Traveling Therapist

My inner cat lady is coming to the surface at the moment. Because while I could be writing about the amazing culture of Cuzco or the jaw-dropping diving at the Great Barrier Reef, instead I'm writing about one of my favorite moments in Lima: visiting the local cat park. That's right, a cat park. Otherwise known as Kennedy Park, this cat park is smack in the middle of one of Lima's nicest suburbs, Miraflores. While the square is a lovely leisurely space in and of itself, what makes it special is the abundance of feline friends that call it home. Literally every spot you sit, you will find yourself quickly surrounded by stray cats.

While this flurry of felines sparked panic in a number of my fellow travelers, I was ecstatic. Pets have always been a source of comfort for me. As professional therapist, I strongly believe in the therapeutic value of having animals in your life. Although I love traveling, one of the hardest things is being away from your favorite furry friends. When you are feeling homesick or worse, suffering from the dreaded “TD,” it can be hard knowing there is no cuddly little creature nearby to hold onto. It's not to say there aren't animals overseas, there are. I've seen cats in virtually every country I've visited. However, generally it's smart to stay away from them, as you have no idea what their temperament might be or if they are suffering from some sickly disease.

This is not the case with the Cats of Kennedy Park. So beloved is this cluster of cats that a group of volunteers ensures everyone of them is fed and safely vaccinated. They help find them homes. I was blown away by the simplistic brilliance of this idea. It would be amazing to see more countries that are overrun with strays to adopt a similar solution. It's win-win: tourists are drawn to see the animals and the country can improve its animal control.

The Cats of Kennedy are accustomed to the hustle and bustle of tourists blowing through the park and know just how to reel you in for a few cuddles. It's hard not to give them a snack when they look so cute, and they know it. Their begging cat eyes are so cute they make Puss In Boots look like a leper. So it you happen to be headed to Lima and have a soft spot for cats or just needed a bit of pet therapy, head over to Kennedy Park. You won't be disappointed.