Visiting The Cat Park In Lima, Peru: Parque Kennedy
Parque Kennedy is a cat park in Lima, Peru. Home to over 100 stray cats, learn about what makes Kennedy Park so unique and special.
Parque Kennedy, The Cat Park In Lima
Before traveling on to Machu Picchu, we first had the chance to explore the city of Lima. While wandering around, we were very surprised to find that there was a cat park in Lima. We’d never seen a cat park before, but Parque Kennedy, clearly belonged to the cats that could be seen all over the grounds.
They were everywhere! In the bushes, on the grass, up in trees, and on park benches. And it was obvious that they were used to people as they leisurely walked passed or looked up lazily from where they were napping.
About “El Parque De Los Gatos”
Apparently, cats have called Kennedy Park their home for over 20 years. Rumor has it that the original cats were left there by priests of a nearby church in order to help control a plague. But no one knows for sure.
Over the years, however, they multiplied and the community began caring for them. Unfortunately, people also began to abandon their pet cats there under the assumption that the deserted cats would also be cared for. With so many cats, the park began to be referred to as “El Parque de los Gatos” or, the cat park.
The Pros And Cons Of Parque Kennedy
We were told by a local that some people do not like the cats being in the park. They think it is unsanitary and an irritation to have so many cats there. Others feel the opposite. For example, there are many local residents that are not allowed to have pets in their apartments so they enjoy going to the park to find temporary animal companionship.
Caring For The Kennedy Park Cats
I was initially hesitant to touch any of the cats. But as we got closer, the cats looked very well fed and taken care of. It turns out that there is a group called Grupo Voluntario de Defensa Felina, or Feline Protection Volunteer Group, that feeds the cats daily and periodically provides basic veterinary services such as deworming, vaccinating, spaying, and neutering. On the weekends, they also set up a booth at the park to assist in adoptions.
Kennedy park itself is also very well cared for. All of the grass and bushes were neatly trimmed, the trash bins weren’t overflowing, the park benches were pristine, and there was no garbage lying around on the floor. We were also pleasantly surprised that it didn’t smell like over 100 cats were around.
Where Is Kennedy Park?
Kennedy Park is in the Miraflores district of Lima. If you’re hanging out on the Miraflores beaches, it’s about a 15 minute walk or 8 minute drive. There are also local bus stops nearby. You can find it easily on Google maps.
Pro Tip: If you’re also a dog lover, you’ll love this compilation of Incredible Dog Encounters While Traveling!
Final Thoughts On The Cat Park In Lima
Whether the park remains cat-friendly will remain to be seen. One thing was for sure though; everyone seemed to be enjoying this cat park in Lima. We saw people cuddling with cats and petting them as they chatted with friends or read books. If you’re a cat lover, we definitely recommend you visit Kennedy Park while you’re in Lima.
What do you think of Kennedy Park? Do you like the idea of a park where you can pet local strays? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂
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I’m not a cat person, but it sounds like an interesting park. Its good that the Grupo Voluntario de Defensa Felina takes good care of the strays. The grounds are pretty, with the colorful flower beds.
Hola! Cool post 🙂 I used to play at this park as a kid and also hangout there as a teenager, where the “hippies” as we called them sold their hand-made jewelry. I don’t remember cats then, but have definitely seen them in the past few years. I didn’t know about the volunteer group. They are sooooo many cats!!
There are!! Hopefully they continue to get adopted.
Vicky, this park freaked my the hell out! We have an advert it the UK for a milk company and the cats can click there fingers jazz style. I kept thinking these cats were going to do that.
Bahaha! If I found cats that did that, I’d be rich!!
I had no idea there was a place like this in Peru! How cool. I’m more of a dog person, but the park looks very well cared for and the cats seem to be loving it! Thanks for teaching me something new today!
Hi Bobbi! I am too. My boyfriend was loving it though.
I find this a little creepy! But that’s probably because I really do not like cats very much. However, it does look like the cats have found a very beautiful home for themselves 🙂
Haha! Trust me Katja, I was a little thrown off too, especially since I’m more of a dog person.
Whoaaa! This is awesome. I love cats so will definitely check this out. Heading to SA by next year!
Oh, nice! Enjoy 🙂
The cats deserve a good place to live too but I’m not sure about a cat park. It’s a little strange. Poor guys. At least they have somewhere to go.
Hi Laura, hopefully more people continue to adopt and give them a better home. Even though they looked pretty happy where they were lol!
I really enjoyed my time in Kennedy Park with all the cats! I mean, its cool that they have their own space in the city, I never really saw them elsewhere. I stayed just across the street so I visited them often (and dunkin donuts… ahah I had been on the road for 4 months)
There was a great coffee place on the corner too. Lots to see and do in that area of Lima!
Sounds like really meaningful project! I wish there was something like that in my city. If you make it possible for people to help, they will!
I agree Veronika. From what I read about the volunteer group, the have helped over 300 cats get adopted.
I have shared this with several friends. I think they need to visit this park. It reminds me of the Hemmingway house in Key West.
That’s so true Jennifer! I’d forgotten about that. Cats everywhere!
This is so cool! I would visit Cat Park! On a university campus in Victoria, Canada there is a HUGE rabbit population! It’s cool to see them hopping around everywhere!
Oh! I’d love to see the rabbits one day!
As a cat lover I would totally dig this! And, it’s so great that there is a group that helps take care of them, which makes it even better to go to the park for some kitty cuddles. What a fun find!
Yes Lara, I think it’s so sweet of them to care for the cats the way they do! 🙂
I agree with Lara. I, too, am a cat lover, and get super excited when I see cats in a place I am visiting. I think it’s really cool that Lima has a cat park and is caring for these adorable creatures. Next time I visit Lima, I shall look it up!
I love cats and have 13 (all fixed) myself. I live in the U.S. and will probably never go to Peru, but I love the idea of just sitting around petting cats and getting to know them. I wish people were more cat loving around here. Dogs are nice too. We have two of them (both fixed). If people would be better about fixing their animals there would be so many less that are homeless or put down because they are too wild to handle. Cats are just the best.
I agree, we should help take care of them more.