Skoupy

We all have our favourites at Syros Cats, but Skoupy has always been special (even before 2024’s miraculous events – see below!)

Skoupy was rescued in December 2022 from a colony in Vari, and we think she is around ten years old. She had an awful mouth and coat so had to be bathed as she couldn’t groom herself. She was too thin so she had to gain weight before dental surgery, when the vet took 6 out (that’s a lot for a cat!). However despite this she still had Chronic gingivitis so was always drooling and for a long time had recurring skin issues. Still, she loves cuddling and sitting on us, she’s a people cat (even if she was a bit ick!).

Then in April 2024 she suddenly stopped drooling, we didn’t know why, so a visit to the Vets ensued. She was actually pregnant!  We genuinely thought this was an April fools joke from the Vet as she didn’t have a clipped ear but did have what looked like a neutering scar (sometimes cats that started off as pets don’t get the ear clipped). Anyway the ultrasound, which she loved (she was kneading the whole time), confirmed she was pregnant ! We scheduled her sterilisation for the next day but  little did we know she started giving birth during the night ! In the morning she went to the vet anyway,  however another ultrasound confirmed a second kitten on the way (very unusual for a senior cat) although she needed had a C-section (and a proper hysterectomy at the same time) this time, and April and Isaac were born! Despite being slightly confused by the whole incident Skoupy has been an excellent mum, weaning both kittens masterfully.

The update we never wanted to write.

Skoupy passed away from kidney failure in February 2025. Her hard working body finally gave up after a rough life. We are so sad to lose her. We take comfort knowing she died surrounded by love, her best weight and with a clean, healthy coat.

RIP Skoupy

Skoupy came into our lives in December 22 and has been one of our most beloved cats. Her coat was filthy and smelly, she had a painfully infected mouth. It stopped her from grooming. Her name comes from Skoupidia – the Greek word for rubbish as she frequented many a rubbish bin before coming to live at paradise with us.

We bathed her in the beginning. She needed dental work but had to gain some weight to be stronger for surgery. So we gave her many small meals and some medicine for comfort. A few weeks later she had dental surgery. She was a grateful patient.

Skoupy was always the most affectionate, low key cat. Very peaceful she would sleep quietly on your lap. She loved cuddles. Until she got a whiff of some chicken or fish then she let out the most unusual croaky meow and stood demandingly by the fridge or oven. Skoupy had an incredible spirit. She had a powerful impact on volunteers with her quiet steady way. Her way of looking at you, turned your day around. Skoupy had healing powers! Skoupy was mainly tolerant of the other Syros Cats residents napping back to back in the sun. She caused no drama. Until one day…

We assumed Skoupy was old and a previous pet as she was so friendly and had no clipped ear. She had a small, neat scar on her stomach so we thought she was spayed. She never visibly went into heat and we are constantly out TNR-ing so we pride ourselves in knowing. Well, after a year and a half in our care her coat was glossy and she was bright and plump.. and on April Fool’s day 2024 she gave us a kitten! Single kitten litters are rare so we rushed her to the vet for an ultrasound and lo and behold a second kitten was inside. It was all very dramatic. We put her on a drip and waited a few hours before she had to have a C section.

Being an older cat and having surgery, motherhood tired her in the beginning. She was an amazing mother, so attentive but the kittens took a lot of her strength. We gave her high quality food and supplements to boost her. We babysat so she could have some time off and cuddles with us.

We are all heartbroken that she left us so suddenly, everyone here has nothing but love for our very special Skoupy

Thank you Eva for the love and care you gave to the cats in Fabrika and Vari, and for bringing Skoupy into our lives.

Thank you Dr Manos: Skoupy’s GP, dentist and OBGYN!

Thank you Emma, Nigel and volunteer Emma for your sponsorship.