This story has been sent to us by Rhodes Strays.
In the 14 years that Rhodes Strays has carried out sterilisation work on the island, with the generous support of GCWS-UK, we have never come across a cat quite as iconic as Sir Kitler.
This remarkable stray cat, who lived in Pefkos, roamed the streets with complete confidence. He became a familiar sight at bars, restaurants, and supermarkets, and even had the nerve to stretch out on hotel sun loungers. Rhodes Strays neutered him in 2013, and from then on his fame only grew. He eventually had his own Facebook page, and loyal supporters returned each summer hoping to spot him.
There was even friendly competition and congratulations for the first person each season to find and photograph him. Although some visitors never had the chance to meet him, his image became known far and wide.
In 2021, at the age of 15, Sir Kitler was found collapsed in the middle of the road with a severe facial abscess and a major infection. We rushed him to the vet, where it was discovered that he had only one remaining kidney and that it was no longer functioning well.
A decision was made to keep him safe, let him live out the rest of his life in comfort and care with a Rhodes Strays volunteer.
Sir Kitler quietly passed away in 2024 at the age of 18 years but he will never be forgotten. Through Facebook fundraising, supporters raised more than 1,000 euros to create a memorial statue for him, to be placed in his favourite spot back in Pefkos.
The process took time, as Greek legal paperwork moves slowly, however 2 years on through many tears his memorial statue was eventually unveiled. It now stands proudly as a lasting tribute for years to come.
