Our Story & Our Mission
A kinder Cyprus for every cat.
Cyprus is an island of breathtaking beauty, sun-drenched beaches, and ancient history—yet it holds a heartbreaking reality behind the postcard scenery.
We are facing a profound animal welfare crisis: cats outnumber humans on our island, with millions of vulnerable felines struggling to survive on the streets every single day.
With an estimated 1.5 to 2 million cats roaming the island against a human population of roughly 1 million, Cyprus bears one of the highest stray cat densities in the world. Felines are woven into the historic fabric of our island—revered since antiquity—yet today they face widespread overpopulation, starvation, untreated injury, and systemic neglect.
Behind these staggering statistics are individual lives: gentle, sentient creatures who only ask for safety, warmth, and kindness.
That is why the Feline Foundation exists.
The crisis deepens dramatically with the shifting of the seasons.
During the bustling summer months, resort and tourist-populated areas are alive with activity. Countless cats gather around tavernas, hotels, and beaches, surviving on scraps and the compassion of holidaymakers who feed them. But when the tourist season ends and the crowds vanish overnight, these cats are abruptly left behind to face a bleak reality.
The tourists leave. The cats remain.
Stripped of their primary food sources, starvation sets in quickly. As the Mediterranean summer fades into colder, harsher winter months, these unprotected animals must endure torrential rain, biting winds, and freezing temperatures with nowhere to hide.
The sudden drop in food availability combined with bitter weather creates a desperate, life-or-death struggle. The Feline Foundation steps in right where the crowds leave off—delivering emergency food parcels, warm bedding, and critical veterinary intervention precisely when these animals are most vulnerable.
Maxine McCarthy — Founder
That reality is what led Maxine McCarthy to act.
Founded by dedicated animal advocate Maxine McCarthy, the Feline Foundation was born out of urgent necessity and an unwavering love for animals. We stand on the front lines of rescue, medical care, shelter, and adoption, fighting tirelessly to turn the tide for Cyprus's most neglected souls.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animal welfare, Maxine McCarthy established the Feline Foundation to bridge the gap between emergency street care and long-term rehabilitation. From securing emergency surgeries for injured strays to establishing safe havens, Maxine has dedicated her life to being a fierce advocate for Cyprus's animals.
“Rescue is not just what we do; it is our fundamental moral obligation to the voiceless.”
Under her leadership, the Foundation provides comprehensive care:
Emergency Rescue & Medical Treatment
Healing the sick, injured, and abused.
Safe Haven & Shelter
Providing a secure, loving environment far away from street hazards.
Rehabilitation & Adoption
Finding permanent, loving homes for cats both locally and internationally.
This is a massive challenge, but no act of compassion is ever too small. Together, we can rewrite their story.
Join Maxine McCarthy and the Feline Foundation today.
Because every cat in Cyprus deserves to know what safety, warmth, and love feel like.
