Our week in Kotor, Montenegro, wasn’t just about taking in its stunning beauty—it was also about making a difference. Known as the “City of Cats,” Kotor is a place where cats are deeply embedded in daily life. Within the walled city, you’ll find cats lounging in squares, cafes, and even on shop counters, undisturbed and clearly well-cared-for. It was heartwarming to see so many of them neutered, fed, and living harmoniously among people.

But outside the city walls, the picture changes. We saw many strays, often injured or suffering from infections. While locals did their best to feed them, it was clear that more help was needed. That’s when we learned about a non-profit organization, Kotor Kitties , working to vaccinate and treat stray cats. They provided us with the name of a vet and encouraged us to bring any strays we found.

Cat Care in Montenegro: A Refreshing and Impactful Experience

One of the first cats we found had an infection, so we took it to the vet. He treated the cat, gave it medication, and even performed a castration. The process was smooth and incredibly efficient. The cat stayed overnight in th garage attached to the vet’s facility and we picked it up the next morning to return it to where we’d found it.

What amazed us most was how easy and accessible this process was. Once we realized we could help more strays, we started bringing two or three cats to the vet every day. By the end of our stay, we’d helped eight or nine cats receive treatment and castration. Even without ideal equipment—we had one cat carrier, some cardboard boxes, and leashes—we made it work. At one point, we even had four cats in our car!

Reflecting on our experience, it’s striking how smoothly this setup works compared to Albania, which is right next door. The contrast between the two countries in terms of animal welfare is massive and we'd love for you to ready about that experience in this other blog post. If more places worldwide could adopt a system like the one in Kotor, it could solve so many issues with strays. Kotor isn’t just a beautiful destination—it’s a chance to do something truly rewarding.

The vet was incredible, not only in his dedication to the animals but also in how friendly and helpful he was. He explained everything to us, from the treatment process to how we could make the most of our time there to help as many cats as possible. Kotor Kitties who funds these treatments also deserves massive credit—they’re doing amazing work to give these animals a better chance at life. Please consider making a donation. 🔗

What stood out most was how refreshing it was to be in a place where helping was so straightforward. If you’re visiting Kotor, we highly recommend taking a small part of your trip to help the strays, even if it’s just one or two cats. It’s an easy way to make a meaningful difference while still enjoying an unforgettable holiday.