Stray cats in Malta have a string of guardian angels who regularly leave water and leftovers for them outside. Yet it is sad that many people prefer to do this rather than adopt the strays and keep them inside their homes, looking after them properly as any pet deserves.

Some cat feeders restrict the daily fare to dried biscuits, which reduce smells in summer but are still attractive to flies. Unfortunately, the frequent habit of leaving three-day-old spaghetti Bolognese out for vagrant cats is likely to attract other unwanted creatures too.

A disgusted Rabat resident reports that an unsightly feeding station in the garden of the catacombs had been closed off when construction started on the site to build a new information centre. However, as a result, the pavement outside the gates is now plastered with cat food and food leftovers, rendering a wrinkling up of noses and handkerchiefs over mouths by tourists who are brought to view this historic area:

“It looks very dirty and unpleasant, especially after it rains. The food just stays there as cats, dogs, rats and cockroaches do not seem to like to eat it and a lot of tourists see this mess. I have seen this kind of filth all over the island.

“Signs need to be put up rigorously informing people about the health risks, and hefty fines are needed for those who still throw their leftovers and tinned food in the streets. A thorough countryside clean-up to remove all the illegal rubbish sites and popular feeding places is needed.”

This resident reasons that any strays need to be caught and put in shelters:

“People who feel sorry for the strays can donate money or food to the animal shelters money and contribute to a good life for the animals there. The money they donate can also be used to catch the strays, neuter them and keep them in the shelters. They also could adopt an animal from a shelter.”