Holy Cats! Jerusalem's Strays and Their Unsung Guardian | National Geographic

Follow this devoted animal rescuer tending to the stray cats of Jerusalem's Old City.

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Stray cats are found everywhere in the Old City of Jerusalem. Their overpopulation threatens the well-being of these felines, leaving them susceptible to disease, neglect and starvation. However, one resident has made it her mission to look after Jerusalem's strays and to give them the best life possible. Tova Saul has devoted an enormous amount of time and money to feed and rescue stray cats. In 2016 alone, she spent close to $15,000 USD to trap, spay, and release 76 cats, rescue and place 48 kittens in homes, and provide medical care for 28 sick cats and kittens. As an observant Jew and animal lover, she is driven by a duty to stop the suffering of all animals, a concept she feels is not entirely observed by others of her faith. Follow Saul as she ventures throughout the city, including Jewish and Muslim neighborhoods, to feed cats and trap them for spaying and to educate curious onlookers of all religions.

Learn more about Tova Saul's work in Jerusalem.

Read the article, "Vasectomies Could Cut Feral Cat Population."

Holy Cats! Jerusalem's Strays and Their Unsung Guardian | National Geographic

National Geographic

[sabersgrrlchannel]

May God bless this woman. She doesn't just talk about doing something worthwhile and beneficial, she does it. A lesson for all of us.

[PlanetMichell]

I adopted a stray cat from her. In two weeks my sweet chatula Lina is one year with me in Holland now. Last april I stayed in Tova's house in Jerusalem. Great woman!

[julioramirez]

this lady is a great soul. that is all about religion. If you are cristian, musulin, Jew, budist etc.we have to show compassion starting with animals like cats and then with humans.

[lelahzimmerman]

I also live in Israel and there are lots of cats in my city as well, I really hope that people will start caring more for street cats, they deserve so much more.

[TheIgnitedRed]

This woman are an angel. This inspires us a lot to wake up and realize that there are a lot of cats and dogs stray outside without food and water, possible to hunger to death. We need to care more about our surrounding. Not just thinking about ourselves.

[belugaabs]

all the crazy cat lady will go to heaven

[ShoaibAli-tzlm]

May God bless this lady and give her healthy and long life.

[rayyanghayas]

It's just sad to see she is alone and on her own. Nevertheless she is an one woman army. May she succeed on her mission and have a good life.

[perezster]

What a heartfelt and selfless acting lady. I love this.

[slapiro]

Tova, I was so surprised to see you on National Geographic. You’re still helping animals after all these years with your unrelenting compassion. This is Sandra I was there with you in 1995, 96 And my cat mowgli came from your place. Mowgli lived to 17 years. Then there was Pelli who tragically died in 97. You’ve done so much bless your heart !

[lolavonvegan]

thank you 😀 you lady have a beautiful heart .

[adrianazashen]

When I studied abroad in Israel/Palestine, there was only one day where I almost didn't see a cat. Seeing street cats is bitter sweet. I love seeing cats and playing with some, but most are ferral, scared and hungry :( there should be more caring people like this lady in the world. Doesn't mean you should bring in animals into your home, but help however one can.

[michellerenee]

God bless this woman, such a beautiful

[oakskid]

This lady is a hero, is there a way to donate to her cause?

[carmenana]

Cats are just amazing animals.... they are great healers and they are chasing bad spirits... Everybody should have one 👏🐈

[yidpgh]

I m a frum Jew and I support her feline tzedaka. I look forward to live in our land to help her out taking care of our kitties

[iloveRainbow]

What an amazing lady.
אני מכבדת אותך מאד ואת אישה נפלאה על פעולותייך לרווחת החתול.
شكرا لك
Thank you

[ydoumus]

Whenever I watch or hear of a person like this, it brings hope into humanity. Sure it's just a handful individuals, but I am glad there are people like her around.

[rishalinda]

Tova is a remarkable and truly compassionate guardian for the feral cats of Jerusalem. My best friend, Mary, and I were fortunate enough to spend time with Tova in January of 2018 and witness her devotion to these desperately needy cats.

[fotigou]

People who love animals respect life as a whole.