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! 🐾🌴

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, it costs you nothing, but it helps us to help the animals!