We’ve been quite busy in Kotor, Montenegro. Rain or shine, we tried to grab or trap the homeless cats for spaying and neutering. Surprising ourselves, Kenric and I have managed to trap 28 cats for sterilization during the 34 days we spent in Kotor this year. We’ve rented cars to go to neighboring cities to help trap cats, deliver medicine, pick up and drop off cats, etc.

Doing all this in gloomy and wet weather is often stressful and tiring. The traps are heavy and an angry cat rattling inside makes it worse, but it is always worth it. Knowing that the kitties will not reproduce (anymore) is comforting. Knowing that we can help alleviate the problem even just a little for the few locals who take on all the responsibilities of caring for these cats make us feel like we’re not just “taking” from this beautiful place.

We could not have done this alone

I wrote in 2017 about how much Kenric and I appreciated the husband-and-wife veterinarian team who voluntarily gave us a big discount once they realized the cat we brought in was homeless.

I wrote in 2018 about how much Danijela does for the welfare of these cats. Thanks again to those of you who donated to my GoFundMe campaign. She is still in awe of your generosity.

Earlier this year, I also wrote about how a tourist from Seattle beat us by a few months to establishing a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program for Kotor called Kotor Kitties. I’m truly glad about that because April definitely has much, much more experience than none!

Bright spots and sad stories

Kenric and I are thankful for finally being able to keep our promise to Waxy, the sick cat we inexplicably loved so much on our first visit, and to Kelly Koh and her sole surviving kitten, Little Kelvin, on our second visit. Many of their friends will finally be able to defy the cruelty nature has cursed upon them, and stop reproducing like bunnies. Each cat we trapped is special in his/her own way. They are the bright spots in our lives. There are many sad stories too; many scratches and bites, but I will save them for later.

Kenric and I will be spending Christmas in Zagreb, Croatia and New Year’s in Belgrade, Serbia. We’ll spend tomorrow night in Belgrade before catching another train to Zagreb. You may recall Khaleel, the refugee from Pakistan of whom we’ve grown really fond. He worked at the plejkavica burger stand when we were in Belgrade in September and November 2017. If we get to see him tomorrow for the third time, it would be a charm.

You can help too

If you are still looking for holiday gifts for the cat lovers in your life, consider making a donation in their honor to Kotor Kitties which funds this TNR program with donations. Kenric and I donate to them regularly and know that the money is put to good use. You can donate on their Facebook page Kotor Kitties or via PayPal at kotorkitties@gmail.com.