THE ADVENTURES OF PERIWINKLE & STINKY: PART CCCXXVIII

As always, Stinky is anxious for Periwinkle’s arrival. As they will be traveling several time zones away, he knows they need to get an early start. He is waiting at the exit from the teleportation tunnel when, with the familiar whoosh, Periwinkle tumbles out into his waiting paws. They spend several minutes paw hugging and whisker kissing before Stinky leads Periwinkle back into the tunnel.

Moments later they arrive at their destination. Periwinkle looks around but doesn’t recognize anything. “Where are we, Stinky?”

“Italy!”

“Oh wow, cool. Are we going to the Olympics?” asks Periwinkle.

“No.”

“Ahh, darn. That would have been fun. If we are not attending the Olympics, what are we going to do?”

Giornata Nazionale del Gatto

Stinky replies, “We are here to celebrate National Cat Day, or “Giornata Nazionale del Gatto.” Celebrated in both Italy and Poland on February 17th, it is an unofficial holiday established in 1990 by journalist Claudia Angeletti. She invited readers of the magazine, Tuttogatta (all-cat), to vote on a date to celebrate felines. She wanted to honor kitties and raise awareness about their welfare. Several reasons exist for this date. The main reason it was selected is due to February being associated with the zodiac sign Aquarius. Those born under that sign are thought to be independent, free-spirited, self-reliant, rebellious and non-conforming. These are all traits that have been associated with cats.”

Periwinkle begins to giggle when she hears this. “Well, that certainly does describe most cats,” she says.

Stinky tells her, “The main goals for this day are to point out the importance of cats in the lives of humans, to combat negative thoughts and commonly held concepts about cats and to help homeless cats find loving homes. Stray cats have been roaming around Italy since the Roman Empire, and today the country has tens of thousands of stray/community cats.

“According to the AnyDayGuide, ‘…Italy has one of the best animal protection acts in the world, and this naturally extends to protecting the rights and welfare of its free-roaming cats as well. Under its National Animal Protection Act issued, cats without owners are considered property of the city mayor, thus granting them legal protection. Harming stray cats is punishable by law, and cats have a right to be fed and cared for in the area which they have chosen as their home. It is also illegal to deliberately remove a stray cat from its home grounds and relocate it elsewhere.

“‘More interestingly, stray cats also have the rights to be registered as a community cat colony under the government administration, thus entitling them to cost-free neutering by local authorities. A stray cat colony may be registered when at least two cats are living in an area that they have chosen as their home.’”

“Wow, Stinky, I wish the United States had laws like that,” replies Periwinkle. “So what are we going to do to help celebrate this special day?”

Time to Meet Some Cats

“I thought we could just celebrate by meeting some of Italy’s kitties and handing out treats,” Stinky tells her.

“I like that, as long as we can nibble on some of those treats as well.”

“Do you know me? Of course, we’ll be having our share of the treats.” Stinky continues, “Often, kind community members look after and feed the stray/colony cats. They are known as Gattara or cat ladies. A cat lady is someone who looks after many stray cats living in an area, taking care of their basic needs and ensuring that the living area is well-maintained. These kind humans can often be seen pushing carts carrying treats and leaving trails of cat kibble on the streets for the hungry feline population.”

Rome

 

 

Where are we going to start?” asks Periwinkle.

I set our tunnel coordinates for Rome, and that is where we are now. So, that’s our starting point.

 

 

“This kitty is in a big hurry to get somewhere and doesn’t seem to want to stop,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

“Then let’s find another one,” she replies.

 

 

“Stinky, this cat wants to shake my paw. That is so nice. And, I like his one white and one black front leg with just the bit of white on his black toes.”

“All kitties are beautiful,” agrees Stinky as he gives the tuxedo some treats.

“Periwinkle look, there’s a big group of kitties. Let’s give them some treats.”

 

 

“The black and white cat, that sort of looks like Gibbs, is enjoying the treats,” Stinky points out.

“Ooh, ooh, Stinky, look a mom and her two kittens,” exclaims Periwinkle and runs off to meet them.

 

 

After leaving some treats and petting the kittens, Stinky suggests. “Let’s pop back in the teleportation tunnel, Periwinkle, and head to another locale.”

Taormina, Sicily

“Stinky, where are we now?”

“We’ve gone south to Sicily,” Stinky replies.

 

 

“Okay, let’s find some kitties.”

 

 

“Stinky, here’s a nice tortie. She’s head butting me so I will give her some treats.”

“That is pretty sweet,” replies Stinky as he spreads some treats on the steps.

“I think tortoise shell kitties are always nice! Your sisfur Astrid was always kind to me.” exclaims Periwinkle.

Stinky takes Periwinkle’s paw and leads her back to their tunnel. Moments later they are in a new locale.

Boboli Gardens, Palazzo Pitti, Florence

 

 

“Stinky, this place is huge. Where do you think we can find some kitties?”

“They have gardens here. My mom said that the cats will be there.”

 

 

“Stinky, look at this handsome tabby. He is giving me a kiss so he can get some treats.”

“Should I be jealous? I know Italian men are suave and sophisticated.”

Periwinkle giggles. “Of course not, silly. I love you, and you are the one and only man cat I ever want to spend time with. But every girl likes to be admired.”

Stinky kisses Periwinkle on the opposite cheek and gives the tabby some treats. Then he leads Periwinkle back to the tunnel. Before they enter, periwinkle asks, “Aren’t we going to spend some time exploring each of these locations?”

“Nope, we’re burning daylight, and I want to make as many stops as possible,” Stinky responds.

Periwinkle just shakes her head and follows him into the tunnel.

Cinque Terre

 

 

“Lots of kitties hang out here so they can try to get handouts from fishermen,” Stinky tells Periwinkle. The two tabbies quickly spot a black cat.

 

 

“This time, I will be standing next to this very handsome cat. He probably won’t try to kiss me,” Stinky tells Periwinkle.

Periwinkle rolls her eyes at Stinky’s comment but doesn’t reply. She knows he is just being snarky and doesn’t think he deserves a response. He turns and stares at Periwinkle expecting her to say something, but Periwinkle just shrugs her shoulders.

After giving the kitty his treats, Stinky leads Periwinkle back to the teleportation tunnel, so they can make one last stop.

La Spezia

 

 

“La Spezia is the largest city near Cinque Terre,” Stinky tells Periwinkle. He adds, “As of 2023, approximately 10.2 million cats live here, which includes both domestic cats as well as strays. The current human population is only 91,497,”

“Holy cat, that’s incredible!” exclaims Periwinkle. “Let’s see if we can find one to share our treats with. I know we don’t have enough treats for 10.2 million kitties.”

“Periwinkle, look, there’s a nice ginger tabby. Let’s follow him and see if he would like some treats.”

 

 

“Oh no, Stinky, he seems frightened by us.”

 

 

“Phooey! Let’s just leave some treats on the ground for him,” replies Stinky. “After we do that, it will be time to hop back into our teleportation tunnel and head home.”

“Great, I am getting pretty tired, but I sure have enjoyed meeting all these nice cats,” says Periwinkle. “I would like to return in the future and spend a day visiting each of these places. Can you plan that for us?”

“Definitely. They are all unique, and I would like to explore them as well.”

Periwinkle and Stinky head to the teleportation tunnel and take off for home. They arrive at Stinky’s house moments later, where they have a snack and Periwinkle visits with Stinky’s fursibs.

When it is time for her to head home, Periwinkle and Stinky spend several minutes whisker kissing and paw hugging. Then she enters the tunnel and with a final wave and blown kiss is on her way home.

Stinky heads for a sunpuddle to nap and dream of his beautiful fiancé.

The End

Note to Our Readers: Rome is the home of a cat sanctuary that houses approximately 200 cats. To find out more about the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, click on this link. When Periwinkle and Stinky head out on an adventure, I try to use photos that Dad Tom or I have taken. As we have never visited this sanctuary, Stinky did not include it as part of today’s itinerary.

Periwinkle and Stinky plan on joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. Click the Happy badge to do the same.