Noel, the 26-Year-Old Kitty

I love cats. I have two at home in Bulgaria. I miss them. That's the reason that one of the first things I noticed in Barcelona was a cat. Today, about a year later, I finally met that cat and his owners, and I learned his story, and it was touching.

As you may or may not know, I first came to this magical city in July 2012, with the intention of staing about 4 days. I had just started my Eurotrip. I was couchsuring at a place next to Santa Maria del Mar. Every time I went out of the house, I passed by these two (or sometims three) old ladies with a cat. Now the old ladies were quite ordinary, sitting on a bech and chatting randomly. The cat who was sitting with them, however, was peculiar. He was completely calm, sat calmly on his pillow, as if posing for a picture, not paying any attention to the crowds of toourists storming the famous church on the side. Moreover, it was incredibly big, with long fluffy fur and a lion-like mane. And to top all that, it had a knitted hat - or a scarf - or some accessoire that changed daily! I was so curious about this kitty, but never had the time to stop and talk to the old ladies.

I returned to Barcelona a few months later, this time to start a life here, and I kept seeing this kitty and the old ladies everytime I passed by Santa Maria del Mar. The best time was in winter - then, the cat had a tiny knitted sweater and a scarf! And he didn't mind wearing them at all, just sat there on his pillow, as if posing for a world-famus photographer. I was still so curious! And most of all I just wanted to go and pet him.

And today, I passed by that place again and there they were, as always - and this time, I finally stopped and went to talk to the old ladies and see the cat up close. This time, since it was getting too hot for scarves or hats, the only accessoire he had was an artificial rose.

 I dropped some coins in the plate so I could pet the cat and take photos, then I started chatting with the old ladies. Told them I was writing a blog, asked them if they would mind being in it.

"What's that?" one asked.

"She's writing a book!" explained the other.

I clarified that yes, it's like a book, but online, on the internet. They just nodded, not really understanding what I was talking about, and said that they don't mind anyway. One asked me if I would like to hear the story of the cat? Yes, I said.

"You want to know the story? You see young girl, I have to pay a rent of 450 Euro. I live with 30 cats and a dog. I have to feed them, take care of them, take them to the vet. I rescue homeless and wounded animals and take them home; however, I can't afford to pay my rent, and buy all the food, and pay for the vet on top of that. That's why I'm here with Noel."

Oh yeah, the name of the cat was Noel. He hadn't moved from his orange throne during the conversation, but he was observing us. And I had just met a "crazy cat lady" in person. I was getting a bit disappointed by the story - I had expected something more.

"Noel is a special cat. He's 26 years old."

Wait. Is that even possible? That cat is older than I am!

"He had been with me on that street here every day for the last twenty years. Helping me pay my rent and keep on rescuing animals. He is a gift from someone, you know. From God."

Well that part of the story moved me. I sat there trying to imagine the life of that old lady; it was a bit sad but at the same time soothing, calming, inspiring. I will be coming back to see them and talk to them again.