Hollywood Forever's Feral Cats: Five Colonies Among the Graves

A stroll through Hollywood's only graveyard usually involves searching for the names of cinematic icons etched in stone. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a well-known landmark for film history.

However, tucked into specific corners of this historic site, the most captivating residents are the ones still breathing. These living attractions provide a lively contrast to the quiet monuments of the past, offering a unique layer of life to a destination typically reserved for mourning and memory. ## Why It Stands Out The cemetery oversees five distinct colonies of feral cats that have made this land of the dead their permanent playground.

These independent felines are often found lounging atop flat markers near the front wall, seemingly indifferent to the famous bones resting beneath them. The groundskeepers provide the animals with dedicated shelters, food, and water, creating a sanctuary where the cats can climb trees or nap near ornate mausoleums.

While many of the cats prefer to stay near the perimeter for easy access to food or find a quick escape route, more adventurous individuals can be spotted deeper in the rows of graves. An observant visitor might see a twitching tail rising above a headstone or find a cat curled up in the shade of a marble monument.

A similar blend of history and unique features can be found at Forest Hills Cemetery. They share the space with an unexpected menagerie of other creatures.

Peacocks and peahens wander the paths with regal indifference, their colorful feathers contrasting with the somber grey of the stone. The various water features on the property host a variety of swans, geese, ducks, turtles, and even koi.

It is a living ecosystem thriving in a place dedicated to the past, where the animals seem perfectly at home among the legends of the silver screen. Another nearby site honoring film history is Marilyn Monroe's Crypt. ## Before You Go The cemetery welcomes visitors daily starting at 8:30 a.m. with the grounds closing at 5 p.m.

To find the feline inhabitants, head toward the Santa Monica Boulevard entrance. Once inside, a left turn leads toward the peacock enclosures.

The area favored by the cat colonies is located just to the left of these pens. Visitors should remain respectful of the grounds and the residents, both living and dead.