El Jardinet Dels Gats: A Hidden Cat Sanctuary

A Quiet Sanctuary in the Heart of Barcelona

I don’t contribute to this magazine as often anymore, but when they called me at short notice, I was free and said yes. One of my assignments took me to El Jardinet Dels Gats, a tranquil little park hidden behind the bustling Boqueria market in Barcelona. It’s easy to miss, tucked away under tree canopies and shielded from the constant noise of the surrounding city. Many tourists likely don’t know it exists, making it a hidden gem for those who stumble upon it.

Meet the Caretakers

I met Alex and her mother, who run the sanctuary, as well as a cat therapist (yes, that’s a real job) who works with the animals. The sanctuary seems to be a donation project, with the space provided by the building it adjoins. Though it’s not a large area, it offers the cats peace away from the chaos of Barcelona’s busy streets.

A Familiar Peace

Having lived in Buenos Aires, I was reminded of a similar experience in Parque Botanico, an unofficial cat sanctuary surrounded by busy roads and overrun with dogs. The peace in that park, surrounded by trees, was surprisingly serene given the urban setting.

El Jardinet Dels Gats offers a similar atmosphere, though the cats are less trusting than their Buenos Aires counterparts. Still, the sanctuary offers a calm escape from Barcelona’s dog-dominated streets.