In the vibrant Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, Recoleta Cemetery stands out as one of the most unusual tourist attractions, famed not only for its grand mausoleums and historic graves but also for its feline residents. For many years, a community of cats has been the heart of this famous necropolis, where former first lady Eva Perón is also laid to rest. Tourists have flocked to the cemetery, drawn by the endearing antics of the cats, adding a touch of charming nonchalance to the monumental burial site. However, the future of these familiar furry inhabitants now looks bleak.
The story of the cats of Recoleta Cemetery is one of love and loss. In 2024, visitors to the cemetery will find it challenging to spot the legendary cats. Their numbers have dwindled from over 60 to just a handful. This drastic decline is due to an adoption campaign that has sparked debate and resistance. For some cat advocates, this is seen as progress, as stray cats are being placed in new homes, but many argue that the mystique of the cemetery is fading as the cats disappear.
Blake Kuhre, an American tourist who was so enchanted by the cats that he created a documentary about them, recalls the unique experience of discovering a tourist attraction filled with cats. “It felt entirely otherworldly,” Kuhre says. “You have this life existing in a place where everyone else has gone to rest.” Robert Wright, an experienced tour guide, notes that “it was something people always looked forward to when visiting.” However, over time, attitudes have shifted as more cats have been removed from the site, easing the conscience of many who see this as necessary for the well-being of the animals.
Marcelo Pisani, who has taken on the responsibility for the remaining cats, visits the cemetery early each morning to feed them. “I take this matter very seriously,” he states. “I’m always here for them.” Yet, while the individual attention from local residents may save some cats, systemic support is evidently lacking. Victoria Bembibre from the cat charity group Hace Feliz A Un Gato (Make a Cat Happy) emphasizes that outside of human protection, they have very limited hope for survival.
With former care and resources no longer available following the death of a local widow who previously looked after the cats, it has now fallen to a few locals to rescue them. Their future hangs in the balance, as the last cats of Recoleta Cemetery are likely to be the last of their kind.
Amid rising inflation and a struggling economy, there are concerns that more pets will end up homeless. “There will come a time when Recoleta Cemetery will no longer have cats,” Pisani expresses with a heavy knowledge of what that would mean for this historic site.
The iconic cats, once bringing life to a historic burial ground, have become part of a deeper narrative about love, responsibility, and human impact on our environment.