Balkats, you know.. Balkans + cats. The Balkans are crawling with cats, and if you know me well, you know that means that I squealed and chased after them each time I saw one.
I gave them each names based on where I’d seen them–Croatia Kitty, Rector Cat, Church Kitty, Montenegro Cat, etc.
When I was growing up, I had this enormous orange cat named Max. He was the sweetest animal I’ve probably ever had. The kind that my three-year-old sister would carry around by his neck and he’d just hang out like it didn’t even matter. So, when I was in Dubrovnik and spotted the orange cat in the photos below, I instantly fell in love. Every night (for 10 nights), he was in the same spot at the Rector’s Palace, and every night I went to visit him and love up on him. He was the friendliest kitty, eager for my scratches, purring as I kissed his wee head. I kept threatening to stash him in my bag and bring him stateside, but I don’t think customs would’ve allowed that, sadly. (Plus, I think he belonged to someone, as he was wearing a collar.)
When I was in Italy a few years ago, I was surprised at the number of stray gatti strutting the streets of Rome. But Rome’s got nothing on the Balkans for their number of cats. Local restaurant workers were even tossing them seafood for dinner! Best-fed cats ever?
Anyway, I figured we needed a dose of cuteness around here. And everyone loves cats, right?
First of all, Balkats = genius. GENIUS.
Second, omgtheyresuchwarmlittleicklfuzzywuzzyfluffypurry bundles of cuteness! I’m scratching my computer screen behind its ears in absence of a real-life kitty here. Wherever a computer’s ears are.
Tom @ Waegook Tom recently posted..Cartagena, the Best and Worst of Colombia
Hahaha, thank god. I was so nervous people would be like, “who is this nerdy/not funny girl with her little ‘Balkats'”.
I think we all know that a computer’s ears are at the corners of the monitor. So scratch on! (But they are seriously adorable, aren’t they?! Especially that orange one.)
Balkats! Brilliant! Now to expand to other cities — Istanbulats? Baliats? The possibilities are endless.
Edna recently posted..The 5 best things I ate in Corsica
Haha, that’s a slippery slope, Edna! But one I’m willing to fall down..
I love this post, Megan! I’m EXACTLY like you-I chase after street cats all the time! I just love them all! :)
Karisa recently posted..MOCA– Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary Art
Thanks, Karisa! Are there lots of cats around Bangkok? Maybe when I head that direction we should go chase some kittens around Thailand?
I noticed the same thing when I was there. I didn’t name the kitties (too many) but I did nickname a few of the stray puppies I saw. One night I came across 3 little kittens near a restaurant. It was all I could do to not put one in my purse. :P
Melissa recently posted..Foodie Friday: Fried Plantains in Costa Rica
Mel, there are never too many kitties. I didn’t get to see any stray pups, but that probably would’ve broken my heart–they’re not as scrappy/smart as street cats.
Balkats :) wonderful. I love the Balkans. And I love cats. What’s not to love about this post! xx
Mariella (Bridgekeeping Traveller) recently posted..To Nottingham’s Posher Places – the Park Estate
Thanks, Mariella! :)
YES! I love this post and I love cats. Spotting little kitties around town always brightens my day. I will be adding the Balkans to my travel list just for this reason… Jordan is another good place for meeting cats. So many. (My partner and I have noticed over our travels that Muslim countries tend to have more stray cats.)
Jill recently posted..One week.
Haha, thanks, Jill!! Maybe I should start a totally separate cat-related blog. That’d be a hit, right? ;)
Oh those cute little cats..:)
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