Cats Among Ancient Ruins: Unusual Inhabitants of Pompeii Become Stars of a New Book

On the territory of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius nearly two thousand years ago, about 40–50 cats now live. They have long become an integral part of the local landscape and favorites of tourists, who eagerly photograph the animals against the backdrop of ancient streets, columns, and preserved Roman houses. Photos of the four-legged residents of Pompeii regularly appear on social media, where the animals have gained real popularity. They now even have their own photo album. The book titled "Cats of Pompeii" (Gatti di Pompei) has been published by the Italian publishing house Giunti Editore in collaboration with the administration of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The foundation of the publication consists of photographs by archaeologist and photographer Silvia Vacca, which she donated to the park. In the photos, the cats rest among ancient structures, stroll through Roman streets, hide in gardens, and explore historical monuments. The authors offer a view of the famous archaeological complex from an unexpected perspective — not only as a testament to the tragedy of the ancient world but also as a place where everyday life continues among millennia-old ruins. Moreover, the cats of Pompeii are not just freely roaming animals. Their well-being is monitored by park staff and volunteers from the charity organization Archeogatti Onlus, led by Antonella Carotenuto. Regular feeding, veterinary check-ups, and sterilization are organized for the animals. Some cats are found new owners. Additionally, a surveillance system operates in the park to prevent cases where people abandon their pets here. Special attention is paid to ensuring that the presence of animals does not interfere with the preservation of unique archaeological monuments and does not create inconveniences for visitors. Interestingly, the history of the relationship between humans and cats in Pompeii goes back to ancient times. Archaeologists continue to study the role of these animals in the daily life of the ancient city. The new photo album shows Pompeii in rare moments of silence, when tourist groups disperse, and the ancient streets are once again inhabited by their four-legged residents. The book "Cats of Pompeii" is already available for purchase directly at the archaeological park, as well as through the retail network of Giunti publishing.