I returned from Cyprus on Tuesday. I noticed a distinct lack of cats there, compared with here on Crete island where the feral cats breed like - cats.

As for "thought to have died" they could check for a heartbeat. If they have to retreat with severe lacerations, the cat is still alive.

I wonder who will pay for this? We've been trying for years to get the Greek government to fund a cat sterilisation program. Maybe covid is a cheap solution to reduce the numbers instead?