The True Rulers of Cyprus

Sometimes it’s not easy to understand who is in charge in the different areas of Cyprus.

There is someone though, who has unconditional access to any corner of the island and enjoys immunity in any situation. 

Perched everywhere like magical creatures. Always by your side as soon as you have some food. Revered and taken care of by everyone. 
Cats are the true rulers of Cyprus.

Part of the local community

With a population of around 1.5 million (vs 1.2 million humans), cats in Cyprus are not just strays or pets: they are an integral part of the community.

Locals often go out of their way to provide food, shelter, and medical attention to stray cats. There are small shelters in parks where cats can seek refuge, and it’s common to see bowls of water and food set out by doorsteps.
Sometimes one might think that cats are treated better than humans, and in some cases this is true.

I have seen people falling in love with Cypriot cats and deciding to bring them along when going back to their countries of origin, a friend brought her Cypriot cat to the Czech Republic, and another one all the way to Argentina.

Why are there so many cats in Cyprus?

There are many theories on how the Cypriot cat population could grow so much. 

According to one legend, the Roman Empress Saint Helena brought hundreds of cats from Egypt to Cyprus to chase snakes from the St. Nicholas of the Cats monastery, in 320 AD.
Another legend claims that Queen Cleopatra of Egypt was the one who shipped the cats to Cyprus.

But the presence of cats on the island is way older.

A millennia-long friendship

This deep love between Cypriot humans and cats has an ancient origin that dates back several millennia. 
In the archeological site of Shillourokambos (Limassol district), in a grave of around 9,500 years ago, archeologists found the skeletons of a human and a cat, lying side by side. 

This made Cyprus the site where the oldest evidence of human domestication of cats was found, and not Egypt as previously thought. 

You will like them, no matter what

Cypriot cats are very friendly and I found myself liking cats more since I moved to the island. 

During the lonely times of the Covid lockdowns, when the streets were empty and I was living alone, I always found some cats to play with during the few hours we could get out of the house. 
I always have someone who sits next to me if I am having a coffee or some food by myself. 
I admire how they shamelessly insist on being petted and to get something to eat.

In the end, even though I am and will always be a dog person, I have to admit it: the island where I live is ruled by cats.