The Buen Retiro Park, also known as El parque del Buen Retiro, is a green oasis in the heart of Madrid. Locals visit this popular spot to walk along the lake, to look at the street artists, to admire the numerous sculptures and monuments, to play a game of petanca, or to attend some of the many events that are held there throughout the year. But there's another reason why you want to add the Buen Retiro Park to your bucket list: it is the home of more than 400 (!) community cats.
Some of the cats have always lived in the park, while others have been abandoned by their humans.
The cats of the Buen Retiro Park are taken care of by the volunteers of the organization AGAR (Asociación de Amigos de los Gatos del Retiro). Since 2008, this organization has not only been feeding the cats, but they have also been involved in TNR (trap-neuter-return), medical care, and vaccinations. Some of the Retiro cats have even found a forever home thanks to the organization. They are self-funded, though, so financial help is always welcome.
Now that you know that Madrid is home to a cat park, don't you want to go there and befriend all the kitties?
Photos by Sobi