A dog in Cyprus. Will he survive on the island of cats?

Cyprus has many symbols. Ancient ruins, blue bays, fragrant citrus groves, the Troodos Mountains, and long, warm summers. But there's one more element of the landscape that simply can't be missed: cats.

They can be found in ports, taverns, parking lots, villages, archaeological sites, hotel gardens, and beaches. Some live near homes and restaurants, while others belong to colonies fed by locals. This can be a surprise for anyone traveling with a dog. Will a dog in Cyprus thrive in a place where cats are ubiquitous?

Cats are part of everyday life

In Cyprus, cats aren't just pets. In many places, they form entire colonies. Residents set out bowls of water and food for them, and local organizations and volunteers sterilize and treat the animals.

Some cats are very trusting. They'll approach people, lie down at a restaurant table, or calmly walk past tourists. Others remain wary and flee when someone tries to approach them. In most cases, they know their surroundings well and can effectively avoid danger.

This is important because a dog accustomed to occasional encounters with cats may see several or a dozen of them on the island during one walk.

Don't assume that your cat will run away immediately.

In Poland, a dog often encounters a cat that jumps up a fence or tree, or hides behind a car. In Cyprus, this won't always be the case. Cats living in colonies are accustomed to the presence of people, vehicles, and other animals.

Some may sit quietly on the sidewalk, cross the street a few meters in front of the dog, or come closer to see who has entered their territory.

A dog may react out of curiosity, excitement, or hunting instinct. Therefore, initial walks should be on a leash, even if the animal normally responds well to being called.

It's not worth testing what happens when a dog chases a cat. The chase could end with the dog running into the street, losing the dog, or even a confrontation with a cat defending its territory.

Can a dog make friends with a Cypriot cat?

Yes, but not always. It all depends on the personalities of both animals and whether the dog has had previous contact with cats.

A calm dog that can walk past a cat without tugging on the leash or barking will usually quickly adapt to the Cypriot landscape. Highly excitable dogs, young dogs, dogs with a strong hunting instinct, or dogs that immediately attempt to give chase at the sight of a cat require more attention.

The best solution is to gradually acclimate your dog to the new environment. During initial walks, maintain a distance from the cat colony and reward the animal for calm behavior. If the dog looks at the cat but doesn't pull or bark, it's a good idea to praise it and redirect its attention to you.

Don't let your dog approach food bowls or get between resting cats. While dogs might consider this behavior to be simply curiosity, cats may perceive it as an intrusion into their territory.

Cats and a dog in a hotel or apartment

On the island, you'll find properties where cats roam freely in the garden, patio, or common areas. Sometimes these are pets belonging to the owners, and sometimes they're local cats that have been around for years.

Before booking your stay, it's worth checking whether the property actually accepts dogs and whether there are any additional rules regarding their stay. It's also a good idea to ask if there are any cats on the property.

A dog that responds calmly to a familiar cat at home may not immediately accept a strange animal in a new place. A cat, on the other hand, may consider a room, patio, or garden part of its territory.

The first meeting should take place calmly, without letting the dog run loose and without encouraging direct contact between the animals.

If your dog is left alone in the apartment, you need to make sure it can't get outside. A curious cat might appear at the door, on the balcony, or in the garden, and your dog might try to follow it.

The heat is a bigger problem than the cats

For a dog traveling to Cyprus, the climate may prove to be a greater challenge than the presence of cats. High temperatures, hot asphalt, and a lack of shade can be dangerous, especially for older, obese, very young, and short-nosed dogs.

It's best to plan walks in the morning and evening. During the day, it's best to choose shaded routes and test the pavement temperature with your hand. If the ground is too hot for humans, it can also burn dogs' paws.

Water is essential on every outing. Don't rely solely on a random bowl placed outside a restaurant or store. Your dog should have regular access to fresh water, even if the walk seems short.

Never leave your dog in the car, even for a few minutes. In the Cypriot sun, the interior of a car can quickly become unsafe, even with the windows cracked.

Dog on the beach, promenade and Cypriot countryside

On promenades and in tourist destinations, dogs may encounter cats near restaurants, shops, hotels, and parking lots. In such places, leashing and constant supervision are especially important.

Before heading to the beach, check whether dogs are allowed. Cyprus has designated dog beaches, but restrictions may apply elsewhere.

Regardless of local regulations, be careful of hot sand, sharp stones, glass, fishing hooks and food debris.

In mountain villages and rural areas, cats often live near houses, farms, and churches. Dogs may also encounter goats, sheep, donkeys, and other dogs. Therefore, they should not be allowed to roam freely in a new location without first checking the area.

How to prepare your dog for your stay in Cyprus?

Before leaving, it's a good idea to practice calmly passing cats on walks. It's also helpful to get your dog used to walking on a leash in different places, responding to his name, and returning on command.

Be sure to bring any necessary travel documents, a supply of food for the first few days, a travel bowl, water, a leash, and a basic first aid kit. It's also a good idea to have a current photo of your dog and the owner's phone number printed on the collar.

Before traveling, check the specific airline's pet transport policy. Airlines may have different weight limits, carrier requirements, and rules for transporting dogs in the cabin or hold.

You should also ensure that your dog has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and the appropriate travel documents. Specific requirements depend, among other things, on the country from which the animal is arriving.

A dog in Cyprus can feel very good

Cyprus and dogs can be a very good combination. However, it's important to remember that your pet will be arriving in an environment where cats are a constant presence. You can't assume that every cat you encounter will immediately flee.

Calm walks, a leash, access to water, avoiding extreme heat and respecting the cats' space are usually enough to ensure a problem-free stay.

Over time, the dog may become accustomed to the presence of the island's purring inhabitants. However, the owner will quickly discover that in many towns, it's easier to find a cat than a free table at a popular tavern.

More practical tips on traveling, staying overnight and visiting new places with your pet can be found at We're going with Koks.

The material was prepared based on EU information on traveling with animals and practical experiences related to staying with a dog in Cyprus.