Zélia Santos’s beloved cats are looking for homes
Jenny Clarke is not a golfing girl. But she knows the famous Tiger Woods has had his fair share of being a winner and a loser. “Problem is, our ‘Tiger’ is a special cat,” said the president of the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve (APAA), who has a bundle of felines on her mind.
“When our special ‘Cat Woman’, Zélia Santos, died suddenly (last Christmas Eve), we all went into shock … But we have to soldier on. Her beloved cats are looking for homes. When she nabbed and grabbed cats for SNiP’ing, there were some who wouldn’t settle into a feral cat colony. We are aware that taking in cats can become a poisoned chalice.” When does the line get drawn?
A cat lover to the end, Zélia had given them homes and brought them back into a wonderful bristling healthy feline world. But now they are in need of a home. “They are not just a cat for adoption. They’ve already been traumatised and re-habilitated. They are in need of some peace and, importantly, understanding. Above all, patience.”
‘Tiger’ is looking for a home along with ‘Pipoco’, ‘Garfield’, ‘Marble’ and several others. If you are able to re-home a special furry feline friend, contact Jenny.
“We are running a special on Facebook (APAA Portugal), so you can check all the cats out.” If you are interested, APAA is insisting that you make arrangements to meet and greet the cat you think you are interested in. “Knowing how fickle felines can be!” Jenny has three of her own. “They choose you without a doubt. There’s no way you can take on a pet of any kind without a meet and greet, in the flesh.”
Exceptional help and photos already given by Carina Ferreira and our Lisa Dowling. Jenny knows that APAA’s friends and followers are always there to lend a hand when needed. “Jackie, Zélia’s neighbour and colleague, has all the low-down and ‘gen’ on the cats. Invaluable at a time like this!”
First check out APAA’s cats on Facebook. Make contact with Jenny and her team. Arrange a suitable time to visit. Bring a cat transporter with you. “Be assured that all cats and their prospective forever re-homers will be happily matched. The cat you want is not always the one you leave with!” Jenny grins.
First Pop-Up event of 2025
APAA’s first ‘Pop-Up’ Shop of 2025 takes place on Friday, February 21, from 11am to 2pm, at Jolly’s Bar in Alvor, near the campsite. There will be Fi-line fashion, jewellery and cosmetics, Gill Goode’s cards and prints, a pets’ corner, books, ornaments, glassware, linen, patio, garden and home goodies, a wet-suit size 52, two-part top and leggings (!), ladies’ handbags, and not forgetting Jenny’s jams, preserves, pickles and marmalades, and Jackie’s cookies. Not been out for a while? It’s a super place to meet and greet people, and have a snack and a drink.
Text: APAA
Photo: CARINA FERREIRA
