Cats on the Camino

[William Garza]

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry on!

 

[Bradypus]

Much less likely to follow you for miles than a dog would. I'm very wary of getting too friendly with dogs these days after that has happened a couple of times!

 

[dbier]

You may want to walk faster in between cafes, then ;-)

As for me, I am allergic to cats, and they seem to see it as a personal challenge. Many's the time I've had to actively shoo one away, or hold my hands in the air and ask the owner to remove it from my body so I don't get the dander on my hands/face.

I guess I will have to ask "Tiene gatos?" before I check into an albergue....

 

[MightyFree]

If you're a cat lover, steel yourself for some very thin and sickly looking ones in some areas. Often begging for food. It's heartbreaking.
As a gentle reminder to anyone who doesn't know, feeding cats human food usually does more harm than good. Especially bread, as it fills their stomachs but contributes to malnourishment since they can't digest it or absorb any nutrients.
I usually kept a can of cat food or tuna (natural, no oil) on hand when I came across a hungry one that wasn't near any homes or farms.

 

[Robo]

My Wife carries Cat Food

The Cats of the Camino - It's that 'Cat Lady' Again!

• Robo
• Jan 21, 2019

On the way out of Carrion I think.

 

[John Sikora]

There are many cats and you want to pet all of them. BUT, many are feral and I wouldn't want to get scratched by their claws.

 

[sdn8tiv]

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry on!

I walked the Camino in 2016, my husband walked it this year. I carried almost 8 pounds of cat food (wet and dry) and would replenish my supply whenever necessary. At times I’d see locals feeding them and I’d donate my cat food to them; they were always extremely grateful and it gave me an opportunity to have a conversation with a local.

 

[Camino Joe 2021]

We love all animals regardless of species or national origin. Unfortunately, outdoor cats are devastating for nature. They are major predators of small mammals and reptiles. Only windows kill more birds.

It does not stop me from carrying dry cat food in small packages to distribute to los hermosos gatos. For me, harming nature while helping strays is a moral conundrum. The solution to this immense issue does not lie within pilgrim control, so those pleading eyes win.

Thanks for your kindness to animals.

 

[NYSE]

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry on!

 

[thejoker]

This Camino, like others, there were a couple of times when a cat came begging in the middle of nowhere. Who could possibly resist the desperate 'meow' of a hungry cat? I kept a couple of tins of mejillones in my backpack and used the card box the tins were in as the tray to empty the tin on. I did wonder about water, but thought they must know where that is. I also thought that maybe cats are not really so good at catching the many mice around.

 

[MirtaC]

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry on!

As a cat lover myself, while I didn't pet them in case they had fleas, I was tempted to rescue at least one who followed me. Enjoy them.

 

[Barbara]

There are many cats and you want to pet all of them. BUT, many are feral and I wouldn't want to get scratched by their claws.

They won't. They will run and hide if they are scared.

 

[Sparrow in Texas]

Regarding unknown cats..A few months ago I was visiting my sister and was attacked by a stray supposedly friendly cat that she had allowed into her house. I went to an emergency clicic to get antibiotics. Within two days I was in the hospital with a severe infection in my leg, awaiting surgery to drain the infection, and being treated for rabies because of the bite from an unknown ferrel cat. I dearly love cats and dogs but I caution you to be careful around animals that you do not know!

 

[lt56ny]

I leave all cats and almost all dogs alone on the Camino. There are literally thousands of feral cats on the different caminos. Who knows which ones are safe to pet. Also not a problem for me as I am not a lover of cats at all.

 

[good_old_shoes]

If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...

I always pet them if they're friendly and come to me, how could I not?

Even picked up a very sick kitten last year on the Francés, and while carrying him to the vet and then onwards to Santiago and Finisterre slowed me down a bit, it wasn't too bad and totally worth it

Greetings from the little four-legged catigrino! I guess he'd be happy to know that there are some pilgrims who take the time to stop and pet his friends and relatives that maybe still live along the Camino... maybe even a tasty treat for those that are starving...

Thanks from him to everyone who is friendly to the cats along the way:

 

[MightyFree]

I always pet them if they're friendly and come to me, how could I not?

Even picked up a very sick kitten last year on the Francés, and while carrying him to the vet and then onwards to Santiago and Finisterre slowed me down a bit, it wasn't too bad and totally worth it

Greetings from the little four-legged catigrino! I guess he'd be happy to know that there are some pilgrims who take the time to stop and pet his friends and relatives that maybe still live along the Camino... maybe even a tasty treat for those that are starving...

Thanks from him to everyone who is friendly to the cats along the way:

View attachment 155124View attachment 155125

Wow! Bless you both. <3

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have always been a lover of cats and had them growing up. I always delight when I see them on the camino trails, especially if they purr while rubbing up on your leg. What I find odd is that when I try to take a picture of them, the most of them usually run away.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

You may want to walk faster in between cafes, then ;-)

As for me, I am allergic to cats, and they seem to see it as a personal challenge. Many's the time I've had to actively shoo one away, or hold my hands in the air and ask the owner to remove it from my body so I don't get the dander on my hands/face.

I guess I will have to ask "Tiene gatos?" before I check into an albergue....

Or, do the opposite of your reflexive reaction. People with allergies or apprehensions tend to get very quiet to try not to be noticed... but very quiet and still is exactly what cats adore in a human.

 

[dbier]

Or, do the opposite of your reflexive reaction. People with allergies or apprehensions tend to get very quiet to try not to be noticed... but very quiet and still is exactly what cats adore in a human.

Hmm . That's a good point.

I'll start trying to take pictures while exclaiming loudly, Go away, sinus sweller! That might do it.

But based on what I read here, I'd better make sure I ask, "Tiene gatos aquí? Soy alergíco."

 

[David]

I too carry a supply of cat food - so many hungry felines, but never go up to them to stroke them. In the UK we don't have Rabies and have been brought up to be very wary of any contact that may cause us to be infected.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Hmm . That's a good point.

I'll start trying to take pictures while exclaiming loudly, Go away, sinus sweller! That might do it.

But based on what I read here, I'd better make sure I ask, "Tiene gatos aquí? Soy alergíco."

Yes, that might also be necessary....
I am very allergic to cats I do not know well, and my allergist wishes I would not have my feline friends... but they are good for my blood pressure.
but, yes... you will keep a cat generally away if you are jut more fidgety... or loud (though with the general cultural gregariousness of Spain the cats may be fairly used to loud talkers.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I too carry a supply of cat food - so many hungry felines, but never go up to them to stroke them. In the UK we don't have Rabies and have been brought up to be very wary of any contact that may cause us to be infected.

Oh! Spain also has no rabies... very high vaccination rates! And they require paperwork for any animal moving into the country from elsewhere. I gather that the peninsula and mountain range are quite protective in terms of animal migration, and IIRC it was declared "rabies free" in 2013. (I could be off on the year, but I was just reading WHO reports on rabies recently, so I'm not too far off).

Thank you for being kind to the cats... They are really good at keeping plague away (rodent killers). I know it sounds absurd, but where there is poverty plus rodents outbreaks can happen. Such as have been reported in the US in the last few years...

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry on!

Mean creatures. I mean they kill everything. I'll take a dog. So friendly. Waiting for me to get home, always joyous when I return...

 

[JennyH94]

I always pet them if they're friendly and come to me, how could I not?

Even picked up a very sick kitten last year on the Francés, and while carrying him to the vet and then onwards to Santiago and Finisterre slowed me down a bit, it wasn't too bad and totally worth it

Greetings from the little four-legged catigrino! I guess he'd be happy to know that there are some pilgrims who take the time to stop and pet his friends and relatives that maybe still live along the Camino... maybe even a tasty treat for those that are starving...

Thanks from him to everyone who is friendly to the cats along the way:

View attachment 155124View attachment 155125

Gosh, @good_old_shoes, this really is my favourite Cathedral photo EVER! I remember when you first posted it and was totally heart-struck with joy by it at the time and also with your story. How beautiful your little catigrino is and he looks so well! He’s one lucky cat.
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

 

[Chizuru]

There are many cats and you want to pet all of them. BUT, many are feral and I wouldn't want to get scratched by their claws.

A cat person always knows to ask the cat if it wants a pat. Not by talking of course, they wouldn’t understand English anyway, but by the way you approach them. It will be obvious if a pat is welcome or not.

 

[Chizuru]

I always pet them if they're friendly and come to me, how could I not?

Even picked up a very sick kitten last year on the Francés, and while carrying him to the vet and then onwards to Santiago and Finisterre slowed me down a bit, it wasn't too bad and totally worth it

Greetings from the little four-legged catigrino! I guess he'd be happy to know that there are some pilgrims who take the time to stop and pet his friends and relatives that maybe still live along the Camino... maybe even a tasty treat for those that are starving...

Thanks from him to everyone who is friendly to the cats along the way:

View attachment 155124View attachment 155125

What a lovely story. I have wanted to do that in a number of countries. A little one in Fez was particularly difficult to leave, but Australia has very strict quarantine requirements and it is impossible to for us to adopt a stray overseas. You are very lucky and so is catigrino! What did you name him?

 

[Chizuru]

I adore cats and always carry a bag of cat nuts with me in poorer areas. My favourite cat was a friendly fellow in O Cebriero who sat on my lap for hours when I was having a rest day to help my tendinitis.
On my recent Camino in France I also brought cat nuts but after carrying them for half the trip I hadn’t seen any stray cats to feed. They were all obviously owned and well fed and thought they enjoyed the free feed, when it ran out I didn’t replace it.
It breaks my heart to see sad, sick cats and kittens. If I lived there I would become a mad cat lady with lots of rescues and would set up a desexing charity to stop the problem at its source.

 

[Chizuru]

I adore cats and always carry a bag of cat nuts with me in poorer areas. My favourite cat was a friendly fellow in O Cebriero who sat on my lap for hours when I was having a rest day to help my tendinitis.
On my recent Camino in France I also brought cat nuts but after carrying them for half the trip I hadn’t seen any stray cats to feed. They were all obviously owned and well fed and thought they enjoyed the free feed, when it ran out I didn’t replace it.
It breaks my heart to see sad, sick cats and kittens. If I lived there I would become a mad cat lady with lots of rescues and would set up a desexing charity to stop the problem at its source.

 

[chinacat]

I always pet them if they're friendly and come to me, how could I not?

Even picked up a very sick kitten last year on the Francés, and while carrying him to the vet and then onwards to Santiago and Finisterre slowed me down a bit, it wasn't too bad and totally worth it

Greetings from the little four-legged catigrino! I guess he'd be happy to know that there are some pilgrims who take the time to stop and pet his friends and relatives that maybe still live along the Camino... maybe even a tasty treat for those that are starving...

Thanks from him to everyone who is friendly to the cats along the way:

View attachment 155124View attachment 155125

He looks so happy, healthy and laid-back now

I remember loving the way you took care of him on your camino - nothing was too much trouble for him

 

[MightyFree]

Mean creatures. I mean they kill everything. I'll take a dog. So friendly. Waiting for me to get home, always joyous when I return...

Mean creatures. I mean they kill everything. I'll take a dog. So friendly. Waiting for me to get home, always joyous when I return...

A therapist might be able to help you with your problem. Cats are very good judges of character!

 

[MightyFree]

We love all animals regardless of species or national origin. Unfortunately, outdoor cats are devastating for nature. They are major predators of small mammals and reptiles. Only windows kill more birds.

It does not stop me from carrying dry cat food in small packages to distribute to los hermosos gatos. For me, harming nature while helping strays is a moral conundrum. The solution to this immense issue does not lie within pilgrim control, so those pleading eyes win.

Thanks for your kindness to animals.

a big problem especially in the UK where birds are attracted to gardens while simultaneously owners are told its “inhumane” to keep a cat indoors. Whereas the US it’s considered cruel to have outdoor cats due to the risks from cars and wild animals.

That being said I believe cats mostly prey on rats/mice in Spain due to the terrain and apparently it’s not a great environment for wild birds in most places.

Sadly, the Spanish culture is not known to be kind to cats, unlike some countries that take great care to control overpopulation.

Like so many issues nowadays “it’s complicated” innit?

 

[Pelegrin]

Sadly, the Spanish culture is not known to be kind to cats, unlike some countries that take great care to control overpopulation.

You mean the "rural Spanish culture" I think. The urban Spanish culture about cats is the same as everywhere. By the way, next week I' m going to feed a fat cat in a friend's appartment in Madrid because she is in holydays for 5 days. About " rural Spanish culture on cats", frankly I only know very well the Galician one ( owners usually never touch them) but I have no idea about what rural Catalans or Aragones people do with their cats

 

[green_spork]

Albergue de Peregrinos, A Fonsagrada’ Sept ‘2022

The night watch receptionist at the Albergue sleeping on the job!

He did get up to see us all off, though!

 

[stevelm1]

I took many photos of cats on my last Camino (Portuguese). These kittens were in Tomar.

 

[Canche]

I love cats. I had the experience that they would follow me even if I was not feeding them. One time I saw a pilgrim carrying a small cat. I asked if was hers and she said no. It had followed her. That is irresponsible. Whoever owned it could be grieving. Fortunately a pilgrim behind me was willing to take her back.

 

[MightyFree]

You mean the "rural Spanish culture" I think. The urban Spanish culture about cats is the same as everywhere. By the way, next week I' m going to feed a fat cat in a friend's appartment in Madrid because she is in holydays for 5 days. About " rural Spanish culture on cats", frankly I only know very well the Galician one ( owners usually never touch them) but I have no idea about what rural Catalans or Aragones people do with their cats

I guess there is a spectrum between Madrid and "rural" with a matching slide in the mindset, true.
Castilla y Leon kitties seem to have it the worst. Many expats in more popular areas seem to take on responsibility for colonies through feeding/sterilizing at their own expense. I know someone personally who does this for a big park in Madrid (as well as where I live in Lisbon). In Malaga the strays fed by the British pensioners are fatter than my housecat (although that's perfectly ok IMHO).

 

[KathyRugg]

There were so many beautiful cats along the Camino that made me smile. Here is a small sample.

 

[Pelegrin]

I guess there is a spectrum between Madrid and "rural" with a matching slide in the mindset, true.
Castilla y Leon kitties seem to have it the worst. Many expats in more popular areas seem to take on responsibility for colonies through feeding/sterilizing at their own expense. I know someone personally who does this for a big park in Madrid (as well as where I live in Lisbon). In Malaga the strays fed by the British pensioners are fatter than my housecat (although that's perfectly ok IMHO).

Yes, maybe I really don' t know the situation with cats in Castilla y Leon ( that is big).
In the Galician "aldeas" that I know all cats have owners but live outside the main house. It is curious that old farmers who are now retired and don' t have cows keep their cats outside. Maybe they could let in one of them to play with their grandchildren ( in visit) but at night the cat must return outside.

 

[David61]

Saw this lad and stroked him and walked on. He meowed and I looked back to catch him landing on this stone. I didn't write it btw, too old for graffiti!

 

[David61]

Then met these balls of fluff, there were three in total and very popular

 

[David Tallan]

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry on!

On the Camino de San Salvador.

 

[WGroleau]

I shouldn’t be surprised, yet I often am at how different people’s experiences are. I personally like cats and dogs, but in five hundred or more kilometers of Camino francés and Via de la Plata, I saw not even a single cat.

 

[Canche]

View attachment 155203
On the Camino de San Salvador.

Beautiful. beautiful. I waht take them home with me.

 

[gml]

Villamayor de Monjardín, Camino Frances

 

[William Garza]

You may want to walk faster in between cafes, then ;-)

As for me, I am allergic to cats, and they seem to see it as a personal challenge. Many's the time I've had to actively shoo one away, or hold my hands in the air and ask the owner to remove it from my body so I don't get the dander on my hands/face.

I guess I will have to ask "Tiene gatos?" before I check into an albergue....

Ohh no!

 

[William Garza]

Mean creatures. I mean they kill everything. I'll take a dog. So friendly. Waiting for me to get home, always joyous when I return...

I as it turns out, am a one dog man. Lost my little canine when i was a kid. That love of canine was enough, im closer to 60 than 50 and never had room in my heart for another.
Pets dont live long enough.

 

[emvb]

Along the Camino Aragones, Nov 2022

 

[Stumbledore]

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry

Was walking a local park trail and there were many cats...many cats that i needed to pet.
If there are Cats on the Camino then it may take a while to complete...
One cannot simply pass by a cat and not pssp pssp and pet it.
Carry on!

I recently read a meme that said 'if cats could text you back, they wouldn't," and such is the allure of these independent locals who more likely gaze at you with indifference or at best with curiosity. The Camino blesses us with a unique walk through the private lives of at least the domesticated animal kingdom! Every twist, turn and km holds the element of surprise of just who you will meet. Always, a welcome joy. Pictured, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the cat with the violet eyes.

 

[Canche]

Oh I'm off to the Aragonés for sure. Wonderful.

 

[Camino Joe 2021]

Pets dont live long enough.

I was told long ago by a wise veterinarian that you will out live every pet except your last one, who will outlive you.

As I now sit in a oncology veterinarian's office waiting for a diagnosis on our 14th pet, I understand your concern. Many lost souls wait for saviors in rescues and pounds. Perhaps you will again find love in your heart and room in your home.

 

[JimG59]

I remember hoping to get some food/drink in a small town/village, Pereje, on the CF last October. It was deserted of human habitation, not a soul to be seen. However, we counted more than 20 cats some in large groups eyeing us up as we invaded their space.

 

[Chizuru]

I was told long ago by a wise veterinarian that you will out live every pet except your last one, who will outlive you.

As I now sit in a oncology veterinarian's office waiting for a diagnosis on our 14th pet, I understand your concern. Many lost souls wait for saviors in rescues and pounds. Perhaps you will again find love in your heart and room in your home.

Sorry to hear about your pet.

 

[William Garza]

I was told long ago by a wise veterinarian that you will out live every pet except your last one, who will outlive you.

As I now sit in a oncology veterinarian's office waiting for a diagnosis on our 14th pet, I understand your concern. Many lost souls wait for saviors in rescues and pounds. Perhaps you will again find love in your heart and room in your home.

That one dog was enough for a lifetime.

 

[good_old_shoes]

I adore cats and always carry a bag of cat nuts with me in poorer areas. My favourite cat was a friendly fellow in O Cebriero who sat on my lap for hours when I was having a rest day to help my tendinitis.
On my recent Camino in France I also brought cat nuts but after carrying them for half the trip I hadn’t seen any stray cats to feed. They were all obviously owned and well fed and thought they enjoyed the free feed, when it ran out I didn’t replace it.
It breaks my heart to see sad, sick cats and kittens. If I lived there I would become a mad cat lady with lots of rescues and would set up a desexing charity to stop the problem at its source.

That could actually be a distant relative of my cat! I found him on the outskirts of the village before O Cebreiro (La Laguna de Castilla), so very close to O Cebreiro, and at a farm in the village I had seen an orange and white cat just like the one in your picture, maybe an older sibling... My little one likes to sit on the lap all day, too! Now I like to imagine that was maybe his cousin or older brother, who knows!

Thanks for carrying cat food for those cats who are starving. My experience was the same in France, by the way, cats usually looked very healthy there, even the farm/barn cats. Definitely met more cats in need of help in Spain. But with the new laws regarding animal welfare hopefully things will change to the better soon (it has already gotten much better in my experience, compared to 30 years ago).

 

[jabrown]

You may want to walk faster in between cafes, then ;-)

As for me, I am allergic to cats, and they seem to see it as a personal challenge. Many's the time I've had to actively shoo one away, or hold my hands in the air and ask the owner to remove it from my body so I don't get the dander on my hands/face.

I guess I will have to ask "Tiene gatos?" before I check into an albergue....

Sadly, many are diseased and it’s best to avoid physical contact.