Hi, I'm Kitty
My name is Kitty and I am 6 years old.
I live in Paul do Mar on Madeira—with my mom Lena (you may know her as Yoga Lena do Mar) and many lovely villagers who have all taken me into their hearts.
People who meet me are usually immediately cheerful—except for cats, because I really don’t like them at all.
Maybe you’re hiking with me because I just followed you? Then you’re in luck because I’m an excellent hiking guide. Please let Lena know so she knows who I’m with or can pick me up if necessary. But I also have this great GPS tracker that lets her see where I am at all times. Here’s her number anyway: +491772357034
AND ONE MORE MATTER CLOSE TO MY HEART
Not all dogs in Madeira are as fortunate as I am. Many dogs are chained up and only serve as guard dogs or are simply abandoned. The organization Streetdogs Madeira tries to help where it can. If you would like to support them, I would be very grateful. On the website, you will find all the information you need to make a small donation. Just write “Kitty goes Hiking” in the subject line so they know it’s from me. THANK YOU
My story
I was found as a baby in a levada in Prazeres—all alone, covered in fleas and ticks. Luckily, lots of people from Paul do Mar go up there to drink poncha, and a kind person found me and took me home.
I was first adopted by a family. Their little daughter gave me the name “Kitty.” But somehow it wasn’t the right place for me—the family hardly had any time for me. After that, I stayed briefly with a nice man in the village, but then Lena came to Paul do Mar—and everything changed.
I always went for walks with her and… well, actually, I adopted her.
My life today
I am allowed to run around freely (although Lena is always a little worried about the roads and cars).
I love hiking, especially up to Prazeres—and because Lena doesn’t come with me every day, I often just follow the tourists with their hiking boots and backpacks.
Sometimes I also hang out in a poncho bar or a restaurant. Yes, my mom feeds me well, and so does my grandmother (who lives just around the corner). But the food in the restaurant… it’s really delicious!
One of my favorite places is the XS Café, where a friend of Lena’s works. When I feel like it, I go down to Paul do Mar with her—but only when I feel like it.
If you are traveling with me...
Then please take me back down to Paul do Mar. Or just call Lena, she often knows where I am—or she’ll pick me up. I do go downstairs on my own, but you know how mothers are.
And after a hike like that, I’m always thirsty—I like to drink out of my hand.
I'm not just cute - I work too!
Together with my mom, I also offer guided hikes that you can book. Click here for the hike.
Of course, I’m coming along—as a fluffy hiking guide.
Incidentally, part of the proceeds will be donated to dogs in Madeira who are unfortunately not as fortunate as I am.
By the way: Lena also offers yoga and workshops!
If you want to really relax, then come to a yoga class with Lena in Paul do Mar.
She teaches by the sea, at sunset, in small groups or privately. She also offers workshops, such as a banana hike in Paul do Mar. Click here to view their offers.
And another thing: I'm on Instagram!
I have my own Instagram account!
Feel free to tag me or send photos to Lena—by email or WhatsApp.
Everyone takes pictures of me anyway… so of course I want to shine online too.
Maybe you’re sitting with me somewhere by the sea in Paul do Mar, enjoying my company.
I love making people happy.
This post is also available in: German