Organised by Charlotte M
Prologue
This is the story of two little kittens; not just any kittens; Antigone and Calliope. Two little Cretan street cats who I found while I was on Holiday to Crete in October 2024; only a few weeks old.
While Antigone may be named after a Greek heroine who suffered a tragic fate; the Greek gods blessed me fortuitously with the incredible work of Cat’s Pyjama’s and Amber’s Hope aswell as a wonderful lady named Nicola and these kittens were saved from unthinkable consequences; and all thanks to them; these kittens are happy, thriving; and saved from the tragic fate many kittens born in Crete face.
Here’s what unfolded.
Part I
I discovered a feral cat colony of around 20 cats, all beautiful; varying in ages near the accomodation I was staying in; I did what any cat loving tourist did; and fed them every day. On about day 2 of the holiday; I made a discovery; a box of tiny, tiny kittens around a month old. Mum was feral; and appeared to be feeding them and there was a gentleman near by who I had assumed was supporting the colony. I felt initially reassured, until on a daily basis I went back to see the kittens and on several occasions had to rescue the wandering kittens who had wandered to the other side of the road, trapped under cars. Me and other tourists were feeding them and cleaning them, and I had attempted to build a barocade of wine boxes to try and keep them contained within a safe area with the other cats, but i knew I had to come up with a solution.
Most of the holiday I was filled with anxiety- it was end of tourist season, who would support these kittens, who would ensure they were OK? I joined all of the animal rescue groups I could find and put out a simple plea: if someone could find and foster the kittens; I would ensure I found them homes, help with costs of food and care.
By an absolute miracle; a lovely lady called Nicola; discovered these kittens and someone alerted her to the facebook post I had written, we connected and she so kindly fostered them, but had to leave for a holiday. She said she had heard of a foster who could take them so we started the process of getting her to the new foster. At this point there were three kittens; two girls and a little brother, they were suffering with the sicknesses greek street kittens get; eye infections, cat flu and other infections. The little boy was more unwell with an infection on his leg;
Part II: The Second Foster
From the first interaction with the second foster, I had a gut feeling. a bad one. This lady was demanding a lot of money – 200 euros a month, and as time went on the payment demands got more.
But that’s not the worst part;
The little boy got sicker, and tragically passed away. The girls had persistent infections; and repeated antibiotics, eye treatments and the foster reported vet visits. This foster said that this would delay their vaccinations, and I asked for vet receipts but she was reluctant to provide any.
She said she was keeping them in a cold kitchen, and that might be exacerbating their illnesses; but said she could not afford heating. I tried to be understanding; and suggested heating blankets or hot water bottles and was heartbroken by the thought that these tiny kittens were cold and sick and kept in cold kitchen.
All the time the demands for payments increased, the sicker they were, the longer this delayed the vaccinations and the more foster fee I paid.
I asked if the vet could swab to work out what organism the cats have, so we can tailor treatment, so we can get to the bottom of it. She refused and dismissed this idea.
All the time this lady was pressuring me to book pet transport through her; I asked for a cost breakdown but she refused. This got alarm bells ringing. I also did not want to book a non-refundable ticket if I didn’t know if they would be well enough for their vaccines.
Throughout his; all communication from her was hostile, demanding and felt like a transactional business arrangement instead of an animal rescue. All the heart and love you assumed would be in animal rescue was not there; it was cold and detached.
I reached out to Amber’s Hope for some advice about transport, originally I though perhaps I could do it myself; but realised it would be better to be done with someone who was experienced and Amber’s Hope agreed to help.
Eventually this came to a head; the second foster said that I had to find someone else to foster the kittens with very little notice, and in my opinion, appeared angered that I would not book transport through her.
Amber’s hope stepped in at short notice and miraculously; found the wonderful women at The Cat’s Pyjama’s to foster the cats.
Part III: The Realisation
The experienced and diligent ladies of the cats pyjamas heard about what had occured and what transpired was shocking. After full assessment and diagnosis from the Vet they used she concluded:
a) The cat’s had incredibly weakened immune systems because they had been overdosed with flea treatment by Foster two- this may explain why they were so vulnerable and not getting better
b) The cat’s were absolutely riddled with tapeworms, it could appear than the foster did not realise the flea treatment did not cover for worms.
c) The cat’s were underweight, probably due to the infection and infestation.
d) Due to the above; the kittens will likely have chronic sinus problems and always have a residual weakness
e) The Vet Cat’s pyjamas used managed to isolate the organism causing problems and tailored an antibiotic to it- something that could have been done months previous – if it hadn’t been dismissed but the previous foster.
The Cat’s Pyjamas saved these kitten’s lives. I dread to think what would have happened to them if they had stayed with the same foster.
Amber’s hope were absolutely amazing at stepping in and organising this and booking all of the transport; the transport over was hugely stressful for the team and the lead for Amber’s hope ended up losing a significant amount of money due to missed ferry’s through circumstances out of their control.
Exodus & Lessons
These beautiful kittens are the most loving, beautiful temperaments.
Despite all their adversity; they still continue to trust humans, love humans and still have the joie de vivre, humour and playfullness.
And while this story has a happy ending, thanks to the true heros; the wonderful women of The Cat’s Pyjamas & Ambers hope. I would like to raise funds for these wonderful charities; and put out a stark warning for any tourists looking to adopt. Please, please only use registered, recommended and trusted charities. These ladies’ work tirelessly to save animals and act with the highest integrity and moral code.
I will be eternally grateful, and hope we can raise some funds to help facilitate these wonderful charities to keep doing all their life saving work.
