Last Updated on 5 June 2025 by Vanessa
Squeaky the cat is a minor celebrity in Gračišće, a hilltop village in Istria, Croatia… but not for the reasons you might suspect.
Adventures of a fearless hunter: Squeaky’s Bangalore origins
Squeaky is originally from Bangalore, India, where she was an avid hunter. Instead of enjoying the Whiskas I set out for her, she would disdainfully turn her nose up and venture outside to the terrace. There, she would scale the roof with agility, seizing squirrels as her own prey.
On separate occasions, she triumphantly brought home five small rabbits (though not simultaneously), and even bestowed upon me a memorable birthday surprise—an unexpected bat lurking beneath the bed.
Adjusting to new horizons: Squeaky’s transition to Gračišće in Croatia
My husband and I brought Squeaky to Gračišće to join my household. The locals find this peculiar because in Croatia, it is common for cats and dogs to be kept outside the house, and there are strict boundaries on the level of affection shown towards pets. This turned Squeaky into a minor celebrity in Gračišće.
Squeaky, or Squeakić as the neighbors call her, underwent a period of adjustment in her new home, and this required some time.
During the sweltering days in Bangalore, Squeaky would seek respite from the heat, allowing herself to catch up on sleep, while reserving the nights for exploring the neighborhood.
But in Croatia, she had to get used to a different climate.
During the winter, she finds solace curled up next to the radiator, but she relishes the hot summer days that resemble those in her native Bangalore. She has become less nocturnal and spends her days searching for sunny spots to doze in or observing the activities from the veranda.
Hunting flies and chasing dreams
Regrettably, Gračišće doesn’t host much wildlife, mainly due to an ample population of stray cats ensuring the absence of rodents. Consequently, Squeaky has redirected her focus to chasing flies and other insects. She displays exceptional skill in detecting scorpions during midnight hours.
Fortunately, I’ve managed to discover a cat food brand that satisfies her taste. Although, it’s a shame there isn’t a “rat-flavored” option available as she seems to favor that.
Bengal tiger vs. the tomcat
Nevertheless, Squeakić still perceives herself as a Bengal tiger rather than a humble street cat from New Thippasandra.
Determined to establish her dominance, she engaged in a confrontation with the tomcat we aptly named “the thug.” Growling fiercely and fluffing her tail, Squeaky attempted to intimidate the unimpressed tom. However, he swiftly pursued her as she raced across the square. The two felines tumbled in a frenzy of fur and frenzied shrieks until we successfully intervened, chasing off the thug.
Licking her wounds, Squeaky retreated indoors and has since maintained a more subdued presence. While she still embarks on occasional explorations around the village, her recent encounter with the robust tomcat has led to her keeping closer to home.
You can read squaky’s complete story here.
On her blog Istria Outside My Window, Isabel shares her observations of life in Gračišće, a small village in central Istria, and her experiences renovating an old house, while she “reconnects with her roots.” Her Belgian husband and South Indian cat are joining her to share the adventure — and the view.
English version / version française
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