The Cats of Parliment Hill

Just a few days ago I was given a tour of Ottawa's Parkiment buildings by a woman I know who works there. For me the highlight of the day was visiting a small shelter set up there for the cats. There is some history behind this but in short there is a man who feeds these cats each day. It has become a tourist attraction. It was a very cold and windy day but one little gorgeous little calco braved the frezing temperatures to come visit me. I spend a good time cuddling her to keep her warm and her purring told me she was very content. I tried to put her down but she dug her claws into my jacket! I'm a wirter and have been in a bit of a slump for a while and this expirience has moved me deeply. I plan on making many visits to see them, in fact Im going up with a friend this wednesday and I even bought a can of wet food for the occasion. Here is a picture of the cat I was holding...



and here is a group of the cats...

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We visited Ottawa - our Cdn friends (snowbirds) one summer and saw these cats- and there is a man there who started this. I foget his name but tjere is s story about it in a book called "Great Cat Stories" by Roxanne W Snopek. Oh, the man at Parliament Hill is in the book - Rene Chartrand, Charlotte St. Ottawa - I am sure if you google him, you will find more info. I wish Washington had soimething like that - it is so cute and kind!

Yeah its a really sweet story...a lady began it actually but when she got sick she asked Mr. Chartrand to take over. Im going in today with some food for the cats and I am hoping to meet him...I'll be taking some pictures so I'll post them later!

Just got back from today's trek to see the cats and saw a lot more than expected. Normally people dont get in to mthe heritage rooms but knowing a lady who worked in the senate they took my friend and I to see Sir John A. Macdonald's office, maintined like it was the day he wokred there! Anywho this is about the cats...I promised pics. They were really happy about the food I brought!!!

Here are a few pics...some of these cats you wouldn't believe were strays.

aww thats wonderful,arent they all so sweet,
they look really happy and content,

their little houses are great,

oh this has made my day seeing this

does the man who looks after them live there too?

Mr Chartrand doesn't live there but he lives nearby, I really admire this man. Im in love with this place...I plan to spend a lot of time up there this summer. Something about the place just makes me feel good, I think its the cats

thats great,i care for a feral colony and there is so much you can learn from them,to watch them interact with each other is great,and when they interact with you it is such a privilidge.
are you going to write a book about them?i would love to hear more about their escapades

What beautiful pix. I did not know he did not live near - that is amazing - I just aassumed he lived near or in the Ottawa area and came to Parliament Hill daily to care for the cats. That is amazing when you think he does even live in Ottawa - wow!! Is Charlotte St. an office or how does it work? The article I read lists Charlottle St as his address - to send him donations (which we did since we were just passing thru Ottawa). I hope they got to him now???

Originally Posted by Dulcie Riley

What beautiful pix. I did not know he did not live near - that is amazing - I just aassumed he lived near or in the Ottawa area and came to Parliament Hill daily to care for the cats. That is amazing when you think he does even live in Ottawa - wow!! Is Charlotte St. an office or how does it work? The article I read lists Charlottle St as his address - to send him donations (which we did since we were just passing thru Ottawa). I hope they got to him now???

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I think she meant Mr. Chartrand lives in Ottawa near Parliament Hill (Parliament Hill is our government business offices - nobody lives there they only work there).