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When it comes to addressing populations of stray and feral cats, sometimes the answers are easily, but far more often they are not. There are so, so many homeless cats around the world, and every place has its own, unique set of challenges in attempting to handle this overwhelming problem. I am very interested in the creative solutions that different communities invent to help their local street cats. I think cat advocates can learn a lot from each other when we trade our ideas. With that in mind, I wanted to share the way cats and vendors in a Chilean market have formed a brilliant symbiotic relationship.
La Vega Central is a huge market in the middle of Santiago, Chile, the country’s capital. It’s primarily a farmer’s market, selling all manner of fresh produce, meats, eggs, and dairy, but other products such as dried goods, bakery products, and even tools and cleaning supplies are on offer. The market is open every day and is popular with locals, tourists, and cats.
That stray cats would be drawn to a farmer’s market makes sense. The presence of so much food is sure to draw rodents and other pests, and they draw cats. But how do the vendors feel about having cats all over the place? They’re thrilled! The vendors don’t merely tolerate the cats for their convenient mousing. Each vendor has their own cat coworker with whom they share their stall. Cats are very territorial, so they tended to frequent the same space every day. The vendors became attached to the cats that took a shine to their booths. The vendors are quite proud of their own personal market cat (or sometimes dog). They will name their cat, feed them, and get them veterinary care if they can afford it.
The organization Gatos de la Vega was founded to raise money for the care of the market cats in La Vega Central. Some of the vendors have formed a collective called Callejeritos de la Vega to raise money themselves. They all want to make sure these cats are well-provided for, and it sure looks like it’s working. They are starting to get some of the market cats neutered, too, to keep the entire feline community healthier.
TNR (trap, neuter, and return) has started to take hold in Chile in the last few years. Still, Chile has struggled to find large-scale or governmental solutions for stray animals. In the meantime, the long-standing relationship between the humans and cats (and dogs) of the Chilean markets arose organically. It just goes to show that when we are flexible and hold compassion in our hearts, solving difficult issues gets a lot easier.
If you would like to help the market cats of Chile, see Gatos de la Vega’s website at https://gatosdelavega.cl/ and purchase something from their store. They have a photo book about the market cats as well as adorable t-shirts, postcards, and tote bags. You can donate to Callejeritos de la Vega at paypal.me/callejeritosdelavega or sponsor an animal at their website, http://www.fundacioncallejeritosdelavega.cl/.
Published February 6, 2020
Updated June 8, 2021
