There is an endless number of stray cats on Samos as in any other part of Greece. They belong to the view of Greece like Ouzo or Zaziki. Unlike dogs, stray cats lead a different life on Samos: Due to their nature, they don't want human company. If unspoiled, they don't depend on being fed. They live outside in the wild, and thei only enemies are the increasing traffic and the - fortunately decreasing - number of idiots who still poison them in wintertime. However, we get a lot of requests to do something for the cats, to build them a shelter. Unfortunately our possibilities are limited due to the following reasons: To put these cats, who are born wild, into a kennel for a lifetime is not only useless but cruel. So we actually do not want a shelter for cats to live in permanently. It just makes no sense. And we will not send out cats to northern Europe where they would have to live in an apartment without a garden. They would die. Cats are a lot more difficult to catch which is very time consuming. With the few volunteers that work for us we do not have this time. Nor do we have the money to feed more volunteers. A station for small or ill cats where they can be taken care of until they are well enough to go back to their life - that would be ideal. But again, funds and personnel are far too short.   However, we decided to give it a try. So we'd like to win over cat lovers for this new cause. We are planning to set up an informal circle of friends and helpers of the cats on Samos. Interested persons should get in contact with: Christel Weigel Phone: 0172/ 28 78 000 (after 5 pm), Email: CWeigel9@aol.com Christel will set up a list of people interested in this to start with. She will be glad to give you details about the onging plannings. So, here as well there is hope!