I saw many cats on the island of Burano but only managed to take a photo of two.
While wandering around, I noticed water bottles placed in the front of many homes. Intrigued by them, I started to think about the purpose of these bottles.
While pondering in my mind the different theories - which I won't mention here because they sound very silly - I came across a fisherman repairing his fishing net. I asked him about the bottles and he explained that this was the way the residents dealt with the problem of male cats and dogs peeing on the house walls, i.e. marking the territory.
I had previously mentioned the water bottles to Annie and she said that she’s seen them also in Castello. Leave it to the Venetians to be creative and resourceful!
Comments (10)
I can't figure out exactly how or why they work but they must, or why would they keep doing it? I've never seen it done anywhere else but Venice either.
That second cat looks like a bigger LuLu! I don't think I've ever seen a Siamese cat in Venice, that one is a beauty.
Posted by Annie | April 14, 2009 1:49 PM
Posted on April 14, 2009 13:49
Very interesting,Maria, about the water bottles. I wouldn't have thought of that.
And the cats are adorable.
Posted by candi | April 14, 2009 3:55 PM
Posted on April 14, 2009 15:55
Burano is a mysterious island and so is the mystery of how those water bottles work.
Posted by Barb Cabot | April 14, 2009 11:16 PM
Posted on April 14, 2009 23:16
I don't get it either. Beautiful cats.
Posted by girasoli | April 14, 2009 11:57 PM
Posted on April 14, 2009 23:57
Wow - a siamese! I saw one in Pienza once.
Posted by Leslie | April 15, 2009 3:07 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 03:07
Hi Maria, I was just going to say that the one cat looks like Annie's Lulu and then I read Annie's comments! :) I don't know that I've ever seen a Siamese cat at anytime in Italy so that is very cool that you got a photo of the first cat.
I also like your photo of the fisherman and that was very nice that he took the time to explain to you the purpose of those water bottles and that is so interesting why that seems to work.
Thanks for this great post Maria. I'm enjoying reading more about your Venice Trip and looking at your photos.
Have a great day today!
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | April 15, 2009 6:20 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 06:20
Okay, I am not sure if what I am thinking is right now, but I am thinking that cats and dogs out of fear of getting sprayed by water if they pee on the wall, will not do it if they see the water bottles. Is that right,Maria?
Posted by candi | April 15, 2009 8:37 PM
Posted on April 15, 2009 20:37
Thanks everyone for your comments. After I posted this entry I found a bit more information on this practice and will report my findings in a new post.
Candi, your explanation makes sense and in fact it is one of many others given as to how the water bottles shoo away dogs and cats.
Posted by María I. | April 16, 2009 12:09 PM
Posted on April 16, 2009 12:09
I love cat photos!
I am anxious to read how the water bottles work!
Posted by nancyhol | April 16, 2009 10:29 PM
Posted on April 16, 2009 22:29
Lovely photos, Maria. And what an interesting idea, using water bottles as a mute threat, to keep cats and dogs from spraying!
Posted by sandrac | April 17, 2009 8:32 AM
Posted on April 17, 2009 08:32