A late-day ride turned into a plea for solidarity. It happened a few weeks ago to Corrado Sorrentino, a city councilor in Cagliari, and his partner Carla Portas , who, while cycling along a path just outside the town of Sestu, came across an unexpected scene: forty cats of every color and size, crowded along the road, vulnerable to passing cars . An unregistered colony that has been affectionately nicknamed "Street Cats."
"We couldn't go on. Their lives were in immediate danger . After a few calls, we managed to contact a volunteer and understand that this wasn't a random appearance: the cats were waiting for food, recognizing someone who has been caring for other cats in the area for a long time," says Sorrentino.
From that moment, a difficult but inevitable journey began : raising donations—through the GoFundMe platform—organizing fundraisers, compiling an Amazon list for food and medicine, and even improvising home shelters. "In my house," Sorrentino confesses, "we've reached eleven cats. In 72 hours, we've already sterilized nine, and starting next week we'll resume capturing new cats for veterinary care. This is also thanks to the other volunteers: Romina Orrù, who oversees the San Gemiliano colonies, Vicky Mereu, Valeria Orrù, and Sara Serra."
Animal rights groups, overwhelmed with requests, have helped wherever they can : "The Road Home" covered part of the sterilization costs, other families have lent cages for the animals to stay in, and many citizens have responded with offers of food, tonics, and medicines.
"Despite several substantial donations," the councilor admits, "we haven't received large sums, but the love and generosity of the people of Sesto have touched us . Help has also come from people in other municipalities. It's thanks to all of them that we've been able to take these first steps."
The problem, however, extends beyond Sestu's borders. Unregistered feline colonies continually emerge, with reports coming from other areas of the metropolitan city, even near shopping centers. "These animals are born to die of starvation or being run over," observes Sorrentino. "But they are living beings and deserve respect. It's not a question of borders: every life matters."
The appeal is now directed to the institutions: "We need a massive plan of intervention between municipalities and associations. We can't do it alone." Meanwhile, the mobilization continues. The "street cats" are no longer invisible: thanks to the generosity of citizens, they have found initial help, and perhaps hope.
