Zurrieq has become home to Malta’s newest initiative in animal welfare with the opening of its first Cat Café - a milestone that highlights the growing emphasis on community care for stray animals.

The Cat Café, located in Triq il-Belt Valletta, was officially inaugurated at the end of May in an opening ceremony. The project, supported by the Zurrieq Local Council, aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for stray cats and the people who care for them.

Such projects play a vital role in the care and protection of stray cats, and during the ceremony, it was encouraged for other localities to follow Zurrieq’s example. The protection of abandoned animals must be a national priority.

The café offers a secure environment where cats can be cared for and fed by volunteers and visitors alike. It also serves as a place where the community can interact with the animals, promoting awareness and compassion toward animal welfare. A dedicated room within the café has been set up for recovery and feeding purposes, further enhancing the support available for these animals.

This project contributes to a more welcoming and organised public space, promoting both animal wellbeing and community engagement.

Mayor of Zurrieq Rita Grima expressed pride in the collaborative effort that made the café a reality. ‘After many months of planning and coordination, we are proud to open the first Cat Café managed by a local council’’.

‘This is a place where street cats are not only welcomed but cared for, and where their feeders and visitors can build a stronger bond with them’, she added.

As the first of its kind in the locality, this Cat Café sets an example of how local councils can play a proactive role in animal welfare.

Will you be visiting Zurrieq’s new Cat Café?