Other news

Recent updates on old stuff:
26/11: Yazz found a home! Best of luck, Yazz!
18/11: One more success story: Handel, Nye and Noll.
13/11: We got a must-read email from Esperanza (now called Suki)!
11/11: Stories about successful adoptions
Posters here. Please print them out and display where possible: your window, work place etc...

Found a cat? Check if it is one of these.

What else is new? Oh, yes, you guessed it: We are as always desperate for help, so please contact us if you can spare a few hours a week! Our cats are 100% dependent on volunteers and donations.

The last couple of years have been very difficult financially for all charities and Aldea is no exception. We rely 100% on voluntary donations. The donations received from Denia Town Council only helps us towards the costs of our "street cat castration program". Any amount of cash, however small, will help us - please see below the different ways you can donate.

Other ways to help can be found here - and give you an idea of the work we do.

Oriana needs a home

Oriana was found in a garbage container on Cami de Gandia. She is very cute and friendly and would therefore make a lovely pet. She was born approximately the 1st July 2007 and is castrated, blood tested and vaccinated.

Have you seen any of these lost cats?

Click on a name for more details

Freya

Our site in Spanish!

We have long wanted to cater for our Spanish volunteers and supporters and are now in a position to do so as Pepe Galan very kindly has offered to translate and maintain the blog. Click on the address http://aldea-felina-es.blogspot.com/ to see it.

Likewise, we would dearly like to serve the German and Dutch community with a German version. If you would like to help with this, we can have a blog ready at http://aldea-felina-de.blogspot.com/ in no time! Please email Sara at info@aldea-felina.org if you are interested.

Aldea needs volunteers!

We desperately need help on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings in our shelter. In exchange for 4 hours of your week, you will meet other like minded volunteers, make new friends and be part of a very important team who care for our cats and kittens; to feed and water them, refreshing sleeping areas & cleaning their litter trays. The best part is you get to play with them and groom them for as long as you want! A handbook giving our general guidelines and lots of useful information is provided along with cleaning products and gloves. If you would like to help on one or more of these days and join our rota, please phone Lynda on 648 100 629 or our helpline on 649 540 612. Our cats will love you! As will the volunteers currently working overtime! :)

Come and see what we are all about before you commit yourself.

(text and photo: Sara)

Ana, Rosita and Anika

Ana (click on photo to enlarge)

Ana is a beautiful and cute cat, that was rescued from a rooftop in Denia along with her 2 sisters. She was born on the roof of a derelict townhouse by a wild mother and fed "bits" by a spanish family through their open window. After adjusting to living with people she, like her sisters are very playful and get along well with other cats.

Rosita (click on photo to enlarge)

Anika (click on photo to enlarge)

The Calico sisters Ana, Anika and Rosita are all waiting for you to take them home. To visit them please phone Lynda on 648 100 629.

Inca

Click on photo to enlarge.

Inca was rescued from the roof of a cinema in Denia. When she arrived at the shelter, she was very frightened of people. She has in a very short time improved enormously and will make a lovely cuddly pet. She was born approx. 1st June 2009 and is castrated, blood tested and vaccinated - come and visit her!

Cat-tree

Wow, a lovely cat tree has been built in yard 1. What a great idea!

Thanks Sue, Ian, Val & Merv.

Yazz (Adopted 26/11)

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Yazz: a very cute and play-full kitten for even the "tender-skinned" as she likes to play with her claws in! She was found in a bin in Denia with her sister and brother, left to die. She is the last one to be adopted and waiting patiently for a new family to care for her. She was born approx. 1st July 2009 and has started her vaccinations. To meet her please phone Lynda on 648 100 629 who can arrange a viewing.

Umbro

Umbro is a lovely red and white tabby. He was abandoned at the entrance of our shelter as a kitten, pushed through the bamboo plants into the storage area and was waiting patiently to be found. He is a very friendly, gentle and quiet cat, who loves to be brushed. He is one of our long time residents and we would dearly love for him to find a real home. Date of Birth: 15th August 2007. He is blood tested, vaccinated and castrated. To see him, please phone Lynda on 648 100 629 to arrange to meet him.

Stella and Syd

Two lovely kittens Stella and Syd were found in a bin in Denia and brought to the shelter when they were only 4 weeks old. They have been in foster care and are now ready for adoption. Syd is a dark male tabby and Stella is a female red tabby. They were born 15th July 2009 and are vaccinated. If you would like to meet Stella and Syd (and our other cats and kittens), please phone Lynda on 648 100 629 to make an appointment.

Natalia

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Natalia was a frightened little cat when she was abandoned at the door of our shelter, but now she is a sweet, loving cat who is desperate for a permanent home. She is castrated, blood tested and vaccinated. Date of Birth: 1st June 2006. If you would like to visit the shelter and see Natalia and our other cats and kittens, please phone Lynda on 648 100 629.

Yasmin

Click on photo to enlarge

Yasmin: a beautiful tortoise shell cat, very affectionate and loves to be brushed.
Needless to say: one of my favourites. Just look at those eyes!
She was born 1st September 2007, is castrated, blood tested and vaccinated.

Kimi

Click on photo to enlarge

Kimi, like many others, was abandoned outside our shelter. She is a gorgeous cat with very s-o-f-t semi-long fur; so pretty! She was born approx. 1st June 2007, is castrated, blood tested and vaccinated. What are you waiting for - call Lynda and visit her today (648 100 629).

Urgent: Zara

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Zara was abandoned with her kittens on our doorstep last year. Probably because of her gentle nature she was being bullied by our more dominant residents and spent most of her day in hiding. For this reason she is now in foster care but really needs a home of her own where she can settle down and realise that life is not so bad. She is one of our friendliest cats (one of my clear favourites) and I have never understood why she has not been adopted long ago; she loves people and would be good with both children and other cats. She was born approx. 1st July 2007 and is sterilised, blood tested and vaccinated.

If you are interested in seeing Zara please phone Lynda on 648 100 629.

Kittens keep coming!

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Luckily they are very, very cute and will hopefully soon all find homes!
Come and see them (and at the same time our cats) for yourself!

Mel and Miles

(Click on photos to enlarge)

My two former foster kittens, Mel and Miles (4 weeks old) while in foster care with us. They were born approx 15th May 2009 (are vaccinated) and are now waiting for a new home. Mel is very wary around people and would be better homed with his brother, for support. To visit these two black beauties, please call Lynda on 648 100 629.

Can you see what's irritating my throat?

(Click on photo to enlarge)

This is one of our most famous residents: Baeuer. He was found in a car engine after traveling from Denia to Benidorm trapped under the bonet. When he was discovered the car was returned to Denia by tow truck as he could not get out. After he went to hell and back on his journey and then subsequent release from the engine (he was given a euthanasia injection as his injuries were so bad - from which he fought and survived!!) he was brought to our vet to recover as his body was covered in burns and large portions of skin had to be removed. After a long painful recovery, which he tolerated very well and then adjusting to living in the shelter he is still looking for a new home to call his own. He loves to wander around the garden and is definately an outdoor cat, he enjoys to expore - no apartment or busy road please. He is fully recovered but scarred, a very brave boy who deserves the best chance possible. Due to his great character we are surprised he has not yet been adopted and we pray for the right home for him is just around the corner. Our residents who stop for a break and digestive biscuit have a real problem when they do not give Baeuer one - he follows them around crying when he sees the flask come out! Date of Birth: January 2005, castrated, blood tested and vaccinated. How can you not want to visit him? Call Lynda today and have a play: 648 100 629.

[Before you worry: the mouse is completely unharmed as you can see here. :) ]

Felicity

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Felicity is quite timid but comes immediately if you have a brush in your hand. She was abandoned as a kitten and is now living in our general group area waiting for a new home. She was born approx. 1st May 2007, is castrated, vaccinated and blood tested.

Woopie

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Woopie is a very affectionate, young, black cat who has been with us since she was a tiny kitten - bottle fed from a week old. Unfortunately she has intestinal problems and can only eat special diet food to help control her illness. Due to ensuring she does not eat normal food she has to live in a confined space at the shelter; the best we can do for her. Due to her close connect to people as a kitten, we think that is why she is a jealous cat and craves attention - a one cat family would be perfect for her - this of course is important for her diet.
Woopie is a real lap cat and given a chance would make someone a loving and loyal pet. She is castrated, blood tested and vaccinated. Date of Birth: 1st September 2007.

If you would like to visit the shelter and spend some time with Woopie please phone Lynda on 648 100 629.

Calico Cat Cafe

No, unfortunately we don't have cat cafes such as Calico Cat Cafe here in Spain (yet?). You have to go to Tokyo for this experience. Their web-site is only in Japanese, but here are the cats in the main cafe and the Shinjuku branch.

However, you are welcome to visit our shelter by appointment. We unfortunately have no coffee or tea, but we can supply plenty of cats and kittens to play with. :)

New poster

Click on photo to enlarge.

Can be used with or without the tear-off tabs. Download here.
If you want to use it in a window, you can cut the tabs off.

Aldea Felina needs YOUR help...

Aldea Felina is run 100% by volunteers and always in need of physical and financial help; new volunteers and donations.

• Our cats need our care and attention to help them live comfortably in the shelter: The old house and yard in which the cats and kittens live must be cleaned daily. They need their food and water replenished and contact with people, to give them some love and attention. We are in need of volunteers to help for 3 or 4 hours a week. Before you commit, please feel free to come and spend time with the cats, see how they love to be visited and talk to our other volunteers. You can email us: info@aldea-felina.org with questions. With kitten season and holiday time never far away, we are desperate to cover our vacant shifts and take the pressure off the volunteers covering extra shifts every week.
  
  
• Improve your life: be owned by one of our cute cats or kittens! We have plenty to choose from. We ask for a minimum donation of €40 to help us keep the shelter running (Jan 2009). The first step is to visit and meet our cats, of course without obligations. For an adoption appointment and directions please phone Lynda on 648 100 629 or email us.
  
  
• Foster one of our lovely cats - for long or short term foster care. All costs covered for food and (if needed) medication. There are many reasons for becoming a foster parent: our cats need recuperate after an operation, socialising, a course of medication or just a place to wait while in quarantine. If you travel a lot and cannot have a pet of your own, becoming a foster parent is a great way to enjoy having a feline friend around while you are home, then you can give him/her back to us knowing you helped, without the obligation of leaving your own cat with strangers or paying for boarding. A good example of a cat in need of special attention is Mel - he is very timid and needs time around people to learn how to trust and enjoy human contact.
  
  Spring and Sommer are the months to help with kittens - to give them a safe environment to grow and become accustomed to humans. They are great fun to have around - better than watching TV! Autumn and Winter are not good seasons for our sick cats who need to be warm and protected from the elements. You never know how much you will enjoy it unless you try!
  
  

• Our Charity Shop in Els Poblets sells lots of new and second hand items, including clothes, handbags, furniture and books. We have new stock and surprises every day. Opening hours: Mon to Sat 10am to 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm to 7.30pm. We are located in the old village, Avenida de Jaime I, next to the vets clinic, on the road leading to the Town Hall and Police station. Please come and visit us - you are most welcome.
  

• Perhaps you would like to help and work as a volunteer in the charity shop? Or donate items we can sell? Contact Lynne on 680 713 486 for more information.
  
  
• We always need and appreciate financial donations: buying food, medicine, medical care and keeping the shelter running is not possible without your help. We are privately run and without your generous donations we would not be able to keep our doors open and rehome so many cats (approx. 140 each year). We would very much appreciate any amount kindly donated either in cash or through our officially registered bank account.
  
  1. We take payments over the Internet via the PayPal button.
  
  2. If you prefer to transfer money directly to our bank:
  
  Asociación Protectora de Gatos de Denia
  Bank: Caja de Ahorros del Mediterraneo (CAM)
  Account number: 2090.0226.17.004063033
  
  IBAN prefix: ES26
  Swift address: CAAMES2A
  C.I.F.: G53541041
  
  3. You can also send to or hand in a cheque (made payble to "Asociacion Protectora de Gatos de Denia" at our charity shop (see address and opening hours above) or at the shelter Sunday morning 10am to 12 midday to Lynda, our shelter manager.

• If you would like one of our donation tins to put in your shop, rented apartment etc, please email for more information: aldea-felina@msn.com
  

• Aldea Felina is always in need of newspapers, blankets (especially in winter), clothes (jumpers & dressing gowns) towels, sheets and carpets and old in- and outdoor furniture in order to furnish the yard and various rooms in the cat house. Likewise we will gratefully accept cat food, cat trees or toys and whatever else you cat is tired of or the local supermarkets have on offer.
  
  
• We need DIY enthusiasts who would like to perform light handiwork, such as building platforms and shelters for the cats and in general making the place a paradise for cats. New ideas are most welcome.
  
  
• We work hard to get as many of our cats as possible re-homed. It is important that our cats get used to be around humans, so we need volunteers who like to groom and socialise with the cats and kittens. This is any cat-lover's dream-job!
  
  
• An important part of Aldea's work is to capture and sterilise wild cats in Dénia. Because of the mild climate, cats can produce up to three litters with up to seven kittens in each per year! Our research show that 75% of the street-cats are female so Aldea always needs help with this important task. Please contact us to find out how we do this work and how you can help these poor cats that have to survive on the streets.
  
  
• You may like to consider leaving a bequest for Aldea Felina in your will. You can find the charity's registration details below.
  
  (text: Sara & Jorgen)
  

Success stories

More to come ...


Handel (Shogun)





Esperanza (Suki)






Lucy

Rolo (Tor)

Posters

Charities are unfortunately getting less and less space in the local papers so we need to gain visibility in other ways. You can help us by printing out one or more of the posters below and putting them on noticeboards in shops, bars, vets etc. in your area. Thank you in advance!

26/10 Adoption of Kimi.
22/10 Adoption of Natalia (photo: Hatsumi)
21/8 Zara poster A4
17/3 Advertisement for web-site with tabs (Please cut the tear-off tabs out)
(You can cut all the tabs off if you want to display it in a window)
17/3 Appeal re help with cleaning
17/3 Adoption of Bauer

If you would like them in other languages, please email us.

Our charity shop

We have a charity shop at Av de Jaume I, 23 in 03779 Els Poblets selling mainly second hand items. Telephone 680 713 486. Opening hours Monday - Saturday 10:00 -13:30 and Thursday evening 17:30 - 19:00.

What is "Aldea Felina"?

Aldea Felina (means “cats village” in Spanish) is a voluntary organisation founded by veterinarian Maria-Luisa Rico Jerez to look after the welfare of wild and abandoned cats in Dénia (Alicante Region) in Spain.

Aldea Felina is a registered charity:

Asociación Protectora de Gatos de Denia
CIF: G53541041 Reg no 7691, sect 1, Alicante 28/5/01

President: Veterinarian Maria-Luisa Rico Jerez.
Vice President: Sara Lowe.
Shelter Manager: Lynda Hedges
Shop Manager: Lynda Augustinus

Our cats live in an abandoned railway posthouse which is due to be reclaimed by the Denia Council to make a museum as part of the new Greenway project. While we are still occupying the premises you are most welcome to visit us and see what we are about, how our cats live and how we try and help, which ever way we can. Unfortunately we are shy to publish the address as we have been receivers of attacks in the past, leaving our cats vunerable to those who do not like cats and want to harm them or put them in danger. We hope you understand that genuinely interested people will call to get directions: Shelter Manager - Lynda on 648 100 629 or Helpline 649 540 612 or email aldea-felina@msn.com.

Email: info@aldea-felina.org
Original web-site: www.aldea-felina.org/

If you have comments, complaints or suggestions regarding this blog, please email Jorgen Dybdahl.

What is this site? Why is it a "blog"?

We are using this blog as a temporary web-site for showing off a few of our cute cats, for news and as a place where you can find general information about Aldea Felina.

Why do we use a blog if what we want is a web-site?

1) It is the fastest and easiest way to make a multi-user web-site that is easy to use, not dependent on me being around forever and which does not require programming of any kind. Since the blog is date-orientated, I keep permanent information at this end of the "blog" by faking the dates.

2) A traditional website tends to be rather static: even if it is updated regularly, it is difficult to find the new stuff. This "blog" will aim at being more like a newsletter, i.e. updated regularly and with the new stuff at the top, possibly in the form of a link.

At the shelter, we have cats in all shapes and colours as you can see from the photos. All photos in the left-hand column can be enlarged by clicking on the photo. The photos on the right-hand column unfortunately have to be of a fixed size and can't be enlarged. :(

You will only see a select few of our cats on this site and once they have been adopted, I have to remove the entry in order to avoid clogging this site up.

If you have ideas for how we can improve this site or critique (how else can I learn?), please email me at jorgensworld@gmail.com. If you want to complain about me (or other things), please email Vice President Sara Lowe on info@aldea-felina.org.

If you would like to contribute to this site, either email your contribution(s) to me or ask me to set you up as a contributor with direct access to this blog.

Unless otherwise specified, all text and photos are made by Jørgen Dybdahl. You are welcome to use any of my material on this site for non-commercial use without asking as long as you provide a reference to this site (though I would appreciate an email). For commercial use, I would probably also ask for a small contribution to Aldea Felina.