There are about fifty adults and twenty puppies. They are part of the colony of ” happy cats ” who live in Lipari , a town in the metropolitan city of Messina which includes the homonymous island, in the Aeolian Islands.

Returning from a past of neglect, the animals have found a home and refuge in a land recognized as a “Feline Oasis” by the National Animal Protection Authority (ENPA).

From abandoned cats to happy cats

The “House of happy cats” welcomes abandoned and distressed cats . Last year 101 puppies were recovered – all left alone on the streets of the island or near the cattery – and 68 were adopted .

This year, only ten of the approximately thirty abandoned puppies have found a new home . 

And here, then, that a place where these animals can find food, water and loving care can make the difference.

A home for cats

“ This is the story of a reality born from the dream of three friends who are passionate about cats ” , we read on the website of the Gatti Felici di Lipari . ” If you go to Lipari, come and visit our garden … feline oasis where about 30 happy cats and many puppies in transit live in harmony, ready to be adopted “.

The origin of the project dates back to 2012 , when Norma Chiarelli began – together with her friend Lucia – to take care of the skinny and battered cats that had settled there in a land that was reduced to a landfill. Some time later, a third person was added, Adeline, who supported her companions in the realization of the project being defined.

Discovered that the land was owned by the municipality,they started to clean it of waste and, thanks to the support of ENPA and the support of friends and supporters, they transformed it into a welcoming garden, full of trees and colorful houses.

Today, the volunteers are involved in recovering cats living in difficult conditions , sick, abandoned, who have suffered violence. They provide them with care, food, accommodation. They take care of sterilizing stray cats, and welcome the puppies to find them a home.

A reference point

Over time, the garden has turned into a real point of reference and meeting place . Here, many people come to ask for advice for their pets, while the children go there to play with the puppies or spend time with the “happy cats”. The cattery was also mentioned in the famous travel guide “Lonely Planet”, and now there are numerous curious visitors who cross the gate to meet the volunteers and the colony of furry friends in person. 

” Visits to the cattery are very frequent, ” says Norma. “People come from all over the world, especially in summer, with the warm season; this creates unique and pleasant moments, which often lead to strong relationships, strong solidarity and true friendship . ”  A Facebook page and an Instagram profile

are also dedicated to the project , where photographs and updates on young guests are published.

“I Gatti Felici di Lipari”, the book

I Gatti Felici di Lipari is also a book that Tina Squaddara , teacher, wanted to dedicate to the initiative. It is a collection of stories – enriched with poetic verses composed by another woman, Cristina Scoglio – in which the protagonists are the cats, welcomed by the volunteers of the oasis and become part of the colony.

The proceeds from the sale of the volume will be dedicated to supporting the Casa dei Gatti Felici , helping to further improve the quality of life of the felines who are lucky enough to live there.