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 Day in the Life of a Vet on the Gili Islands

Animal Rescues, Cute Kittens, and Cat-astrophes!

Welcome to the Gili Islands: Where Cats Rule

The Gili Islands in Indonesia are a tiny archipelago, accessible only by boat, where cats roam the sandy streets. Dr. Alison, a slightly cat-crazy veterinarian from New Zealand, and her intrepid husband Graham, assist the local vet clinic, Luni Lombok, an animal charity dedicated to caring for the strays and street cats. Together, they make a difference for all the animals on islands where a cat ambulance and public transport are unlike anything you’ve seen before!

Today, we’re on Gili Meno, one island away from the Luni Lombok vet clinic. The cats here need care too, so we’ve brought cages, tables, surgical supplies, and medications for a week-long pop-up clinic.

TNR Clinic: Managing a Stray Population

Hundreds of cats on Gili Meno face overpopulation without neutering. Our TNR (trap neuter return) clinic is a humane solution. A team of cat catchers brings cats to the clinic in cages on the back of bicycles! Each cat, whether a friendly ‘Cupcake’ or a grumpy ‘Chili’, is desexed and also receives vaccinations, and treatment for wounds or parasites. We ensure all surgical patients are comfortable and manage any complications.

After a busy morning desexing more than 14 cats, we enjoy lunch from a local warung, delivered by bike. We then check some kittens who face concerns about panleukopenia, a contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccination is crucial, as seen in New Zealand, where this disease is rare thanks to widespread vaccination practices.

Patient Stories: Siro and Moritz

We meet Siro, a white cat with a severe skin infection, and later, his best friend Moritz. Siro, diagnosed with Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome, was in such distress with a condition causing him to continuously claw at his face. Now he begins treatment for a better life and makes a miraculous recovery. His musical purr and antics chasing Moritz around the clinic was a truly heartwarming thing to be a part of. He has even become the new clinic manager, after being adopted by the Luni Lombok clinic who wanted to ensure he had ongoing treatment and care. Now he just needs to grow back the fur we had to shave!!

Reflections at Sunset

As the day ends, we reflect on the fulfillment of helping Gili Meno’s cats. Volunteering creates a significant impact on the lives of animals and people, fostering lifelong friendships.

Vet Around The World is on a mission to bring veterinary care to pets (and people) who struggle to access a vet because of limited finances or resources.

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Dr. Alison, a slightly cat-crazy veterinarian from New Zealand, and her intrepid husband Graham, assist the local vet clinic, Luni Lombok, an animal charity dedicated to caring for the strays and street cats. Together, they make a difference for all the animals on islands where a cat ambulance and public transport are unlike anything you’ve seen before!