Rome, Italy is a city steeped in rich history. Tourists from all over the world travel there to witness such important sites as the Theater of Pompey, the place where Julius Caesar was famously murdered.
The ancient ruins serve yet another purpose these days. The theater and four nearby temples are part of a city-run stray cat sanctuary known as Torre Argentina.
Yesterday I visited the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary in Rome. Here are just a few of the 40+ cats we saw enjoying the sanctuary. #cute #cat #cats #aww
Posted by Cute Cats Here on Friday, June 24, 2016
More than 150 cats call the Theater of Pompey ruins and ancient temples their home. Volunteers from Torre Argentina fan out 7 days a week feeding, cleaning up, and looking after the cats.
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All of the kitties at Torre Argentina are tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV, vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed or neutered. After recovering from surgery the cats are released into the massive facility where they are free to roam the grounds or seek shelter in the custom-made indoor area.
The volunteers of Torre Argentina are also devoted to rescuing the city’s helpless stray kittens. Litters are rounded up or dropped off at the sanctuary. They are then placed into foster homes where they receive their vaccinations and any necessary veterinary care until the age of 4 months.
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Next they are tested for FeLV/FIV and spayed or neutered. Many of the kitties from the foster program are adopted into loving homes and the program is said to have drastically reduced Rome’s kitten mortality rate.
All of the cats at Torre Argentina are available for adoption – both “real” and “distant.” Those looking for a new pet are encouraged to adopt a TA kitty – even if they live abroad! For those who cannot officially adopt, but want to help the cause, the distant adoption option allows them to sponsor a particular cat and receive updates throughout the year.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that these historical landmarks are being put to an innovative and humane use?
H/T to HonestToPaws.com
Featured Image via Facebook/Hotel Londra & Cargill