CATS, DOGS & DONKEYS Cats are as much a part of Greece as ouzo and retsina – similarly, some people love them… and some don’t. Tavernas generally tolerate customers feeding scraps to ‘stray’ cats and dogs… but some don't totally approve of it. As may not fellow diners.

Although fairly tame, most are not owned by anyone but are semi-wild and liable to pick up ticks and fleas as they forage for food in the fields and bins. If you want to feed them, do it outside your accommodation and don’t allow animals into your room as this is liable to upset the owner. If scratched or bitten it's probably a good idea to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Litters of kittens and puppies are common and in some parts, e.g. Argostoli, there are a number of stray dogs.

Donkeys are now almost an endangered species in Greece, having been replaced as beasts of burden by pick-up trucks and as a mode of transport by mopeds and cars. There are two registered animal charities on Kefalonia: ARK runs an animal sanctuary you can visit near the Koutavos lagoon in Argostoli and Kefalonia Animal Trust runs a cat neutering scheme. Both are run by volunteers who do a great job, please support them in whatever way you can.

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