Last Updated on 16 August 2025 by Vanessa
For the fourth and final chapter of C-AT WORK, photographer Marianna Zampieri brings us to a true hidden gem in northeastern Italy: the gorgeous Cat Sound Studio in Badia Polesine, run by sound engineer Mario Marcassa and his lovable tabby sidekick, Athena.
Meet Athena of the Cat Sound Studio in Badia Polesine, Italy
A musical haven in the heart of Veneto
Welcome to Cat Sound Studio, a creative sanctuary operating since 1987.
The studio spans over 300 m² and includes five dedicated rooms plus a 100 m² auditorium — plenty of room to create, collaborate, and get inspired.
Mario designed the space so artists can work at their own pace, completely free of time pressure.
Need a break between takes? There’s a cozy lounge stocked with a TV, DVD player, and plenty of drinks — coffee, water, beer, and warm beverages to keep everyone fueled and relaxed.
Cat Sound Studio doesn’t mess around when it comes to equipment either. You’ll find:
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A powerful AVID PRO TOOLS HDX system
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A stunning 24-track analogue 2″ Otari MX-80 tape recorder
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Premium preamps from SSL, MILLENNIA, AVALON, API, AMEK, and TLAudio
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A huge collection of musical instruments
Meet Athena, resident cat and feline supervisor
What truly sets this place apart, though, is its resident cat: Athena.
Mario adopted this lovely tabby when she was only a month old — and she hasn’t left his side since.
Today, Athena acts as the studio’s official mascot, emotional support expert, and gentle creative guide. Artists swear her calm and curious nature boosts concentration and sparks inspiration.
Photographer Marianna Zampieri captured Athena perfectly, describing her as “both kind and curious.” She greets every visitor with soft paws and a purr — and somehow makes the space feel even more welcoming.
More than a studio: Cat Sound Records and Cat Sound School
Cat Sound isn’t just a place to record — it’s a full creative ecosystem. The studio also includes:
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Cat Sound Records (their own label)
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Cat Sound School (classes and training)
Whichever path you choose — recording, learning, or releasing — you’ll still get to hang out with Athena. And honestly, that’s reason enough to visit.
Want to visit Cat Sound Studio?
Do you want to visit Cat Sound Studio and meet Athena? You can. The studio is located just a short walk from the center of Badia Polesine, near the right bank of the Adige River.
📍 Via Pozza 21, 45021 Badia Polesine RO, Italy
🕘 Open daily — from 09:00 am to midnight
Final thoughts
Have you ever visited a recording studio with such a unique vibe? Or met a studio cat like Athena? Let me know in the comments!
And if you enjoyed this story, please consider sharing Marianna Zampieri’s beautiful work with your friends or on social media so more people can discover her work.
About the photographer
Marianna Zampieri is a photographer – or “catographer,” as she likes to call herself – who captures the beauty and adventurous lives of cats in Venice (and Italy in general) and their bond with their humans.
She has published three books – Cats in Venice Volume 1, Cats in Venice Volume 2, and Cats in Venice Volume 3 – as well as several cat calendars featuring the cats of Venice.
Check out Marianna Zampieri’s website for even more cat pictures.
Do you want to see even more of Marianna’s cat photography? Then visit the other photo series she published on Traveling Cats:
- Meet Matisse, the Scottish Fold of Vicenza’s Rebelle beauty salon and barber shop
- These three cats live at the Classense Library in Ravenna
- Meet Leo, the “feline manager” of the Oliveti stationary shop in Vicenza
- Maine Coon cats in Venice, photographed by Marianna Zampieri
Pin Athena from the Cat Sound Studio in Badia Polesine!
