Nélida, the Cuban woman who feeds stray cats in Old Havana

A young Cuban photographer shared a heartfelt image on his social media of Nélida, a woman from Old Havana known for her dedication to feeding stray cats. This gesture is driven by her deep love for animals, despite the severe economic crisis and scarcity affecting Cuban society.

In just three images, lens artist Merle Ramírez was able to capture a flicker of hope, symbolized by Nélida and her steadfast commitment to helping forgotten animals, amidst an environment where sadness and decay reign.

"Nela: the woman who feeds cats in Old Havana" was the brief message the young man included with a gallery of photos that shows the cat protector sitting quietly 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 revealed more details about the life of the lady who cares for the cats: "She’s often seen around Obispo and Mercaderes; you can go there and help her."

With his post, the young man did not ask for help for Nélida, but rather 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 told me about the woman's life. She does not need urgent help, nor did I make this post with that intention. If someone wants to go over there and assist her, that’s another matter, but I didn’t create this post because she is in a special situation or because she is asking for help," he clarified.

A person named Robertiko Ramos noted: “Nela is my neighbor. The animals she has chosen 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 donation box, and we’ll pass the money on to her.”

It is said that the cats of Old Havana recognize Nélida from afar: She pushes her cart down O'Reilly Street until she reaches the corner of Mercaderes, and there, under the gaze of everyone, she takes out disposable plates and empty cans of sardines, feeding all the felines that come to her presence, reported the news portal 14 y Medio.

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

"First, as if in 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 'authorized' dogs from the Office of the Historian – to which Eusebio Leal granted credentials and titles as 'official street dogs' of Old Havana – securing food is not easy. Leftovers from restaurants and any food discarded by tourists are shared among the colony, in the order of arrival," the website stated.

In a context where "caring and attending" to animals is perceived by some more as an act of madness than of love, this "fairy" becomes the sole hope for cats, who face the danger of being euthanized in a country where the population, like gatherer tribes, fishermen, and hunters, struggles to bring protein to 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, in addition to food, a few strokes of affection. Some lick the cans, searching for the original flavor of the sardines underneath the rice, while others are content to bask in the sun," reported 14 y Medio.

In addition to Nélida, there is also a Russian elderly 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 media platform 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 9th and F."

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