Rome’s cats

Posted by admin on June 12, 2007 under Rome hotels and events |

Rome’s cats 12 June 2007

Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome , trackback

The history of cats in Italy goes back about 900 BC. An obvious reason for keeping cats would be to keep the rodent population down. It isn’t that different in Rome today. Another reason that the cats flourish in Italy and in Rome is that in 1991 Italy passed a law that no healthy homeless cats could be killed.

 

 

There are a few places where the cats can be seen but Largo di Torre Argentina, the place where Julius Ceaser was assasinated, has the largest colony numbering about 300 cats. They are taken care of by some locals and an orginsation tat looks after them too. Another place the cats can be found and where there is also quite a large colony is the Protestant Cememtary. The cats here have been given the title ” Guardians of the Dead”

 

 

There are a few places where the cats can be seen but Largo di Torre Argentina, the place where Julius Ceaser was assasinated, has the largest colony numbering about 300 cats. They are taken care of by some locals and an orginsation tat looks after them too. Another place the cats can be found and where there is also quite a large colony is the Protestant Cememtary. The cats here have been given the title ” Guardians of the Dead”

 

 

Romes association with cats has also been an ancient one. Cats in ancient Rome were cosidered to be the likeness of the God of Liberty and were also allowed to go wherever they pleased and were the only animal allowed into the temples. They were also used as mascots in the army.

  

 

Romes association with cats has also been an ancient one. Cats in ancient Rome were cosidered to be the likeness of the God of Liberty and were also allowed to go wherever they pleased and were the only animal allowed into the temples. They were also used as mascots in the army.

 

When you are in the city centre it is really easy to spot them especially if the weather is sunny and hot. I have also seen a few very near the hotel on my way home at night but they are usually very wary of strangers and will more than likely run if you approach them.

The other places where you can see the cats are: Colosseo and Foro Romano and the other places in the historical centre. Have fun!!!