Nélida, the Cuban who feeds street cats in Old Havana

A young Cuban photographer shared a touching image of Nélida on his social media, a woman from Old Havana known for her efforts to feed stray cats. This gesture stemmed from her deep love for animals, despite the severe economic crisis and shortages affecting Cuban society.

In just three images, lens artist Merle Ramírez was able to capture a flame of hope, embodied in Nélida and her unwavering determination to help forgotten animals, amidst an environment where sadness and decay prevail.

"Nela: the lady who feeds cats in Old Havana" was the brief message the young man included with a gallery of photos depicting the cat protector, seated calmly on the street, enjoying her small world alongside the felines, in a poignant contrast to the harsh reality of a country crumbling around her.

In the comments section, the young photographer shared more details about the life of the cat protector: "She is often around the area of Obispo and Mercaderes; you can go there and help her."

With his post, the young man did not ask for help for Nélida; rather, he shared the story of someone who has perhaps already become a popular figure in Havana, as he clearly stated in another comment.

"I spoke today with a friend who is her neighbor, and they shared with me about the lady's life. She doesn't need urgent help, nor did I create this post with that intention. If anyone wants to stop by and assist her, that's a different matter, but I didn't make this post because she has a special situation or because she is asking for help," he clarified.

A person named Robertiko Ramos stated: “Nela is my neighbor. The animals she has decided to feed need help: two colonies of cats. If you want to contribute and help, you can stop by La Marca and leave some money in the collection box, and we will give the funds to her.”

They say that the cats of Old Havana recognize Nélida from afar: She pushes her cart down O’Reilly Street until she reaches the corner with Mercaderes, and there, under the gaze of everyone, she pulls out disposable plates and empty cans of sardines, serving food to all the felines that come to her presence, reported the news portal 14 and Medio.

She is a queen without a crown, and her subjects are the cats of Old Havana, who recognize in her a pure and beautiful love.

"First, as if to express their gratitude, the cats purr for the woman and brush against her legs. Only then can they eat. For O’Reilly's felines, who compete with the 'official' dogs from the Office of the Historian – to which Eusebio Leal granted identification cards and roles as 'official street dogs' of Old Havana – finding food is not easy. The leftovers from restaurants and what any tourist might toss onto the street are shared among the colony, in the order of arrival," the website stated.

In a context where "caring and taking action" for animals is viewed by some more as an act of insanity than of love, this "fairy" becomes the only hope for cats, who face the danger of being euthanized in a country where the population, much like gatherers, fishermen, and hunters, struggles to put protein on the table.

"When the woman appears, however, and although her visits are not on a fixed schedule, the cats recognize her as their 'godmother' and sit to receive from her not only food but also a few affectionate strokes. Some lick the cans, searching for the original taste of the sardines beneath the rice, while others are content to bask in the sun," reported 14 y Medio.

In addition to Nélida, there is also an elderly Russian woman living in Havana who has been in Cuba for over 55 years. Every day, she feeds several stray cats in the El Vedado neighborhood, located in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality.

The story was shared on the social network Facebook by digital creator Yordy Battle, who noted: “The Russian woman in my neighborhood feeds more than 15 cats daily. They already wait for her at the corner of 9 and F.”

Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Protection in Cuba