What is the Situation with Strays in Rhodes

In Rhodes, the situation for stray cats is severe, with tens of thousands of cats living without stable shelter, food, or medical care. During the bustling summer tourist season, food is abundant, often leading to frequent litters and a rapid increase in the stray population. However, as winter sets in and tourist areas become deserted, food sources diminish drastically. This seasonal scarcity results in malnutrition, competition for resources, and poor overall health within stray colonies. By law, the city is responsible for supporting all strays, yet limited funding and low prioritization lead to frequent gaps in food distribution and minimal access to health services. This lack of consistent support means that private volunteers play an essential role, filling in these gaps by providing food, shelter, and care that are vital for the survival and well-being of Rhodes’ stray cat population.

What we do

TsambiCats aims at helping visitors from abroad adopt cats from Rhodes. In Rhodes the situation is actually bad, we have tens of thousands of stray cats. In the summer they have too much food and in the winter food isn't enough. Therefore we hope to at least give some of the cats a good warm home. We can't save them all but we can help some of them and give a good life inside to a lucky few cats.

Neuterings

We regularly neuter cats, both female and male, to help manage their population and to give them a longer, healthier life. We  all available programs from the city as well as other organisations.  In October we took at least 35 cats for sterilization. 

Health checks and treatments

Stray cats face daily challenges on the streets, and their health can quickly deteriorate without intervention. That’s why we make it a priority to provide regular health checks and medical treatments to stray animals. Whether it’s vaccinations, treatments for parasites, or addressing injuries and illnesses, these checks allow us to catch potential health issues early, minimizing suffering and preventing disease spread within colonies. When a cat is found (or reported by others) with injuries or is sick, we arrange treatment that may include everything from wound care and antibiotic therapy to more complex medical interventions. Partnered veterinarians support our efforts, helping us provide everything from emergency care to post-surgery support for animals that need longer recovery periods.

Fostering

We offer foster care to cats recovering from medical treatments or waiting to travel abroad to their new homes, giving them a safe and comforting environment during this transitional phase. However, without dedicated shelter facilities, our capacity is limited, which restricts the number of cats we can accommodate. As a result, we rely heavily on our network of fellow volunteers who generously open their homes to foster cats in need. Supporting us with foster care will significantly amplify our ability to support animals in need.

Food donations and food delivery

We work closely with a network of volunteers who care for entire colonies of stray cats, providing them with ongoing support to help sustain and improve the welfare of these animals. When the city is unable to fulfill its responsibility to feed all strays, we step in to supply alternative sources of affordable food. For volunteers who may struggle financially, we also purchase food, enabling them to continue caring for their cats without financial strain. Recognizing that some caregivers lack access to private transportation, we arrange regular food deliveries to ensure that every helper, regardless of location or resources, has what access to food for their colonies.

Would you like to know more about what we do? Send us an email or a direct message on Instagram! 

How you can help

Adoptions

The ultimate act of kindness you can give to a stray animal is a loving, forever home. Every animal that gets adopted not only fulfills the dream of a safe, healthy and enjoyable life but also makes room for another stray in need of our help. By adopting a stray cat from Rhodes, you’re not only giving a second chance to an animal in need, but you’re also helping us make room to save more lives. We’ll support you with resources and guidance to ensure a smooth transition and help you build a lasting bond with your new companion.

Hands-On Volunteer Work

If you’re passionate about making a difference for animals, we welcome you to join our team of volunteers! Hands-on volunteer work includes activities such as feeding, cleaning, socializing the animals, and even helping with events or fundraising initiatives. Volunteering with Tsambicats is a rewarding experience that allows you to directly impact the lives of animals in need.

Foster

If you own/rent a house or apartment in Rhodes long-term, offering to foster cats is one of the most impactful ways you can support our work with strays. Foster care is essential for cats who are recovering from medical treatment, or for those awaiting preparation and paperwork for adoption abroad. By providing these cats with a safe, temporary space, you help bridge the gap between rescue and a permanent home, giving them a vital chance to heal and adjust to life with humans. A lack of available foster homes is often the biggest challenge we face in rescuing and caring for strays. Without enough temporary spaces, our ability to bring in new cats is limited. Fostering provides a crucial lifeline, enabling us to care for more animals, provide the specialized attention they need, and prepare them for happier, healthier futures. Each cat that finds a temporary home allows us to rescue another from the streets.

Donations

While Tsambicats is not a registered organization and cannot accept direct financial donations, there are still ways you can support us financially or with essential supplies:

• Food and Equipment Donations. We are always in need of food, feeding and cleaning supplies, and medical equipment. Every item donated directly helps us care for the animals we rescue, allowing us to provide them with the nutrition, comfort, and care they need.

• Donations at a Vet Practice. Another wonderful way to support our work is by donating directly at our partnered vet practices. This can cover medical expenses, vaccines, and essential treatments that ensure each animal receives the health care they deserve.

Ready to help? Send us an email or a message on Instagram to let us know. 

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