The Cats of Athens: A Unexpected Highlight of My Time in Greece

 When I first arrived in Athens, I expected to be blown away by the ancient ruins, the vibrant food culture, and the blue waters, all things I have been. But what I didn’t expect was that one of the most charming parts of my study abroad experience would come in the form of something much smaller and fluffier, the stray cats.

Athens is the only city I’ve ever visited, out of all the countries I’ve traveled to, where stray cats are not only everywhere but also deeply involved in the daily rhythm of the place. You can see them sunbathing on sidewalks, weaving between café tables, lounging under orange trees, and even wandering near ancient monuments. It’s not unusual to spot a cat perched beside a centuries-old column. Tourists often toss them bits of food, but I get the feeling these cats would hang around even without the snacks. They've claimed this city as their own.

What’s even more surprising is how clean and friendly they are. I’ve met long-haired cats, short-haired tabbies, sleek black cats, orange-striped kittens, and every single one has been friendly, calm, and often ready for a cuddle. They aren’t skittish or aggressive. If anything, they act like they own the place (which, let’s be honest, they kind of do).

There are a few regulars near campus that I see daily. It’s become a comforting routine. Walking to class and spotting the same sleepy-eyed cat curled up on a sunny ledge, or one trotting over when they spot me coming. In a way, these cats have helped make Athens feel like home.

But one cat, in particular, has made a lasting impression on me: Cookie.

Cookie is a grey and white stray who seems to have unofficially adopted my dorm building. Living on the first floor, I get frequent visits from him. Every other night, he hops through my window or door and curls up at the foot of my bed like he’s lived there forever. During the day, he’ll drop by just to hang out for a few hours. I’ve been feeding him and giving him a cozy spot to rest, and in return, he’s given me this sweet little sense of companionship that I didn’t realize I needed while living so far from home. It’s comforting. 

While I sometimes feel bad about the sheer number of strays in Athens, what I’ve observed is that the Greek community really does seem to care for them. Locals leave out food and water, and many of the cats are tagged or fixed, meaning someone’s looking out for them. 

These cats have made my time in Greece even more special. They’ve been my quiet walking companions, my doorstep greeters, my stand-ins for my pets at home. 

I’ll always remember the ruins and the museums, of course. But I’ll also remember Cookie. And that, to me, is just as meaningful.