Nicosia, Cyprus. Cypriot publisher Voula Kokinou has released “Cats in Cyprus: Encounters,” a book dedicated to the cats of Cyprus and inspired by her own cats, Antonio and Theo. Kokinou said she was moved by their need for love, companionship and connection.
Book inspired by Antonio and Theo
Kokinou said the project began after Antonio, a female kitten, settled into a pot of a large gardenia in 2010 outside her flat and became part of her life. Antonio was named after Kokinou’s friend Antonis, who loves cats, and her kitten Theo was named after Kokinou’s father, Theofilos.
“I wanted to preserve the beautiful moments they gave me forever through this book. I lost two members of my family,” Kokinou told the Cyprus Mail. She is the founder of En Tipois Publications.
Fourteen years of preparation and material collection
Kokinou said the book was prepared over 14 years as she collected material, resulting in 152 pages focused on cats across Cyprus, including strays, semi-feral neighbourhood cats and fully domesticated cats.
She described cats as intelligent and emotionally aware, saying they appreciate what they are offered and reciprocate love. Kokinou also said cats on the island vary in size, coat length and colour, and differ in psychology as well.
Historical references to cat domestication in Cyprus
Kokinou recalled that excavations in 1997 at Shillourokambos in the community of Parekklisia in the Limassol district found a cat’s bones buried next to its owner, dating back 9,500 years. She said this predates evidence of cat domestication in ancient Egypt, dated to about 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.
Opening chapter and reception
The book opens with Kokinou’s account of Antonio, with an opening chapter dedicated to the cat that inspired the project. Kokinou said Antonio’s independence and pride did not prevent a close bond from forming. She also said Theo stayed by her side, and the book includes images of the black-and-white cat accompanying her during daily life.
Kokinou said the book has been well received since arriving in bookshops, and she hopes it will help challenge negative perceptions of Cyprus’ cats. She said attitudes have improved in recent years, but added that further progress would require full state coordination, as she believes more work remains.
How have your views on the cats of Cyprus been shaped by your own experiences with them?
