Continuing the theme of the post a few days ago about community and other local cats, finding cats in and around our local hospital is not an uncommon occurrence here.

In the same way as the Garden Family and Visiting Cats we cared for were ‘working cats’ who provided rodent control services to local residents and farmers, the hospital cats are also providing a service as therapy cats for hospital visitors and longer term residents. The cats are cared for by the staff and are fed outdoors.

Obviously it would not be appropriate for cats to be roaming in certain hospital departments, but on the other hand you can spot cats in some clinic waiting areas and corridors, and napping in the courtyards and small garden areas where there are benches for people to enjoy the fresh air and relax outdoors (and sometimes share a snack with a cat!).

Here are a few fine felines who we have spotted out and about in the hospital grounds over the years.

This cat was based near one of the gate-keepers. She had a luxurious coat and her colours blended well with the limestone walls and dry leaves under the trees. In this photo, she was heading back towards the gatekeeper’s office where no doubt her dinner was waiting.

This fine feline was spotted napping in a flowerbed. Maybe the fact that the flowerbed was opposite the food truck was a deciding factor when s/he decided to nap there as there is a steady stream of staff, patients and visitors on the hunt for light meals and refreshments during the day.

Another fluffy cat in the town gatekeeper’s area, this time with a striking white coat.

Feline sentry on a clinic windowsill – the doors to these clinics were always open and cats could come and go as they pleased. There was also a large internal courtyard with trees, flowerbeds and benches – ideal for felines and humans to share fresh air and a bench.