The Gatti of Rome

Throughout Rome you will find it's little guardians, the gatti. Stray cats are prominent throughout the city, and you will often see Romans leaving little plates of food out for them. Two places in the city specifically cater to the stray cats, the sanctuary at the Protestant Cemetery and the sanctuary at Torre Argentina. Both places see the cats as guardians. The sanctuaries are different, and the one at Torre Argentina runs a rather sophisticated charity which spays and neuters strays and adopts out former pets. The Protestant Cemetery has fewer cats and they generally seem less feral; more seek out attention. They appear to have been primarily former pets rather than street cats. This photo is of a particularly friendly little cat from the Protestant Cemetery. Of note: should one be concerned about any threat from these cats, Rabies is essentially non-existent in Italy. If they approach you, it's just because they're friendly. To read more of the history of cats in Rome check out "Go Europe".