HAVANA (AP) — Every afternoon, 81-year-old Nélida Pérez begins her familiar walk down the cobblestone streets of Old Havana , a procession of hungry cats trailing close behind her.

For years, Pérez has taken it upon herself to feed some of the street cats that roam this part of town, which is also one of the most popular tourist spots in the Cuban capital. She once relied on her own food or restaurant donations, but as the island’s economic situation worsened and tourism declined, it has become increasingly difficult to provide for them.

“I have never in my life asked anyone for a plate of food to feed my cats," Pérez told The Associated Press. "Now I see myself in difficulties because there is no tourism and there is an economic crisis.”

Since 2020, Cuba has faced a worsening econo

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