For many years, stray cats have lived around the Agios Neofytos Monastery in Tala, Paphos.

By June 2011 this number grew to a steady colony of approximately 70 cats, all living at the Monastery Cafe. The colony was moved down the road to the overflow Car Park where volunteers fed the cats twice per day. Cats were regularly dumped but the numbers always stayed the same, as some cats died through illness or infection and kittens sadly rarely survived.

The Dawn of a New Era

In November 2011, Dawn Foote (cat park manager) and her husband Mark began feeding the cats once a week. This quickly turned into a seven day a week commitment when the existing group of feeders began to dwindle.

By June 2012, Dawn and Mark had 59 cats and kittens at home with them for medical treatment. Food and vet bills began to escalate and it was realized that something had to change, such as getting donations to help pay the bills.

Evolution and Progress

Tala Monastery Cats has gradually evolved into the Cat Park that you see today: In February 2013, after a huge effort from several amazing volunteers, €10,000 (ten thousand) euros was raised to install fencing and keep the cats safe from two major threats: The road and packs of hunting dogs who saw the cats as an easy food source.

Since the Cat Park was fenced, hundreds of cats have been dumped or even thrown over the 12 foot fence or simply left in boxes by the roadside.

Development of the Cat Park has continued on an ongoing basis. Many supporters and businesses have kindly donated equipment, furniture and supplies which have enabled us to give the cats a comfortable home including shelter, shade and some nice areas to eat, play and sleep.

2014 saw the implementation of “cloister project”  custom built enclosed sleeping areas for the cats, which replaced the various temporary gazebos and sheds. Each cloister is 8ft square with a 4ft walkway at the front. Their design is in keeping with the styling of the Neofytos Monastery and they can be attached together to make long blocks.

We have now built 17 enclosed areas for the cats at the park, 23 quarantine pens and a self contained disabled area for our more sensitive residents.

Today, the Cat Park is home to approximately 500 cats who are fed and cared for on a daily basis.