Peru's Miraflores Central Park is a cat lover's paradise
In the heart of Peru's Lima, life seems almost purr-fect at times, as cats and humans share the Miraflores Central Park. It's a place full of warmth, caring and a quiet sort of magic.
Cat paradise from a bird's-eye view
Miraflores Central Park in Lima goes by many names. Some call it the Kennedy Park, and others know it as the Cat Park. This is where, between trees, benches and the occasional food stall, over 100 stray cats live and play with the humans who come by to pass the time with their furry friends.
Safe haven
The felines feel right at home in this well-kept park, and they're wholly accustomed to the humans that come and go. The cats first appeared in the 1990s, when they were introduced to help control a rat infestation. But they soon made the park their new home, and instead of driving them away, the locals took to feeding and caring for them.
Here to help
Every day, local volunteers come to the park to help care for the animals that live here. Organizations like Kennedy Park Kittens make sure the cats here are fed, vaccinated and castrated, so the population doesn't get out of hand.
Playtime
The park isn't just a sanctuary for cats, it's also a central meeting place for city dwellers. Here, street musicians entertain, artisans offer their colorful wares and families stroll along the lit paths in the evening. And to ensure that humans and felines can coexist peacefully, there are a few park rules: don't feed the cats unsupervised, don't startle the cats and no flash photography.
Marketing motif
Cats have become so symbolic for Miraflores Central Park that many surrounding hotels and cafes even use their images to advertise a venue's peaceful, unique charm. Sometimes, volunteers find new stray cats that have been abandoned in the park, but they're always quick to respond and find them a new, loving home.
Sunny outlook
The cats here appear well-fed and healthy. Their coats are clean and glossy, and they seem relaxed around humans — which indicates their volunteer caregivers are having a positive impact on socializing the animals. Living in the park, they have anything a cat's heart could desire — including plenty of trees to climb!
Four-legged companionship
Not all locals are unequivocal fans of the cats living here. Some are concerned about diseases, while others worry about the smell or have allergies to manage. But still others are grateful for the opportunity to make some feline friends — especially those who are not able to keep pets at home. Either way, love it or hate it, the Cat Park is a key attraction in Peru's capital city.