ODESSA - The Cat Capital of Ukraine.

The city is situated on the shores of the Black Sea, a picturesque city known for its rich history, lively culture, and beautiful architecture.

But it's the city's unique bond with cats that truly sets it apart. Often referred to - as in the title here - as "The Cat Capital of Ukraine."

Odessa has earned this title due to its extraordinary connection to the cats that reside or live in the streets, parks, and alleys.

The cat population in Odessa is not random; it has been nurtured and valued by the city's residents for generations. Many believe that the presence of cats in the city brings luck and prosperity, which has only served to intensify the love and reverence for these animals.

In contrast to many other places, the stray cats in Odessa are welcomed and taken care of, both by locals and visitors.

Perhaps most famous are all the sculptures of renowned cats in the city - by the artist Tanya Shtykalo. The artworks are a clear expression of how much they are appreciated. During holidays, clothes are made for them to wear, or they are celebrated in other ways.

Through this blog, we'll follow our friend July Pjuxa as she visits the city's cats and gain a closer impression of the city's four-legged population.

For those of you who have Jesper and Kasper's calendar for 2023, you can see adventure illustrations I have made.

So I am an illustrator living in Odessa, with a deep passion for cats.

I really like to walk along the cozy streets of Odessa and recharge with the energy of my city. For me, every corner of Odessa is connected with its own cat, and every cat decorates the city in its own way.
Every time I go for a walk, I take a bag of food with me in my backpack to feed the friends I meet along the way.

Odessa is a city of sun and colorful cats, which make it so special.

In this blog, you will get to join me on my trips through the city, visiting the city's four-legged inhabitants!

 WELCOME!