It’s six in the morning. The first “meow meow” cries rise from the street, and the feeders already know—it’s time. Dozens of street cats are waiting for their daily meal, in an activity that has become an inseparable part of the daily routine for many women across the country.
They don’t make a big deal out of it, don’t ask for credit—but their actions are life-changing. These are women who once saw a kitten shivering from the cold or an injured cat, and since then—they haven’t stopped seeing them.
From One Kitten to Hundreds of Cats
Almost every story begins with a chance encounter. “I saw miserable cats on the way to my daughter’s kindergarten,” one of them said, “so I started bringing food in the stroller and feeding them occasionally.”
But very quickly, “occasionally” turned into a daily routine. Another cat, another spot, another responsibility. From a small beginning—a big commitment was born.
Another story began late at night when one of the women heard a faint meow outside her office. A kitten was sitting there alone. She took her home, named her “Zoti,” and soon other cats began to show up for her food. And just like that, she became a regular feeder—unintentionally, but with a lot of heart.
The Emotional Cost of the Activity
For many of the feeders, it’s not only love but also an emotional burden. “If something happens to me, if I’m late from work—it’s torment. I know they’re waiting for me,” one of them described. Dozens of cats know the time, the sound of the food bag, the familiar figure that shows up every evening.
But there are also moments that remind them why they do it. “Seeing the look of a hungry cat starting to eat—it moves me every time,” one feeder said. “They’re precise—around four o’clock, they’re always there, ready.”
Compassion Under Fire
Those feeding in conflict zones face different challenges. One of them, from the Gaza Envelope, shared how on October 7, the dogs were evacuated from the communities within days—but the cats were left behind.
The response was immediate—a short Facebook post turned into a project of feeding stations set up in various communities, with help from residents and soldiers. “We gave the soldiers containers with food and said—just scatter it. Let them eat.”
Education Through Compassion
Beyond caring for animals, the feeders see their activity as an educational message. One of them shared: “My children know not to step on a spider. If they find one—they gently take it outside.”
According to her, a child who respects living creatures will grow into a better adult.
Another described herself as a “lover of dog-cats, bats, and donkeys,” and added: “Cats give love like a dog—if not more.”
Not Alone
None of them acts alone. Behind every feeding station is a community. “We’re here for each other,” they explained.
They operate through organizations that supply food to needy areas, such as “The Bazaar for Dog-Cats.”
And sometimes, they manage to make a small miracle—like in the case of a cat named Max. “He had an eye sticking out. Everyone chipped in money, treated him—and today he’s healthy. It gives you strength to keep going.”
Donations and Collaborations
The community also knows how to gather support. One company that donated them food pallets is Purina.
“We discovered how much the cats love Friskies—it reassured us to know they’re eating good food.”
The feeders are aware of their public image, but emphasize: “We’re not crazy—we’re a community of compassion.”
And they ask for a simple message: “Everyone can do one small thing—and that makes all the difference.”
According to them, sometimes all it takes is one bag of Friskies at home. It’s not much—but it changes lives.
This is not just a story about cats. It’s a story about women who didn’t close their eyes, about a community working together, and about the power of the smallest action—when it’s done with love.
In collaboration with Friskies