Sharing beds with a loved one, pet-version, can be a harrowing experience. You are either going to allow friendly friends to share or not. “People will think that there is nothing wrong with sharing your bed with a pet. Others will disagree. It is a personal choice.” Is it?

“Well, not if the pet insists on taking over. Moving pillows, covers and taking over your space.”

APAA’s President, Jenny Clarke is not too sure either way. Having had cats and dogs all her life, she knows that there is a plus and a minus point. “It's where you draw that fine line.” Especially in the hot weather. “But if you need to train, to get a pet to move out to its own quarters then you have to be patient.” Plenty of ideas and help online.

The Association for Protection Animals Algarve has a handy motto. ‘Here to Help’. Their main problem, along with other charities is money. “It is always a problem, and of course a big turn-off.” For some reason, the public either are for you or against you. “It isn’t that cut and dried. We know that charity begins at home, but sometimes that is precisely where the problem starts.”


A long catalogue of abandonees. Feral Cat-colonies stretched at the seams. “It’s on our own doorstep or in our own backyard. Cats multiplying beyond calculation, and without Spaying and Neutering on time, there is little hope of containment. Especially with a young litter.”

SNiP APAA’s acronym for their sterilisation programme has grown in popularity. “We know of no other way. Catching, trapping, neutering and returning the animal to either its owner or a cat colony.” It takes time, effort and money. “Vets give us superb rates. But it still costs. We cannot ask vets to work for nothing. As we get donations from our ‘Pop-Up’ shops, and events, every centimos goes to a worthy cause.” The alternative is all too clear, an over-populated Algarve; it’s cobbled streets cluttered with cats and abandoned dogs. A frightening thought for everyone. “Our ‘help’ is to clear out the cat population and re-home abandoned animals wherever we can. In fact, some good people are now taking the idea into their own idyllic spots and creating cat colonies where all the residents are able to contribute, time, feeding, etcetera.” Helping themselves.

APAA’s charity shops in Alvor and Silves are bright shopping places, full of goodies for the home, garden, patio, stuff for the pets as well. Their volunteers are always happy to help. Another way of raising money. Look out! ‘Pop-Up’ Shops will be back soon.

Contact: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com