Compassion For Strays, Inc.
Special Projects
Saving the Cats of Cyprus
In the heart of Cyprus, three remarkable women—Marina Niaou, Veronica Gerardini, and Nefeli Pigasos—have devoted their lives to rescuing and caring for stray cats, offering them the second chance so many desperately need but seldom receive. On an island where over 1.5 million cats struggle to survive--outnumbering the 1.2 million inhabitants, the crisis is even more overwhelming and dire.
Stray cats live perilously short lives, with an average life expectancy of only 2 to 5 years, compared to the 12 to 18 years enjoyed by those who have the security of a loving home. The harsh realities of life on the streets—scarcity of food and water, lack of shelter, absence of veterinary care, and horrific acts of cruelty—tragically shorten their lives.
​Tragically, stray cats face unimaginable suffering, often going hungry or starving to death. They endure the pain and suffering that accompanies untreated diseases, parasites, and injuries, and live in constant fear of predators and human cruelty. Acts of barbarity these cats face is unimaginable, with countless acts of brutality, including deliberate starvation, mutilations, poisonings, and even being skinned alive, tortured, or burnt. Others are abandoned, drowned, suffocated, or hung, left to suffer and die alone. This heartbreaking reality makes the work of Marina, Veronica, and Nefeli not just vital, but life-saving for these cats.​
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Compassion for Strays, Inc. is proud and honoured to support Marina, Veronica, and Nefeli.
MARINA NIAOU
At Patch of Heaven Animal Haven in Limassol, Cyprus, Marina has dedicated her life to caring for 93 cats who have found refuge in her sanctuary. The challenges of managing such a large number of cats would be overwhelming for most, but Marina goes even further, tirelessly tending to many more cats in nearby colonies. Her Facebook profile is a testament to her unshakable commitment, where she shares stories of her love for these cats, including her nightly journeys, to ensure these forgotten souls are fed and cared for. Often, her late-night feedings of colony cats stretch well past midnight.
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Many of the cats in her sanctuary bear the physical and emotional scars of the horrific abuse they suffered on the streets, such as Monte Christo who was found riddled with bullets and left to die a painful death. Their severe medical conditions require constant attention, with specialized diets, medications, and ongoing veterinary care adding to Marina's already substantial expenses. Despite the exhausting demands of caring for hundreds of cats, Marina remains resolute in her mission, offering a safe haven where these vulnerable animals can begin to heal and experience love, often for the first time in their lives.
VERONICA GERARDINI
Veronica has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed cats and dogs in Cyprus since 2010, working tirelessly to save the countless stray dogs and cats abandoned, abused, and left to suffer. Veronica’s entire life revolves around their well-being and continues to make many sacrifices. Her commitment to these animals is unwavering, even though she faces formidable difficulties that accompanies the care of the 80 cats at her home and the 3 dogs in boarding kennels. The high cost of cat and dog food, veterinary care, medicines, and boarding fees often leave Veronica struggling to cover her own basic needs. Yet, she continues, driven by her love for these animals and the desperate need to keep them safe and healthy.
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In July 2021, a devastating fire burnt five villages to the ground, including her own. Many in her situation would have baulked at remaining with her animals, but not Veronica. She refused to abandon them, risking her life to protect those who had already suffered so much. She managed to save all her animals, though some suffered minor burns and respiratory issues. Veronica also sustained
injuries, losing 50% of her respiratory capacity, but she has slowly healed, just as her beloved animals did. The fire left her living in a scorched, barren landscape, but it did not extinguish her spirit.
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Over the years, Veronica has successfully rehomed hundreds of dogs and cats. Her dedication to animals never wavers, and she refuses to give up on any cat or dog, despite the financial strain it places on her. She is well-known and respected across Cyprus, Greece, Holland, and the UK for her transparency, integrity, and the profound love she has for the animals in her care. She dreams of having her own animal sanctuary where cats and dogs can live without fear.
NEFELI PIGASOS
In Ammochostos, Cyprus, where compassion for animals is scarce and cruelty all too common—a harsh reality mirrored across the island. Nefeli shines as a beacon of light amidst the darkness that surrounds her, caring for 93 cats. Despite the immense pain and heartbreak she faces from witnessing frequent acts of barbarity, Nefeli’s unfaltering love for these vulnerable creatures drives her to persevere.
Many of her cats have serious medical conditions like cystitis and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), while others bear the physical and emotional scars of dog attacks, beatings, or being discarded like trash. Yet, Nefeli remains steadfast in her mission to heal their wounds and offer them the love they’ve never known.
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In a place where indifference and cruelty often overshadow kindness, Nefeli’s devotion shines through in every act of care. She has rescued cats abandoned in garbage bins, treated those with horrific injuries, and provided a sanctuary where these traumatized animals can feel safe and loved. Her journey is not just about survival; it's about giving these cats the chance to live with love.
These women are lifelines of hope for the cats of Cyprus. Their sanctuaries and homes provide refuge from the horrors of street life, offering food, medical care, and most importantly, love. Yet, their work comes at a tremendous cost, both emotionally and financially. The expense of feeding rescued and stray cats can easily exceed 700 euros each month, not including the specialized food and treatments needed for those with severe medical conditions. Despite these challenges, and the uncertainty of never knowing if they will have enough money, Marina, Veronica, and Nefeli continue their work with unyielding dedication, because without their help, countless cats face unimaginable suffering and death.
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Supporting these incredible women is more than just a donation; you can save the lives of hundreds of cats. Every contribution helps to provide food, veterinary care, and a safe haven for these vulnerable animals. But they cannot do it alone. They need your help to continue their life-saving work. Your donation can make a world of difference, offering hope and a future to cats that would otherwise face a life of suffering and an early death. Please consider supporting Marina, Veronica, and Nefeli in their mission to save the cats of Cyprus.
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Together, we can give these cats a chance to live the long, healthy, and happy lives they deserve. Donate today to help Marina, Veronica, and Nefeli.
Your donation saves lives