I’m not the first person to notice that Dubrovnik has an amazing array of cats … lot and lots of cats. Calicos, tabbies – you name it!
Port cities and cats seem to go hand in hand … uh, paw in hand. Whether it’s because of the lure of handouts from local fishermen, or the potential for scoring a tasty rat, the centuries-old tradition continues here in Dubrovnik.
The cats seem to be independent citizens. They’re not skittish like feral cats, nor moody like domesticated cats. Basically they are very dignified. They’re happy to sit (or sleep) beside you and ask for nothing. They will walk beside you, but not sashay between your feet. If you want to pet them, they’ll allow it. And if you shoo them away, they will saunter off … with dignity.
Peace,
Terri
GALLIVANCE 
Lovely shots of dignified beings.
Thank you. They just seemed to have a lovely inner calm. ~Terri
I would want to bring them all home, I love cats! Lovely Photo’s.
Thanks Julia. I’m always such a sucker for kittens and their playful antics. ~Terri
Actually port cities have more population of cats because in earlier times, sailors used to take cats along with them. Cats would kill rodents and thus save their rations. That trend continued for a long time (doesn’t happen in this century) but you know how cat population just…explodes!!! 🙂
I didn’t know that – what great information! And how sensible of the sailors. Maybe that’s why most cats aren’t too crazy about water! ~Terri
Terri and James, this brought a smile to my face, because here in Kotor, Montenegro, we’ve been very charmed by a special cat that we’ve nicknamed ‘Cat-tor.’ Cattor sits on the staircase below our second-floor studio apartment, and when he hears our window open, or a neighbor’s, he look at us with his enthralling green-yellow eyes, purring in a manner similar to your dignified cats of Dubrovnik.
We’ve tossed him a bit of turkey, and the locals do the same – bologna or sausage here and there. It seems Cattor will be well taken care of even until long after we leave.
Tricia, I love the name “Cat-or!” You obviously have what we call “cat vibes.” We have them too. No matter where we live, we always seem to be “adopted by” local cats. Even when we lived in Sudan, a scruffy tortoise-shell cat decided we were her chosen family. So we fattened her up and she presented us with 6 kittens! It’s nice to know that Cator has a fan club. Can’t wait to see Montenegro through your eyes. ~Terri
Another interesting, beautiful post that made me smile. Thanks!
Thank you so much Yarnsista! And your Bobo and Butterball made me smile too! ~Terri
One of your favorite felines wants you to know that he is still guarding the gardens at
Anastasia Oaks!!!!! Love to old friends from Sushi!
Awww Sayra, So glad to hear from you and Sushi! And what a wonderful guardian he is. Do the lizards still tremble in his presence? Love, Terri
I love the way we found cats sleeping on chairs, motorcycle seats, and just about anywhere else they chose to sleep with impunity. They add a nice touch to ancient ruins as well. They were quite decorative sitting on columns in Ephesus.
Curt, you described the cats so perfectly! We always talked about the cats “draping themselves” over anything photo worthy! And it’s hard to imagine any site more picturesque than Ephesus. Totally loved the entire experience – cats and all! ~Terri
I’m mad for cats James. Our las two each lived to twenty years. On a recent Caribbean Cruise one of the islands we stopped at cats were considered so important they had a beautiful building and garden to live in. Nothing was fenced off and the felines could wander where they pleased. When we lived in Amsterdam cats/ kittens of any type were hard to come by.. Every store and restaurant had their house cat. Mice really were a problem. Loved your photographs. Virginia
Thanks Virginia That is so cool about the cats on the island! Do you remember which island it was? When we were in Egypt they also had great reverence for cats … and wonderful artwork of them. All the best, Terri
Dash! I was trying to remember. So many islands, so little time. V.
Purrrrrrrrfect photos. Love them. Really enjoy following your posts.
Thanks Paulette. Love the play on words! ;~} Terri
Paradise for me it is – where there are tons of happy kitties, equals heaven to me 🙂
You would truly love Dubrovnik! Kittens tumble through the ruins, keeping everyone entertained with their antics. ;~} Terri
Wow, so many adorable cats!
It was particularly fun when the fishing boats came into port. The cats nearly lost their minds! ~Terri
I love it! In America, homeless cats are hungry, mangy, and scared. These cats look well fed, healthy, and happy.
You’re so right Anita. Between the local folks regular feedings and the tasty handouts from all the tourists, the cats do very well. Some of them are even a little picky – I saw one turn down a handout of bologna in favor of chicken! ~Terri
That is so funny!
The kittens totally cracked me up – they seemed to tumble off anything and then jump up saying, “Hey, who pushed me!” ~Terri
ha ha
I love cats! Thanks for posting these gorgeous photos. I worry about “independent” as well as feral cats, though. Do they get shots for rabies, etc.? I volunteer at an animal shelter, so perhaps I’m too much of a worrywart.
Hi Catherine, Great question! I wondered the same thing too, so I asked around and was told that the local folks actually take great care of the cats. I did notice some recent neutering scars on a few. But I didn’t think to ask about the rabies shots – always a valid concern. I bet that volunteering at an animal shelter is really rewarding. Are you enjoying it? ~Terri
I love working at the shelter, which is called Wayside Waifs. I take photographs of the cats in need of a home for the shelter’s website. I get to meet and play with a lot of cats! Hopefully I show their glamorpuss qualities.
“Glamorpuss qualities.” I love it … and with your photography I bet they’re gorgeous! ~Terri
We noticed that in Dubrovnik as well, especially lots of cats near the docks, gorgeous shots!
Thanks! The cats were so cute they made the photos easy. Btw, I’m totally drooling over your Coconut Pancakes with Pomegranate. I think we’ll give them a try this weekend. ~Terri
Isn’t that funny how cats in different cities around the world seem to have distinct personalities? I remember the cats in Cinque Terre, Italy seemed so hedonistic and self-assured… and the ones in San Juan, Puerto Rico a little more scrappy and aloof. What lovely pictures of these ‘dignified’ Dubrovnik kitties!