Spotting the Unseen: Why Ella’s Blind Cat Sanctuary in Vrysoulles Needs Your Help
We have recently been given ‘A NOTICE OF EVICTION’
Cyprus is world-renowned for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and unfortunately, its staggering population of stray animals. Among the many rescue groups working tirelessly on the island, one truly unique haven stands out: Ella’s Blind Cat Sanctuary in Vrysoulles.
Founded to give the absolute most vulnerable stray cats a chance at life, this sanctuary is a place of miracles. But running a sanctuary for disabled animals takes an immense amount of work, and right now, they desperately need the support of both the local and international animal-loving communities.
What Makes Ella’s Blind Cat Sanctuary Special?
For a blind or partially sighted cat on the streets of Cyprus, the world is a terrifying and incredibly dangerous place. Without their vision, they cannot easily forage for food, avoid traffic, or defend themselves from predators and territorial strays.
Ella’s Blind Cat Sanctuary offers these special felines a safe, structured environment where they can build their confidence.
- Day-to-day Care: The sanctuary provides immediate medical assessment, food, and safety.
- Specialized Surgeries: Many of the rescues arrive with severe, painful infections that require expensive eye operations to give them a pain-free life.
- A Forever Home (or a Launchpad): The primary goal is to rehabilitate these sweet souls so they have the chance for adoption. For those whose disabilities or medical needs mean they cannot be adopted, the sanctuary serves as their permanent, loving home.
A Call for Hands-On Help: Supporting Lyn at the Kennels
Behind every sanctuary is a driving force, and here, it is Lyn. Taking care of dozens of special-needs cats is a 24/7 job that is physically, emotionally, and financially exhausting.
Lyn is currently looking for dedicated volunteers and supporters who can help with:
- Feeding & General Work: Routine is vital for blind cats so they can navigate their surroundings reliably. Daily cleaning, feeding, and general maintenance at the kennels keep the environment safe and hygienic.
- Boarding Support: Managing the space and individual needs of the cats requires consistent organization and physical help at the facility.
- Socialization: Blind cats rely heavily on touch and sound. Spending time sitting with them, talking to them, and grooming them helps them realize the world is a safe place, paving the way for successful future adoptions.
Whether you are a local resident in the Vrysoulles/Famagusta area with a few hours to spare each week, or a traveler wanting to give back while visiting Cyprus, your hands-on help would make a world of difference to Lyn and the cats.
How You Can Help From Near or Far
If you aren’t local to Vrysoulles, you can still play a massive role in changing these cats’ lives.
1. Become a Flight Parent
Many of the blind cats who are successfully rehabilitated find their forever homes abroad in countries like Germany, the UK, or the Netherlands. Because we rely entirely on commercial flights to get them to their new families, we need volunteers!
If you are flying out of Larnaca or Paphos, please check our list of Upcoming Rescue Flights page or read about how easy it is to volunteer as a Flight Escort with us. We handle the paperwork, bring the cats to the airport, and meet you on the other end—it costs you nothing but saves a life!
2. Know the Travel Rules
If you find a cat you wish to adopt from the sanctuary yourself, make sure to read up on our guides regarding Airlines Pet Policies and ensure you are fully compliant with European transport regulations by checking out our deep dive into Why TRACES Are Necessary for Pet Travel
3. Donate to Medical Care
From specialized eye removal surgeries to daily medication, the sanctuary’s vet bills are incredibly high. Even a small donation toward their food and medical fund eases the heavy burden on Lyn’s shoulders.
Are you ready to make a difference?
If you can volunteer your time at the Vrysoulles kennels, or if you are planning a trip soon and want to offer your flight ticket to help a blind rescue reach their forever home, reach out through our Contact Page today. Let’s make sure these beautiful cats are never left in the dark.
Support Lyn’s work directly by making a donation to the official Ella’s Blind Cat Sanctuary GoGetFunding Campaign.