This series created in 2018 explores a small old-town within Montenegro depicting an intractable population issue with cats. An issue that has multiplied over many years and now sees the old-town ruins of Kotor surrounded by hundreds of cats that roam the cobbled streets, often appearing malnourished and helpless.
The history behind the masses of cats that wander the streets of the old town began back in 1918 when cats from all over the world were often left behind in the Bay of Kotor, by ships that had belonged to the Slav Sailors.
As the population vastly grew the cats soon became a significant part of Kotor and according to the locals they symbolized ‘good luck’ and over the years had protected them from mice, rats, and snakes.
Although these cats have been recognised as symbolic within folklore, it has now become a growing concern as many cats have ended up in distressing situations and are consistently looking for food and shelter.
Few people within the old-town dedicate their time and care to look after cats who are pregnant or injured but find it challenging as there is simply not enough room to care for them all. Many tourists have also become concerned for the welfare of these homeless animals and have been looking for ways to help.
In 2018 a non-profit organisation known as ‘Kotor Kitties’ has started a community within the old town that aims to sterilise cats in order to humanely control the homeless animal crisis. Vets and volunteers have been devoting their time and effort to neuter and spay these cats for free. The organisation asks for donations from people worldwide to help towards the costs of ‘Cat Traps’ that are safe and friendly boxes that enclose the cats so that they can be taken away to be sterilised. It is hoped that the population of homeless cats within Kotor may now have a more promising future with the help of the organisation in order to raise awareness and take control of the situation.