From Childhood Isolation to Feline Compassion: U.S. Vet Anna Katogiritis Returns to Karpathos, Greece, to Aid Stray Cats

By Telita Montales , Parent Herald Sep 27, 07:13 am

Anna Katogiritis, born in Athens and raised on the remote island of Karpathos, Greece, found solace in the company of thousands of stray cats during her 1990s childhood, a time marked by bullying and isolation. These feline companions, part of Greece's significant stray population, offered her a glimmer of kindness and shaped her ambition to become a veterinarian.

From Dreams to Reality

Moved by the warmth she received from these strays, Anna embarked on a journey of educational and professional accomplishments. She earned a degree in molecular biology and biotechnology from the University of Crete, followed by a veterinary degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Her passion for animal welfare led her to volunteer at the Jane Goodall Institute and forge a lasting relationship with Dr. Goodall, a renowned advocate for animals.

Despite her extensive work and numerous achievements, Anna never forgot her promise to aid the stray cats of Karpathos. The stray population remained an issue, with only two vets and limited facilities available on the island. Fueled by determination and compassion, Anna founded the non-profit Animal Welfare Karpathos in August 2020 with a mission to address the island's stray animal crisis.

Facing funding challenges, Anna personally financed the pilot program, recruiting volunteer veterinary students from the U.S. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program launched in 2021, focusing on spaying and neutering stray cats and community outreach. The initiative treated around 300 to 320 cats in three weeks, emphasizing community involvement and education to ensure the program's sustainability and acceptance.

The community's response was overwhelmingly positive, with local hotels providing accommodation for volunteers and tourists contributing donations. Anna's dedication continued in 2022, as she returned to Karpathos, five months pregnant, to further the program's impact. The emphasis on education and changing local attitudes towards stray animals became a cornerstone of Animal Welfare Karpathos's efforts, with local children actively participating in the program, learning about animal welfare, and even expressing their aspirations to become veterinarians.

Anna's organization also facilitated the adoption process for stray cats, requiring potential adopters to undergo a thorough application process. The community of adopters, connected through a Facebook group, has successfully found homes for over 300 pets in three years.

Legislative Hurdles and Solutions

Addressing the root cause of Greece's stray animal issue, Anna pointed to government neglect and the lack of spaying and neutering programs. Despite recent government measures to combat the problem, including mandatory neutering and fines for non-compliance, the stray population remains a significant concern.

Anna's relentless work on Karpathos is a testament to her commitment to animal welfare. With over 700 animals treated through her programs and plans to continue her efforts in 2024, Anna hopes to instill a sense of responsibility and compassion in the younger generation. She envisions a future where local communities actively participate in animal welfare and contribute to long-lasting change.

Anna's broader aspirations extend beyond Karpathos. In 2022, she founded Veterinary Global Aid, aiming to provide free care to animals in need worldwide. While her long-term goal is for such organizations to become unnecessary, she acknowledges the ongoing need for philanthropy and charity work in animal welfare. Anna credits the success of Animal Welfare Karpathos to her dedicated team of volunteers, highlighting the importance of collaboration in turning ideas into reality.

Anna's story is one of transformation and hope-from a bullied, small-sized girl finding companionship in stray cats to a determined veterinarian making a tangible difference in animal welfare on Karpathos. Her journey exemplifies the power of kindness and the enduring impact of promises made in childhood.