As people continue to evacuate the Florida Keys ahead of Hurricane Irma’s anticipated landfall on the Sunshine State, a small handful of people and the cats will weather the storm at Ernest Hemingway’s former home.
The six-toed cats of the Hemingway Home Museum will be free to come and go as they wish between the hurricane-proof buildings as Irma sweeps across the islands. While some are certainly concerned for that cats’ safety, the museum’s executive director Dave Gonazlez explained that the felines are quite adept at surviving storms that hit Key West.
“Cats know naturally when to go. As soon as the barometric pressure drops, they come in,” Gonzalez told Chron.com. “They know before humans do when it’s time to get in.”
Gonzalez also mentioned that the Hemingway home has never lost a cat to a hurricane.
The author’s former home currently serves as a museum where polydactyl cats – six toes – roam freely. Some of these cats are believed to be descendants of Hemingway’s own six-toed cat.
Each of the buildings located at the museum will have entrances for the cats. The bathrooms will have chairs and benches for the all of the cats to escape to. They also have drains inside of them, which will help keep the cats from potentially drowning while they seek shelter.
“We have 10 employees on staff who will be staying here for 24 hours a day,” Gonzalez stated. “We’re stocked up on food, water, supplies and medication for the cats.”
Gonzalez, who is currently staying in the Florida Keys while a majority of residents have evacuated, went on to say that he expects Hemingway’s home to be fine during the hurricane. Built back in the year 1851, the home of the famous author has 18-inch thick limestone, allowing it to withstand extremely dangerous storms. Gonzalez notes the house is 16 feet above sea level, giving it some protection against flooding.
“This isn’t our first hurricane. We’re here to stay,” Gonzalez concluded.
We here at The Best Cat Page wish them the best! We’re praying for all of you!
