Venice regains its natural rhythms in the winter when the sightseers have departed and the residents can move throughout their city unhindered by tourists. In the spring, I abandoned the well-trodden paths and was able to sense the quiet life of the local people.
One afternoon, I came upon a woman feeding stray cats in a park. When I approached and took her picture, she became visibly upset. I tried to get her approval, but she would not say anything. To avoid upsetting her, I joined a child who was watching as the woman fed her cats.
Each cat received a portion of the meal: ground meat mixed with pasta. When the cats finished, she cleaned up and handed dry food to the cats that still looked unsatisfied. As I left, I said good-bye and she finally smiled.
Another morning, I ran into a man feeding stray cats in a plaza next to a canal. In my poor Italian, I asked permission to snap some photos. He grudgingly said okay, but seemed suspicious: why would this strange tourist want to take his picture. I, of course, could not converse with him in Italian, but I wanted to photograph him feeding the cats. I did not see him again even though I returned to the same plaza a few days later.
Source: The Cats of Venice By Shin Otani
I just love reading these posts.
ReplyDeleteThe little ‘cat house’ that the man made was cool.
Thanks for sharing!
- Lisa
sOOOO CUTE! lOVE ALL THE PICTURES!
ReplyDeleteSo many stray cats in the world. Heart-breaking. But at least those people are trying to help. And those pictures are brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI found some cats feeding on spaghetti in Mykonos, Greece. My ferals don't like anything but cat food - they're too spoiled.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
Such pretty cats.
ReplyDeleteI wish they all had homes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/09/our-newest-family-member.html
Too many cats and not enough homes. This is so sad! Thanks for sharing,visiting, and linking! Have a blessed afternoon!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the photos. They are truly amazing. Just seeing such sweet kitties having such lovely people to make sure they are fed and living happy lives. We wish they all had homes. We are so happy we were able to see these photos. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteWorld of Animals
A totally different look at a magnificent city!
ReplyDeleteWe had a cat who became a bit of a legend around the neighbours, every other cat was terrified of him#,PoCOLO@_karendennis
ReplyDeleteThey are all so precious!
ReplyDeleteVery cute photos. #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a case of if it fits I sit here - thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteHow have I just discovered this blog?! This is completely the best! Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteKirstin
http://LetsGoSomewhereElse.co.uk
It may be possible that these people were not comfortable being photographed because in some places in Europe it is illegal to feed stray cats. In Portugal, where I live, I recently discovered that it is against the law to feed them. It doesn't stop me, but I wait until no one is around to get the food out.
ReplyDeleteVenice is WOnderful place to visit, Do you know Houses in Venice are numbered according to districts, not streets, making it difficult to find addresses, even for postmen. The rule of thumb is to look for a monument, shop, or landmark in close proximity.
ReplyDeleteThese kitties are so so cute, I'm sure you'll love this troll too click my name to check it
ReplyDelete