I was so happy to see the cats, and I enjoyed watching them eat and play.
Novi Sad is filled with street cats, so sometimes it seems as though they've taken over and run the streets more than the people. These creatures are clever. They fashion homes under cars and apartment buildings, in backyards and gardens and even in the pipes running underground. Street cats are independent and migratory, so the city is truly their home.
Cats in Novi Sad find cozy spots to sleep under cars or in gardens. They are clever and usually can take care of themselves. Cities have lots of food and places for them to live. I’ve even seen my own house cats catch little animals in the backyard by instinct. In Novi Sad, street cats catch mice, rats and birds, and they also scavenge for food in trash cans. Some people worry that the cats might catch too many birds, but many Novi Sad residents are happy because the cats help keep the city free of pests.
Cats are tough and have lived with people as domesticated animals for thousands of years. They don’t need humans all the time, but they can live long and happy lives if people help them by feeding and caring for them. On average, many street cats only live around two to three years if they survive kittenhood, whereas house cats can live up to 20 years. Their lifespans are shortened due to road accidents, accidental poisonings, stray dogs and a lack of veterinary appointments. However, people watch out for these cats by feeding and brushing them, meaning many feral cats in Serbia live long, healthy lives.
