Volunteer Vet Vlog: Caring for Gili Trawangan’s Street Cats

Welcome to the enchanting Gili Islands in Indonesia, a secluded archipelago accessible only by boat. Here, the sandy streets belong to the true rulers: cats! Dogs are not allowed on this island paradise. Join Dr. Alison, a slightly cat-crazy veterinarian from New Zealand, and her intrepid husband, Graham, as they assist at the local vet clinic, Luni Lombok. In this volunteer vet vlog, we’ll do the rounds of feeding more than 500 street cats, who rely on daily food and water supplies. Watch their happy faces as they come running for breakfast!

Luni Lombok is the island’s sole vet clinic, responsible for feeding over 500 stray cats. The twice-daily feeding rounds serve a dual purpose: nourishment and health monitoring. Dr. Alison and the team get to know each regular cat, including an orange tabby with a healed abscess—a testament to his streetwise survival skills.

Warung Kuching: Cat Restaurants

The Luni Lombok clinic sets up feeding stations in abandoned buildings, side streets, and local businesses. These “Warung Kuching” (cat restaurants) ensure that Gili’s street cats lead a good life. Some cats are even owned and receive meals both at home and at the feeding stations. Meet the chubby ginger boy—soon to be a “chonky” cat!

Navigating the Sandy Streets

Back on our bikes, we pedal through the sandy streets. Ponies and bicycles replace cars on the Gilis. The feeding stations are strategically placed, and fresh cat biscuits fill the bowls. Cats eagerly await breakfast, their trust in Dan and the team evident.

Shy Cats and Sunbathing

Not all cats crave human attention. Some remain wild or shy, but many enjoy a gentle head rub in the sun. Living on a small tropical island surrounded by saltwater, these street cats rely on daily fresh water to prevent kidney failure.

Chonky Cats and Antics

As we return to the waterfront, we encounter a chonky cat—a true character. Breakfast is served, and the cats’ antics entertain us. They communicate with playful meows and occasional growls. Our journey takes us past the mosque and the Gili Castle Hostel, finally arriving at the Luni Lombok Vet Clinic and Cat Café.

Feeding stray cats in the Gili Islands

Thank you for joining us on this volunteer vet vlog. Together, we make a difference for Gili Trawangan’s street cats. Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue caring for these island feline residents! 🐾🌴

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A veterinarian’s dream job…

In my last post, I introduced you to Paulo, a sailor turned animal rescuer in Coron Island, Philippines. Today, I want to share how Paulo’s journey has inspired me to continue pursuing my dream of providing veterinary care to animals and their carers who struggle to access veterinary services.

Animal Rescue

During my visit to Paulo’s houseboat, we had many conversations about our shared passion for animals. Paulo’s dedication to helping the animals of Coron Island, despite the lack of resources and support, deeply moved me. It reminded me that every little bit of help counts and that we can make a significant difference in the lives of these animals.

After leaving Coron Island, I will myself in the Gili Islands in Indonesia, working with an organization that brings vets from different countries to volunteer. We arere conducting a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program, getting cats neutered and treated. Knowing the impact of this work, I couldn’t help but think about how useful it would be if we could set up something similar in Coron Island.

Sick cat Greece, in desperate need of veterinary care.

Imagine if we could connect with logistics, find a location, set up tables, and get medication. I believe many vets would be willing to come here and spend a week or two, doing what needs to be done for the animals. This would be a game-changer for places like Coron Island, where there are 7000 islands and veterinary services are a problem everywhere.

I shared this dream with Paulo, and he was excited about the idea. He admitted that he didn’t have any experience in this area and that he started his rescue work only two years ago. But he was eager to learn and believed that this could help solve many problems, such as setting up an adoption program, facilitating international adoptions, and organizing vaccinations.

Meeting Paulo and seeing his dedication to helping animals has further encouraged me to pursue my dream. I know this journey will have its challenges, including dealing with visas, medical supplies, logistics, and accommodation. But as Paulo says, if everyone does a little bit to help, then the world will be a better place.

Help Save the Animals

So, if you want to help the animals, please consider adopting your next fur family member, volunteering for an animal rescue, or showing street dogs and cats some love. And if you ever find yourself in the Philippines, consider booking a stay at Paolyn Houseboats. Not only will you have a unique experience, but you’ll also be supporting Paulo’s incredible work.

Watch the full episode with Paulo documenting his incredible travel stories and see the amazing work he does for the animals and the people of the Philippines over on our You Tube channel.