Highlights
- Spend the next summer at the Cycladic island of Syros feeding, cleaning, and playing with rescue cats – in exchange for rent-free accommodation.
- Beyond volunteering at Syros Cats, explore the island’s charming architecture, chic diners, and crystal-clear waters.
The perfect summer does exist, and this one is straight out of a Greek storybook. The Cycladic island of Syros, just about 78 nautical miles from Athens, is seeking cat lovers to volunteer with Syros Cats – an animal protection organisation that tends to stray cats. Your daily to-do list will include playing and cuddling with rescue kittens, as well as feeding and socialising them for their future homes. In exchange, Syros will indulge you with free housing, utilities, and breakfast. That sounds like an ‘easy yes!’
Planning to volunteer?
Volunteers at this Greek Island can be singles or couples, who are healthy and independent. They must be willing to dedicate at least one month to all aspects of cat care.
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Why is Greece’s Syros Island offering free stays to cat volunteers?
The Aegean island of Syros, which is the capital of the Cyclades, is home to a large population of stray cats. While these feline friends are considered part of the community in Syros – cherished by residents and locals alike – they often struggle to find food or medical intervention (as and when required). To tackle this, local charities like Syros Cats are teaming up with volunteers to neuter, socialise, feed, and provide veterinary care to cats.
How to volunteer at Syros Cats?
Although applications are closed for the upcoming summer season, keep an eye on Syros Cats’ official website to apply for the summer of 2027. The applications are expected to reopen in autumn.
If selected, the day-to-day tasks as a volunteer at Syros Cats will include:
- Your working hours will span five hours a day (from 8 am to 1 pm) for five days a week.
- Responsibilities span feeding and cleaning the cats, refilling their water bowls, maintaining the gardens, cleaning litter trays, cuddling and playing with cats, and making trips to the vet.
At present, cat volunteers are offered a shared house. While volunteers have their personal rooms, they must share the kitchen, washroom, and other communal spaces with two or three other volunteers.
(Feature image credit: @syroscats/Instagram )
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Assistant Editor – Growth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More