I love cats. All colours, sizes, temperaments. I once did a post called Cats of Jordan, because when I returned home I realized I had many photos of cats. It happened to me again on my most recent trip. In multiple cities in Italy, the cats caught my attention.
Some places have stray dogs lying all over the place when you explore. I remember the dogs of Egypt. Some places have stray cats everywhere.
On our third day in Italy we went to Santa Fiora, another gorgeous Tuscany town on top of a rocky outcropping. We climbed up there and found more cats.
I don’t have photos of cats for the next few days, but then, in a famous bookstore in Venice, I found them again. A bookstore cat always brings me a smile.
In our very last hours in Italy, a final cat came into view. This one was running a hustle. He came up to us gently, and sweetly asked for some love. The more we gave, the more bold it became, asking for more attention. The ruse became clear when the seafood arrived at our tables. The cat became impolite and meowed and aggressively tried to get at the food. I shook my head at myself, knowing it was my own fault for letting the silly cat trick me.
I wonder how many other kinds of animals hang around tourist spots and beg. Seagulls beg for food. And sadly, I recall deer begging also. Are there any monkeys that do this? Burros? I’ll keep traveling and find out.
Conscious Engagement 
Yessss, lovely. You’ve got eyes for cats, like I have them for dogs. And doors. 🙂 But I remember several of these too. Some are clearly in worry of bestia but as you could see, he leaves them alone.
Thank you! We got some good poses with bestia’s help – especially Halloween cat!
I’ve been a cat person since I was a kid, but back then it was hard because I had asthma (well, technically I still do) and there was a period of time when my parents didn’t allow any cats in our house fearing that the fur would further agitate my asthma. Like you, whenever I travel I’m also drawn to cats. A friend even said to me that I have a cat radar because I can always spot a cat even when most people can’t. That cat outside Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice looks so cute!
Cat radar!! That’s great. Growing up I knew kids who couldn’t have cats because of allergies, which like asthma, keeps cats out of the house. I feel fortunate. Well, your cat radar drew you here, and I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. I didn’t get a good look at the cat outside the Libreria Acqua Alta because the baby stayed there a while, petting it. 🙂
Our starlings rival the seagulls
Oh really? I have never seen starlings beg! They come in clouds and settle on lawns here in Portland, so I can imagine if they set their sights on a human with a sandwich, that could get troublesome.
Have a look at this one: https://derrickjknight.com/2013/09/09/the-birds/
Photographic evidence!
Niceeee
Oh I just now noticed your comment. Glad you liked my kitty photos!