Monika Juchta

They are everywhere, sneaking around, looking for a bite or two. Or they are just laying in the sun, unimpressed by the crowds of tourists passing by each day, many of whom are amazed by the large number and variety of stray cats that gather at Sliema's Triq it-Torri Park. Locals seem to be used to the colony of cats that have claimed their territory next to the playground. They are provided with everything they need: each other's company, various cat carriers for shelter, warm blankets and sweaters that were left for them for cosiness and warmth. They look healthy, well-nurtured and enjoy the caresses of passersby who are fond of the animals. Several devoted cat lovers feed them on a regular basis so they do not even think about leaving their favourite place.On a warm, sunny day you can spot about 20 to 35 cats, estimates Louis Agius, 76. He is one of those who takes the time to look after them. After his own cat which was also a stray he got from the it-Torri park, died, he likes to visit regularly. "I just bought about two kilos of cat food so they will have enough for the next few days," he smiles as he treats two of the cats to some snacks.Mr Agius explains that it is actually two ladies who are mostly in charge of taking care of the stray cats at Torri. "But I haven't seen them recently," he remarks.He believes that most people are not bothered by the animals as they are tame, healthy and neutered. Still, what worries him are the people who leave unwanted kittens in the park to get rid of them just because they may think that they will be taken care of there. The consequence is an even higher number of cats.June and Ryo are from Japan and they visit Malta for holidays. They stay at a hotel near Torri and pass by each day. "Of course the first thing you notice is the large number of cats when you go down to the park," Ryo, 33, says. Yet there is no reason to be alarmed at all as the cats are friendly and mostly just approach humans for petting or snacks.  "It's not like they are going to attack you!"  "In Japan, in fact, most people are crazy about cats. There are even cat cafes, full of cats, where people who cannot keep and own cats can be still around them," says Ava, 37. Those cat friendly people who spend their time taking care of stray cats are fulfilling a duty, the couple states, stressing the importance of taking care of abandoned animals. "In the end, it is our responsibility. We made them our pets, we used them and bred them. Now we have to deal with them after the situation went out of control" believes Richard de Sain, 56. As he is from a small rural town in France and grew up with lots of different animals, he is, as well, not bothered by the stray cats. "Humans and animals are supposed to live and take care of each other. And here, it just works out well".Indeed, the cats would most likely agree.