![\"Cats,](\"http:\/\/www.recoletacemetery.com\/images\/Margatito.jpg\" "\\"Cats,")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
One of the most common —& perhaps surprising— sites at Recoleta Cemetery is the large number of cats that wander around, relax in the sunshine & allow visitors to pet them. In the early morning or around 17:00, women with bags can be seen surrounded by cats who they call by name. These women form part of a volunteer group that feeds the cats, spays or neuters them, & whenever necessary takes them to a local veterinarian.<\/p>\n
One woman from Recoleta neighborhood coordinates all cat care & does not want her identity revealed “because I am a well-known person.” She says that for the past 12 years she has done this so “the cats are provided for, & above all, so that there are no rats in the cemetery.” The food is prepared in her home & consists of rice with liver or heart, among other preparations. In addition, once per month all cats are inoculated with an anti-flea injection & given any other veterinary care they may need.<\/p>\n
There are around 40 cats at present, & it is prohibited to take one home. “The police will stop you,” she says.<\/p>\n
She affirms that all this care “comes out of our own pockets”… although she would be happy to receive donations. See the alert box below for more details.<\/p>\n
The last thing we asked about was why she does this. The answer was very simple: “for love of the cats.”<\/p>\n
As mentioned, the cat caretakers value their privacy. If any reader would like to make a donation, please leave a comment in this post, & we can put you in contact with the volunteers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One of the most common —& perhaps surprising— sites at Recoleta Cemetery is the large number of cats that wander around, relax in the sunshine…<\/p>\n