Cats from Venice {Italy}

This is a guest post by Marianna Zampieri from Cats in Venice

You've probably heard of the Library of High Water or Acqua Alta Libreria in Venice, a mythical place where tons of old books, maps, and magazines are stacked in gondolas, bathtubs, and waterproof bins in case the canals would flood. To complete the look, the library is also home to several cats.

The library is only fifteen years old, so it's not as ancient as many people claim. About twelve years ago, two female kittens occupied the library. When they became pregnant, the owner, Mr. Luigi, gave away the cats but kept the mom, Tigre, and two of her daughters, Dominique and Mussipull. One of them, Pirro, came back but was unfortunately stolen a few years later.

Tigre, Dominique, and Missipull are always present at the Library of High Water, except for the winter, because then they prefer the warmth of a home.

Tigre is very fond of Mr. Luigi. She's like his shadow. If he moves, she follows him. If he talks, she looks at him with love. It's a real treat to witness their relationship.

So, if you can't find Tigre, you have to look for Mr. Luigi first because they're bound to be together. And if you still can't find her, you have to look inside a box on one of the shelves because she's usually hidden.

Sometimes, Tigre can also be found in the "erotic corner" of the library, which is, of course, forbidden to kittens. Adult cats only!

Dominique is a real hunter. She often brings back presents such as mice and pigeons.

Mussipull is nicknamed “machine” because once he starts purring, there's no stopping him.

There are two newcomers at the library - Ziggy and Cocó. Mr. Luigi decided to adopt them because he was so heartbroken after three of his cats, especially Pirro (son of Tigre), were stolen. Originally from Vicenza, Ziggy and Cocó are hard to tell apart because they're almost identical. For the moment, they “work” only part-time at the library because they still need to get used to the long working hours.

By the way, their three pictures are now on sale in the library as magnets.

For more cats in Venice, make sure to like Marianna Zampieri on Facebook.

You can find the Library of High Water (Libreria Acqua Alta) on Calle Longa Santa Maria Formosa (Campiello del Trinidor) 5176 in Venice, Italy. 

Cats from Tashirojima {Japan}

“The island of Tashirojima is situated in the north of Japan, at the same height as the city of Sendaï. Tashirojima is known for its population of approximately 150 cats. They are the principal attraction of this island that counted over 1,000 inhabitants in the eighties. There was even a school, now in ruins. Today, only a few fishermen, of whom the average age is 60 years old, are left. 

To get to the island, a single boat departs from the city of Ishinomaki. Unfortunately, the tsunami has severely touched Ishinomaki, both on a material and human level, and its port has been destroyed. Tashirojima, too, underwent material damage, cutting it off from the rest of the world for quite some time. The American army even refueled the cats of kibble by helicopter. 

After the tsunami, fishing was suspended for several months as the infrastructures on the port were damaged. Nowadays, there are only three or four boats left and only one trawler in use.” 

Tashirojima was once a major producer of silk worms. As mice were its biggest enemy, cats were introduced onto the island to hunt the mice. The silk production has stopped, but the cats are still there.

Around five o'clock in the morning, the fishermen come back and unload their nets to sort the fish. The cats never miss their appointment to try their luck at receiving fish in poor condition that will not be sold.

Text and cat photos: Neko Land: Une vie de chat au Japon

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Cats from Havana {Cuba}

Cuba is an intriguing place with many cats roaming the streets, and this collection of Cuban cat photos shows how they reflect the country they live in. Cuba is a poor country, but the people are generally friendly and happy. They live surrounded by beautiful countryside and architecture that is striking but has seen better days.

Most of the stray cats and dogs appeared to be healthy, and it was clear that the Cuban people care for their four-legged friends even though life is very tough for them as well.

In the doorway of a fruit and vegetable shop was a black and white cat that kept a watchful eye on anyone passing by.

These two kittens were quite shy, yet playful and curious – and their mom was always close by to make sure they didn’t get into any trouble.

In a house near the railway station in Havana live three black and white cats that would spend most of their day watching the world go by from behind the window grill.

This confident black and white cat lives near the station in Havana, and clearly isn’t a cat to be messed with.

A friendly and inquisitive black and white kitten was sitting on the counter of a small shop in the old part of Havana, eager to greet potential customers.

Many windows and doorways in Havana are protected by ornate metal frames, which provide somewhere safe for cats to watch the world go by from.

This mostly white cat wasn’t nervous at all, although did look quite grumpy. But look at those stunning blue eyes!

A ginger cat this time, relaxing under an old broken chair in a street in Old Havana.

Several cats, including a tortoiseshell with the most amazing pink lips, sheltered underneath an abandoned car on the streets near the famous Floridita bar (well known for serving Daiquiris and being a favorite hangout of Ernest Hemingway).

Another resident of this old car was this white tabby cat.

Behind the hole where the headlight had been, this cat was having a snooze on the inner wheel arch.

This striking looking cat was roaming the streets in Old Havana and spent its day watching tourists wandering around the souvenir shops.

Text and cat pictures by Pet Money Saver 

Cats from Venice {Italy}

Venice in Italy has plenty of places where the most beautiful cats pose against a backdrop of picturesque alleys and canals. You just have to know where to find them.

One of these wonderful spots is Ponte Storto, where you'll meet the three Maine Coon cats Sadhna, Felix, and Rudolf.

“They truly own the place,” says Marianna Zampieri, who photographed these animals for Cats in Venice, a project that denotes the feline heritage of the city through pictures and stories that link individual cats to places where it is easy to find them. “They are perfect models, spoiled by passersby and never in need of cuddles. They only add to the beauty of Ponte Storto.”

Sadhna and Felix are the mom and dad.

Rudolf is their baby son. He was initially called Ciumpo but was renamed afterward.

“Sadhna, Felix, and Rudolf are the first cats I photographed in Venice,” says Zampieri. “I took so many photos that I thought I'd ask more information about them through Facebook, and so my project Cats in Venice started. I still go cuddle them whenever I can.”

Have you ever visited Venice and Ponte Storto? Have you met Sadhna, Felix, and Rudolf?

Check out Marianna Zampieri's previous project C-AT Work.