Please Feed the Cats

Last February in Italy I encountered what might be the most bizarre situation I’ve ever been in:

While hiking between two fishing villages in Cinque Terre, we came across a picnic table. A cat sat watch on the table and tin cans littered the ground. On a nearby tree I noticed sign posted that read, in Italian and English, “Please feed the Cats.” It was then I observed a stash of cat food and some plastic plates. Intrigued, I approached the food and picked up a can.

Immediately I was surrounded by half a dozen meowing cats. Amused, I opened a can and began searching for something to scoop the food out with. I settled on a stick. By now I was joined by Bekah, who also prepared a plate or two of food for the now 15 cats surrounding us with mews and whimpers.

We distributed the food as evenly as possible and watched the cats eat hungrily. Several times I scanned the area, looking for a house or person, or even a camera. Something or someone to explain the purpose of this little cat sanctuary. Nothing else was found other than a cash box firmly attached to the picnic table. Presumably for donations. We left smiling and a bit bewildered at what had just transpired while contented cats meandered back into the woods to await their next meal.

Click here for more pictures of our cat feeding frenzy.