LUNI Lombok Expands Its Lifesaving Mission Across the Gili Islands in Indonesia

What started as a passionate street cat welfare initiative has grown into one of the most impactful animal rescue and sterilisation programs in Indonesia’s Gili Islands.

Since we first connected with LUNI (Love the Unwanted, Neglected & Ill-Treated!) Lombok, their mission has expanded tremendously — and so has the number of animals they are helping every single day.

LUNI Lombok opened three years ago on Gili Trawangan, alongside a second smaller practice on Gili Air which opened one year ago. On Gili Air dedicated veterinary teams sterilise and treat cats as well as many other island animals in need.

At the heart of their work is one simple belief: every animal deserves care, regardless of whether they have an owner or not.

A Clinic Model Built on Compassion

LUNI Lombok functions as a non-profit clinic with a unique and deeply fair system designed to ensure treatment remains accessible for everyone.

Their model works as follows:

• Pawrents with sufficient financial means — or those who choose not to sterilise their pets — pay regular veterinary prices.

• Local residents and low-income pet owners receive discounts, often up to cost price.

• Homeless cats are treated completely free of charge.

• Spay and neuter procedures are always offered for free.

  
  

This approach allows LUNI Lombok to continue helping the island’s vulnerable animal population while creating long-term, sustainable change.

Feeding and Monitoring Nearly 1,000 Cats

Every day, the organisation feeds around 1,000 cats across Gili Trawangan and Gili Air.

A team of volunteers of LUNI Lombok carries out twice a day what they lovingly call their “Pussy Patrols” — daily welfare rounds where they monitor the cat population, identify unsterilised animals, and rescue cats that are sick or injured.

The team then brings in sick, injured, unsterilised cats and small kittens to the clinic so LUNI Lombok can treat them for free. The volunteers additionally maintain several water stations for large animals and wildlife. The community involvement is that businesses can sponsor a warung, which is a small cat warung, where we put in food and water daily.

The team also maintains several water stations for larger animals and local wildlife, providing critical hydration during hot island conditions.

Rescue Cats Find Safety in the Cat Café

LUNI Lombok’s cat café is far more than a cozy stop for tourists.

The café provides a safe permanent home for rescue cats that can no longer survive on the streets independently — including blind cats, three-legged cats, and vulnerable kittens.

Visitors can enjoy drinks, cuddle the resident cats, and support the mission by purchasing cat-themed souvenirs and pet supplies. Every purchase directly contributes to ongoing rescue, feeding, and medical programs.

TNVR Programs Across All Three Gili Islands

A cornerstone of LUNI Lombok’s work is their extensive TNVR program: Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return.

The organisation runs a minimum of six TNVR pop-up clinics per year across all three Gili Islands, helping control overpopulation in a humane and effective way.

Each rescued cat receives:

• A full health check

• Medical treatment if necessary

• Vaccinations

• Parasite treatment

• Sterilisation before being safely returned

  
  

This program has become one of the most important tools in improving long-term animal welfare across the islands.

Caring Beyond Cats

While cats are at the centre of much of their work, LUNI Lombok’s impact reaches far beyond felines.

The organisation also conducts:

• Weekly health checks for free-living cows

• Treatment for injuries and diseases in livestock

• Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, including snakes and other native species

• Educational programs in schools

• Community outreach for pet owners and livestock caretakers

  
  

Their work is creating a culture of compassion and responsible animal care throughout the islands.

A Growing Mission Fueled by Community

LUNI Lombok proves what can happen when compassion, local action, and sustainable veterinary care come together.

From feeding hundreds of street cats to rescuing wildlife and educating future generations, their work continues to transform the lives of animals across Lombok and the Gili Islands every single day.

And they’re only just getting started.

Follow LUNI Lombok via their Instagram @luni_lombok.