Consider this a birth announcement of sorts.
Yes, our Italian cat family has grown from two to three with the addition of little Olivia! And all three are rescue cats. Francesca (on the right above) was given her name when she lived in California because she would one day be an Italian cat. We scooped up Oscar from a group of feral kittens in Umbria over six years ago. Go figure, we gave an America cat an Italian name and an Italian cat an American name.
Olivia arrived with this year’s olive harvest.
Hence, the name. In the center photo above you’ll see how Olivia announced herself and said: “You’d better take me home!” Yep, as we were untangling and preparing the olive-gathering net, she plopped herself dead center. My friend and gifted photographer, David Spagnolo, captured this image. I immediately fell in love. So, I packed her up and brought her to Treviso where she is in the final stretches of being brought up to speed on her health.
Yes! A big Italian cat family.
We’re now a family of five, so I think we’re maxed out. Though I love that cats religiously use a litter box (well, unless they want to express displeasure or have a urinary tract infection), daily maintenance of scooping and keeping the kitty bathroom clean takes dedication. Then there is the hair. We now have special vacuum cleaners for that. But, the love and affection, not to mention the endless entertainment they provide, is priceless.
A constant reminder to be present.
I calm down just watching any of our cats. They are so in the moment—something I’m still learning. Our animal partners can teach us so much if we don’t just view them as possessions that exist solely to entertain us according to our varying whims. Our cats are gifts. I’m certain they lower my blood pressure and open the gates to a great influx of feel-good chemicals (way better than checking social media for a quick high!).
Now, join me for a quick video of an up close and personal introduction of our beautiful cat family!
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Click here to learn more about moving your cat to Italy!
Francesca is a Petaluma/Sonoma area cat!? Wishing you and your cats Buone Feste from Petaluma!
She is indeed! And, she loves Italy! Altrettanto! Buone Feste from Treviso!
Oh, Jed- Welcome little Olivia!! Love Francesca and Oscar, and now the third child to your household. So cute. Lots of love to you, Simone and the kitties, Robin and Markus
Oliva is growing by leaps and bounds. She sure is keeping me hopping! Lots of love to you, too!
Jed, it’s so awesome to get a look into your world and see a different side of your life. Your cats are exceptionally cute and the love comes shining through! Amy and I were grinning ear to ear as we watched this video.
Hi Kevin, they certainly keep me smiling and feeling grateful for their loving company. I had a short but nasty tummy bug yesterday and Francesca remained glued to my side while I was down for the count!
Aww. So sweet. I think about those tiny kittens in the neighbor’s shed in Umbria. And you are right about your blood pressure.
Happy Christmas season!
Xo
Amy
Ciao Amy!!! You know what it’s like to see these tiny creatures born into challenging circumstances. I wish I could rescue them all. Didn’t you briefly consider wanting to take one home? Buone feste! xoxox Jed
Dear Jed another story, done always with passion, this time about your CAT FAMILY. I think the cats transform our lives in both spectacular and subtle ways. You love them it is obvious, and adopting the new entry Olivia shows it, I think if you could you would adopt every stray cat you find along the way, we know that the time you spend with them is never wasted. There is lot of love and caring and that is the way it should be. Wish you could bring them to Sulmona with you. Until next time
Grazie, Novelia! If only our cats enjoyed car travel like many dogs! Ours, particularly Oscar protest the entire time—and loudly!
Olivia welcome!!!
xoxo
She’s a feisty one. I’m sure more stories are coming…
I am not a cat lover but I was completely entranced with the video. They looked adorable!! Well loved!
I may yet become a convert!
Mel
Thanks, Melanie! I hope I can convert you!
What a cute video Jed!! Cannot wait to meet Olivia!!!
Thanks, Robin. I’m so totally in love with our cats and their personalities!
Jed,
I loved the video. I have never had a cat but have three dogs and I understand how much your cats mean to you and how much better they make our lives. Your cats are beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I’m hoping one day I will be living in Italy but of course my biggest worry is getting my three dogs there. I want them all on the plane with me but that would never be possible. Maybe my two smaller ones but not my big one 🙂 Hope to meet someday soon, Hollie
Grazie mille, Hollie! I love dogs, too, and I would love to add one to the family but until I’m not on the move so much and have a real yard, that’s an impossibility. I was lucky that I could travel to Italy with Francesca in a carrier under the seat (though she was on a strict diet to make sure she passed the weight requirement for onboard pets). Putting a dog in a cargo hold would freak me out. Good friends took the Queen Mary and were able to board and visit their dog during transit. That seems to be the best and most humane option! Yes, hope to mee you one day! Jed
Adorable!! And congratulations. They are all beauties and how could you have ever said no to that sweet face of baby Olivia??? It was lovely to see you as well. Enjoy all the love and antics these kids will provide.
Hi Karen! Great to hear from you! Olive did indeed lasso my heart and reel me in. More stores from her and the elder siblings soon! Bacioni!
Ahhh….such beauties! Thank goodness for gentle souls like you!
Grazie, Jen. I’m glad you like our beautiful, funny, and always entertaining children!
Dear Jed
It is nice to get to know your feline family & you a bit more.
Animals help keep us grounded and I believe more human(e).
Thanks, Eloise. I’m so grateful for our animal children. They do keep me sane!