Helping Malta’s Animals Through the Heatwave and Beyond
A heartfelt plea to residents and visitors across Malta and Gozo: as temperatures soar, small acts of kindness can help protect vulnerable animals and provide vital support throughout the summer heatwave and beyond.
As temperatures continue to rise across Malta and Gozo, the island’s animals are facing increasingly challenging conditions. During periods of extreme heat, outdoor cats and other stray animals are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, exhaustion and a lack of access to food, water and shade.
A simple act of kindness can make a significant difference. Residents, visitors and businesses are encouraged to place bowls of fresh water outside homes, apartment blocks, workplaces and shops. Where possible, providing suitable food can also offer vital support to animals struggling during the summer months.
Many of Malta’s cats live outdoors and rely on the kindness of the community for their basic needs. During a heatwave, even healthy animals can quickly become weak and unable to search for food, water or shelter.
Recently, a Facebook post brought attention to a tiny injured kitten who had become separated from its mother. Severely dehydrated and too weak to survive alone, the kitten was rescued after the community came together to offer assistance. Following the appeal, he was safely brought into the care of dedicated cat rescuer Ackerley Pace.
This story is just one example of the incredible work carried out every day by animal welfare volunteers across Malta and Gozo. From rescuing injured animals and arranging veterinary care to fostering and finding permanent homes, these individuals dedicate countless hours to protecting the island’s vulnerable animals.
Many rescuers rely heavily on community support, particularly when it comes to transport, supplies and sharing rescue appeals. A small gesture from one person can often make a life-changing difference.
There are many ways to help:
- Leave fresh water outside your home, workplace or business during hot weather.
- Provide suitable food for animals in need.
- Donate food, supplies or funds to local animal welfare organisations.
- Offer transport assistance to rescuers when possible.
- Share rescue appeals on social media to help animals reach the right people.
- Consider fostering an animal while it waits for a permanent home.
- Adopt responsibly and only when you can commit to caring for an animal for life.
Across the Maltese Islands, community cat feeders work tirelessly to care for colonies of outdoor cats, ensuring they receive regular food, water and attention. Their dedication plays an essential role in protecting thousands of animals.
Visitors exploring Gozo may also come across special vending machines that provide food and water for stray animals. These initiatives rely on small donations from the public, with every contribution helping to support local animals.
Looking beyond the summer months, one of the most effective ways to improve animal welfare is through responsible spaying and neutering programmes. Preventing unwanted litters helps reduce suffering and gives more animals the opportunity to live safe and healthy lives.
Malta has always been a community that comes together when help is needed.
This is one of those moments.
A bowl of water takes less than a minute to put outside your door, but to an animal struggling through this heatwave, it could mean everything.
Together, let’s make sure no animal is left behind this summer.
