The Cat Custodian of Havana: Nélida Pérez's Compassionate Crusade

Nélida Pérez, 81, has dedicated herself to feeding the street cats of Old Havana amidst Cuba's economic crisis. With tourism declining, providing for these animals has become challenging. Despite hardships, Pérez and other animal lovers continue to care for the cats, highlighting the broader issues impacting Cubans.

Every afternoon, 81-year-old Nélida Pérez walks the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, trailed by a procession of hungry cats. Pérez has dedicated years to feeding these cats, a task made harder by Cuba's worsening economic crisis and the decline in tourism, which has affected her ability to provide for them.

Pérez told The Associated Press that she never anticipated seeking help to feed her cats. 'Now I see myself in difficulties,' she said. Since 2020, Cuba has faced a deteriorating economic situation due to COVID-19 shutdowns, US sanctions, and monetary reforms causing inflation. Animal activists are struggling to provide care as resources deplete.

González, part of the Aldameros Project, has seen a startling increase in stray cats, with numbers rising from three to 15 per day. Despite the challenges, Pérez and other animal lovers like Bárbara Iglesias continue their efforts, vowing to provide for these strays as long as they can.