intense heat, but will be craving more water. Red flags during a heatwave are signs of panting, she said, when the animals will need to be seen by a vet.

Lachanas said the strays will seek out cool hiding places during the heat and venture out later in the day when temperatures fall. The ideal situation would have been for the cats to find permanent homes so as not to not have to live in such hot weather conditions, she said.

With the help of the community, the organization has found where the strays shelter over the years and has set up scores of feeding and watering sites around the city.

Stray animals are neutered and cared for on the streets in Greece, as shelters are often full and also frowned upon as the confinement restricts the animals from movement. 

Camera & Editing: Stamos Prousalis, Production & Writing: Deborah Kyvrikosaios/Reuters