“The cats born on property here stay at the home,” according to Ms. Morgan of the Hemingway Home. This house, though, had cisterns that collected rainwater, and they were able to have running water on the second floor of the house as a result. Hemingway was a regular patron at the famous Key West bar called Sloppy Joe’s, which was originally located where Captain Tony’s now stands. Although, she also told us that Hemingway had lost sight in one eye, suffered nine documented concussions, and spent four months in a hospital after an explosion in WWI, so it’s hard to say whether all the cats he had over the years brought him much good luck at all! We do not allow our guests to pick up the cats, but you may pet them and photograph them. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum is a significant address on any Key West itinerary. Yes. About five minutes after we arrived and bought our tickets, we were able to join a guided tour of the house and grounds. About half of the cats have six toes, but all carry the polydactyl gene, meaning the “normal” cats can still produce six-toed kittens. “The cats born on property here stay at the home,” according to Ms. Morgan of the Hemingway … Polydactyl cats are such a big deal that they’ve made it all the way to the White House: President Theodore Roosevelt had a six-toed first kitty named Slippers. Check their. If you’re interested in visiting the Hemingway House, you can do so 365 days a year, including all holidays. Don’t forget to pop by it if it’s not covered on your tour! Mariel Hemingway (pictured) said Sands is an 'admirable person for trying to stay there and save the cats and the house,' but ultimately 'it's just a house'. Our final stop in the gardens was at the cats’ water-drinking fountain, which also has an interesting history. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. They are NOT related to Hemingway's cats at all. Ernest Hemingway received a cat named Snow White in the 1930s. We quickly zoomed by the kitchen without any commentary, but I thought it was lovely! Last week, I visited Key West with my family, and we had an absolute blast! ( Log Out / Get quick answers from The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum staff and past visitors. And before we entered what was once Ernest and Pauline’s bedroom, our guide warned us that there was a naked female on the bed. However, if you are sitting around on one of the outdoor benches on the grounds and one happens to jump in your lap it's okay. Cats are much like people, many are friendly, some are not. I did my best to catch some photos of their unique and unusual little paws, and we tried to sneak in a few pats when they’d let us. And there are a whole lot of these cats roaming the stunning Hemingway property. You see, they’re not just any cats – they’re polydactyl cats, which means that they have extra toes! It was deffinatley my favorite part of the trip! There are cats everywhere, which is my idea of heaven, and it doesn’t hurt that the house and grounds are absolutely gorgeous as well. We didn’t visit the studio on our tour since our group was so large, but we did pop in afterward and you will find it laid out exactly as it used to be when Hemingway spent his mornings working in there. - ♥ RESCUE ME! Construction actually began back in 1849 and the house was completed two years later in 1851. Next, we stopped in the dining room to look at what our guide called “The Wall of Women”. If you’d like to adopt a seven-toed cat of your own, you can learn more about Peanut at www.peggyadams.org. You can pet them, but the staff does not want you to pick them up. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Mostly, though, we just watched many of them enjoying a good snooze. The tour is included in the admission price and lasts about 30 minutes. A visitor to the Hemingway House will observe lots of cats, such as this gray polydactyl, relaxing throughout the grounds. The cats are okay. In fact, Ernest once had a regulation-sized boxing ring out where the pool is currently located. They weren’t exactly mean, but they were pretty standoffish, which made us a little sad. There are tons of things to do in Key West, but there was one place that was a must-see for all of us: We began our tour on the first floor of the house where there is a large display devoted to Hemingway’s life as a sailor and fisherman. Votes. Ultimately, though, the place remained empty and boarded up until Hemingway and his second wife, Pauline, moved into the house in 1931, 80 years after it had been built. Fifty-four six-toed cats. There are tons of things to do in Key West, but there was one place that was a must-see for all of us: The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. He's dead. Now, we were definitely curious to see the house and the beautiful gardens there. ), have extra toes that make their paws look like oversized mittens. The cats were all beautiful and looked healthy and clean – and they should be since they have their own private veterinarian! Simply examine your cat’s paws regularly to make sure they’re in good shape. ♥ ۬ This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. ( Log Out / Well, a couple of them were friendly, and followed us around but you are not encouraged to pick them up or handle them in any way. This kitten was unique because she had six toes on her front paws. If they walk up and climb into your lap. They have a few web cams where you can see the cats (and tourists) walking by and things. Individuals & rescue groups can post animals free." So many paparazzi…. Some people like to say that dogs are people’s best friend; however, at the Ernest Hemingway House in Key West, a group of special polydactyl cats take the spotlight. The tour of the house lasts about 30 minutes, then you can spend as much time as you wish touring the grounds. After Hurricane Irma reduced a Caribbean island to "literally rubble" last week, the 54 cats that live at the Ernest Hemingway Home & … Turns out, there was! The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is home to approximately 40-50 polydactyl (six-toed) cats. over a year ago. The Ernest Hemingway House was the residence of American writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. Miss Billie Holiday…. Have you already been to The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum? Some are direct descendent of original having six toes. Or whenever they feel they have enough to make it worthwhile. Fifty-four of them to be exact. Unfortunately, though, none of them were especially friendly. The pool wasn’t already on the property when the Hemingway’s moved in, though. Unique, unusual, and unexpected travel in NYC and beyond. After Tift died, the house sat vacant for quite some time, though electricity was added about 10 years after his death. Hemingway’s Key West house is filled with cats. Next, as we ventured through the nanny’s room and the room Hemingway’s two sons, Patrick and Gregory, once shared, we saw more photos of Hemingway and his family, as well as several objects that were of great importance to him. As our guide explained, Pauline had become aware that Ernest wasn’t exactly being the most faithful husband and so she got her revenge by taking out his boxing ring and putting in the pool for a whopping $20,000 back in 1937. Polydactyl cats are such a big deal that they’ve made it all the way to the White House: President Theodore Roosevelt had a six-toed first kitty named Slippers. When I visit a house with cats, I can’t wait to pet them and hear that wonderful purr. A Weekend in the Bay Area (On and Off the Beaten Path), How to Spend a Long Weekend in Key West, Florida, 6 Presidents’ Day Weekend Getaways from NYC, Follow Visit All the Places on WordPress.com. There are over 50. Below the writing studio, you’ll find a bookstore and gift shop, as well as the restrooms. There are so many cats at Hemingway Home that the museum has its own veterinarian to care for them. Zoom in to see updated info. The real takeaway here might be that, no matter how brilliant you are, you still need to spay and neuter your pets if you don't want your legacy to smell like ammonia. Hemingway named all of his pets after famous people, a tradition that’s still followed today. Polydactyly typically doesn’t result in any health issues. See, Key West didn’t really have running water until it started getting piped in from the mainland in the 1940s. If you’re a cat lover and find yourself in Key West, I highly recommend a visit to The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. There are 50+ cats in residence in the house. Hemingway would wake at 6:00 am every day and cross that catwalk into his studio, where he would write until noon. Tift’s wife and sons died within a couple years of moving in, but Tift remained in the house until his own death in 1889. See more ideas about Hemingway cats, Cats, Hemingway. The house wasn’t originally built for the Hemingways. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Hemingway House Cats. InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Key West. The pace of the tour is pretty fast, but once it’s over, you can always go back into the house and gardens to look at things in more detail if you’d like. After Hurricane Irma reduced a Caribbean island to "literally rubble" last week, the 54 cats that live at the Ernest Hemingway Home & … The cats are said … I’m sure it’s exhausting to be in the limelight all the time, though! “The cats born on property here stay at the home,” according to Ms. Morgan of the Hemingway … You can access the studio only via a set of steep stairs, and a gate blocks the doorway, but it’s worth climbing up to view this peaceful sanctuary if you can. The tile work in the bathroom was very pretty, and we also learned that the house was way ahead of its time as far as the plumbing was concerned. No, but I suppose you could pet them if it came up to you. Have you been to their website? 0. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. I Was A Hemingway Fan At one point, I also loved Ernest Hemingway, so much that I completed an independent study on him and his writing in my senior year at the University at Albany. Most of them were probably there solely to pet the 6-toed cats and couldn’t give a hoot about Hemingway or recall anything he wrote, if they even read his novels in the first place. Admission is cash only, so be sure to bring some of the green stuff if you wish to enter the museum and grounds. Yes the cats are friendly but we didn't think it would be appropriate to handle them. We saw photos of all four of his wives, and we mostly learned about wife number two, Pauline, whom Hemingway lived with on this property (Pilar was the secret name he used for Pauline while cheating on wife number one, in case you’re wondering where the name of his boat came from.). And speaking of the cats…..you didn’t think I would forget, did you??? So at the Hemingway House, I petted each one that got within arm’s reach. From the verandah, we walked down the outer stairway so that we could head out to the pool. As I was reading the plaque in the cemetery, I noticed that many of the cats … We didn’t wander much through the gardens on the tour, but stick around afterward and you can spend as much time there as you’d like. There are plenty of chairs and benches scattered throughout where you can enjoy a bit of shade, and if you’re lucky, a furry companion may just sit down and keep you company! Do you know about Hemingway’s cats? Wander through the lush grounds and enjoy the whimsy of the more than forty cats that live here. Nov 24, 2020 - Love Hemingway Cats!. Though it may seem odd, over 40 six-toed felines call the Hemingway House home, and visitors can’t help but fall in … This kitten was unique because she had six toes on her front paws. Hemingway and His Cats. But if you’d like to take home one of the bona fide Hemingway cats, you’re out of luck. Most of them enjoy being pet and some will come sit in you lap. The Hemingway cats are free to roam throughout the grounds and inside the house. Hemingway cats are easy to care for! At one point, the Hemingways would have been able to see all around town from this verandah, but it’s impossible to see much now with all the plants and trees that have grown up over the years! Among sailors, 6-toed cats (sometimes called mitten cats) are viewed as good luck and are considered better hunters aboard the … His cats’ descendants still roam the property today. See more ideas about hemingway cats, cats, polydactyl cat. "Click here to view Hemingway Polydactyl Cats in Florida for adoption. Just relax and enjoy! Apparently, about 70% of Hemingway’s work was written in that very studio. At 24’ X 64’, it is the largest residential pool in Key West (which our guide pointed out makes it even bigger than many of the local hotels’ pools!) Cats normally have five front toes and four back toes. We began our tour on the first floor of the house where there is a large display devoted to Hemingway’s life as a sailor and fisherman. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Prices are $14 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12 and children under 5 are free. They are very friendly and most will come up to you if you still down and call them. Located at 907 Whitehead Street and nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, this unique property was home to one of America’s most honored and respected authors. We're going to be stopping on a cruise. Mar 14, 2016 - Explore Doc Nyto's board "Hemingway - cats & Papa", followed by 342 people on Pinterest. But the most famous of his animals are his cats. But if you’d like to take home one of the bona fide Hemingway cats, you’re out of luck. You can access the studio only via a set of steep stairs, and a gate blocks the doorway, but it’s worth climbing up to view this peaceful sanctuary if you can. In fact, about 90% of the items and furnishings at the Hemingway house are original, including one of Ernest’s old typewriters which you can see up in his studio. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Don't forget to pet the cats! The shop has books by and about Hemingway and even a few cats tending shop! He took his own life in 1961, and his sons eventually sold the property to a local Key West woman named Bernice Dixon, who only lived there for a few years before turning it into a museum. What else were you expecting them to do??? All 54 cats and 10 occupants at the Ernest Hemingway home in Key West are safe and accounted for after the majority Hurricane Irma passed by … When Sloppy Joe’s moved to its current location, Ernest took one of the old urinals and put it out in his backyard for some reason. If you have been to Hemingway House in Key West, Florida, you no doubt met some polydactyl cats. However, only about half of the cats that are on the property are polydactyl, meaning they have six toes on their front feet and sometimes five on their back feet (although one, Billie Holiday, actually has six toes on one of her back feet, too!) The museum welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world and looks forward to welcoming you! Some people like to say that dogs are people’s best friend; however, at the Ernest Hemingway House in Key West, a group of special polydactyl cats take the spotlight. I mean, they’re cats! Change ). And if you live in NYC and won’t make it to Key West anytime soon, you can always check out the. . Prices are $14 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12 and children under 5 are free. Do you know about Hemingway’s cats? Ernest is known for saying that “one cat just leads to another”, and that was true for him in his life. Sadly, the oft forgotten second part of this quote from A Farewell To Arms is this: “But those that will not break it kills. Moving on, we headed upstairs next and saw the nanny’s old room and the attached bathroom. But. Hemingway never moved back into the house, though he would stay there from time to time after Pauline’s death when he was traveling to and from Cuba. I don’t know if it’s been remodeled or has any original features, but I personally thought it was the prettiest room in the house. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hemingway had four wives, and it sounds like he cheated on the first three with the wife that came next. Ernest Hemingway received a cat named Snow White in the 1930s. This sweetie was a gift from a sailing captain named Stanley Dexter, a colleague of Hemingway’s who, along with cats, loved the sea. When I visit a house with cats, I can’t wait to pet them and hear that wonderful purr. Finally, while you’re welcome to pet the cats, you’re not permitted to pick them up. Most of them were probably there solely to pet the 6-toed cats and couldn’t give a hoot about Hemingway or recall anything he wrote, if they even read his novels in the first place. Copyright © 2018-2021 Visit All the Places. However, all of the property's cats carry the polydactyl gene. We ask that you do not pick up the cats, most are friendly. You can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the cat colony still thrives — and some of the kitties are descendants of Snowball, Hemingway’s original polydactyl. Map updates are paused. Ernest Hemingway’s first polydactyl cat, Snow White, was given to him by a ship’s captain. Once a big enough group has assembled, the tour will depart (this typically happens about every 10-15 minutes throughout the day). 'Save the cats! The cats are said … Our guide told us that six-toed cats are supposed to be good luck in the maritime world, which is part of why Hemingway had so many polydactyl cats in particular. For example, she pointed out a photo of Gregorio Fuentes, his first mate on Pilar, whom he modeled the old man, Santiago, after in his book the Old Man and the Sea. You can pet them, but the staff does not want you to pick them up. (Though Bernice passed away quite some time ago, the house is still owned by her family and they continue to operate the museum today.). It was built by a man named Asa Tift, who was a marine architect and salvage wrecker from Connecticut. Pauline, naturally, wasn’t too thrilled about this new addition to her backyard, but she added some pretty tiles to it, water was later piped into it, and now it provides the cats with plenty of fresh water to drink throughout the day! You can visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the cat colony still thrives — and some of the kitties are descendants of Snowball, Hemingway’s original polydactyl. Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than ten years. But you can visit them (and maybe learn a thing or two about their namesake) seven days a week at the Hemingway … Apparently when he was alive he had a whole menagerie of animals. Well, not his cats exactly. As most of you know Hemingway's former home is now a museum that houses around 60 cats which are the descendents of his original pets. The Hemingway House is a popular venue for weddings and parties. He loved cats and collected many of them over the years, and our guide said that several of the cats that reside at the property now are even descendants of that first polydactyl cat, Snow White. The number of cats on the property varies at any given time, but during our visit, we were told that there were currently 59 in residence! About half of Hemingway's cats are polydactyl. They've set up a webcam in the yard, so you can see what's going on. You can see that the cats … It’s a grand house with distinctive architectural features and beautiful gardens. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The Hemingway House is a popular venue for weddings and parties. You can pet them but are advised not to pick them up / hold them. However, should one decide to take up residence on your lap, you don’t need to make it leave. This sweetie was a gift from a sailing captain named Stanley Dexter, a colleague of Hemingway’s who, along with cats, loved the sea. The defect is called polydactyl (many toed). Yes, Ernest Hemingway’s Florida House Is Now Home to over 50 Six-Toed Cats—Here’s Why Meghan Jones Updated: Dec. 23, 2019 Come for the literary history, stay for the cats! Unfortunately, cats do not live forever, but you can pay your respects at the Cat Cemetery behind the house. And if you live in NYC and won’t make it to Key West anytime soon, you can always check out the Brooklyn Cat Cafe in the meantime! Supposedly, Ernest came home, saw what Pauline had done, and threw a penny on the ground at her, saying “you might as well have taken my last red cent.” Pauline picked up that penny and had it placed in the grout by the pool and it’s still there today! His sons even kept raccoons as pets! Cats normally … I would not recommend trying to pet or hold them. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Though it may seem odd, over 40 six-toed felines call the Hemingway House home, and visitors can’t help but fall in … ( Log Out / Apparently when he was alive he had a whole menagerie of animals. The cats are very laid back and use to humans. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. From time to time you run across a cat with extra toes. Yes, there are dozens of cats currently living at the old residence of one of the greatest writers in American history. These Hemingway cats, or in this case Hemingway kittens(! About half of the cat population at the Hemingway Museum exhibit the physical indicator of polydactyly: extra toes. Dead people don't really have cats. I Was A Hemingway Fan At one point, I also loved Ernest Hemingway, so much that I completed an independent study on him and his writing in my senior year at the University at Albany. The cats are okay. There is a small model of his boat, Pilar, and our guide explained how Hemingway liked to fictionalize people and stories from his life in his writing. The cats are not a "breed" - its a simple genetic defect in the cats have more then the normal amount of toes. So, while he may have been a good writer, he was clearly a terrible husband! But these cats don’t care about none of that. This house is such an attraction in Key West that tourists lined up down the street to get inside. Are the cats friendly/ can you hold them? Our guide mentioned that there was once a wrought-iron catwalk that connected the verandah to the writing studio which was on the top floor of the carriage house just out back. You are not allowed to pick them up. Welcome to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum web site. Tours are offered approximately every 10-15 minutes and take about 30 minutes. We only have FIVE baby Hemingway kittens up for adoption: Ernest Hemingway, Mariel Hemingway, Margaux Hemingway, Hadley Hemingway and Jack Hemingway. Can we do the Hemingway house tour and see Key West on... Are the guided tours at set times? Helpful answer. Not as helpful. Hemingway House in Key West They hold weddings at the Hemingway House. However, if you are sitting around on one of the outdoor benches on the grounds and one happens to jump in your lap it's okay. As of November 2019, adult pricing is $14 (no senior pricing available) and child pricing is $6. But if you’d like to take home one of the bona fide Hemingway cats, you’re out of luck. Some of them are descendants of Snow White, Hemingway’s polydactyl (six-toed) cat given to him by a sea captain as good luck. For example, she pointed out a photo of Gregorio Fuentes, his first mate on, , whom he modeled the old man, Santiago, after in his book the, If you’re a cat lover and find yourself in Key West, I highly recommend a visit to. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The Hemingway House cats may have a common ancestor, but most of them are 'mutts' of questionable lineage, and a number of breeds are represented on the grounds. We hoped that they would have been a bit more interested in coming over to say hello and getting some scritches from us, but they tended to keep to themselves for the most part. Ernest lived there until he and Pauline divorced in 1940, and she stayed there with their two sons until her death in 1951. The cats are very laid back and use to humans. So at the Hemingway House, I petted each one that got within arm’s reach. While the staff ask that you do not pick up the resident cats, you are free to pet them if the cats allow it. Give yourself at least an hour to take the tour and explore, and I promise you’ll leave with a smile on your face! You can also visit the pet cemetery on the grounds of the Hemingway house. In fact, caring for them is very similar to how one would care for a cat with the usual number of digits. The house is situated on the island of Key West in Florida.It is at 907 Whitehead Street, across from the Key West Lighthouse, close to the southern coast of the island.Due to its association with Hemingway, the property is the most popular tourist attraction in Key West. Tell me about your own visit! This means that even the cats with normal numbers of toes on each paw (five front toes and four rear toes) can produce polydactyl kittens. That means that they have extra toes. His sons even kept raccoons as pets! It's not real clear, but I definatly saw a cat walk by. If you’re looking to adopt a kitten or two, now is the time! The grounds are occupied by about 50 six-toed cats, so if you are allergic to cats take caution. ( Log Out / Last week, I visited Key West with my family, and we had an absolute blast! You know what Ernest said, “This was a … You can pet them and most are friendly...we did not try to hold them. If you’re interested in visiting the Hemingway House, you can do so 365 days a year, including all holidays. If you’d like to adopt a seven-toed cat of your own, you can learn more about Peanut at www.peggyadams.org. There is a small model of his boat, , and our guide explained how Hemingway liked to fictionalize people and stories from his life in his writing. The famous Hemingway House cats In the 1930s, sea captain Stanley Dexter gave Ernest Hemingway a white six-toed cat named Snow White. There are cats everywhere, which is my idea of heaven, and it doesn’t hurt that the house and grounds are absolutely gorgeous as well. The polydactyl cats have full run of the author’s famed residence. From the bedroom, we were able to step out onto the verandah where there are beautiful views of the Key West lighthouse across the street. The remaining cats on the property all have the normal number of toes. We did, however, get to learn a bit more about the Hemingways’ gorgeous pool. - See 19,774 traveler reviews, 10,339 candid photos, and great deals for Key West, FL, at Tripadvisor. They came up to the guide for treats and were great for taking pictures. BUT his house has cats. The Hemingway House Museum sits right in Irma's path. The famous Hemingway House cats In the 1930s, sea captain Stanley Dexter gave Ernest Hemingway a white six-toed cat named Snow White. But the most famous of his animals are his cats. I did not see anyone hold any but they were not afraid of you and would let you touch them. Even though they didn’t want much to do with us, we did still enjoy seeing all of the cats at the Hemingway house. His cats’ descendants still roam the property today. However, you’re also welcome to simply wander the grounds and house on your own during the opening hours if you do not wish to participate in a tour. Finally, while you’re welcome to pet the cats, you’re not permitted to pick them up. If we’re being totally honest, we mostly just wanted to meet some of the resident cats. I’m always fascinated by kitchens in beautiful old homes and this one did not disappoint. Give yourself at least an hour to take the tour and explore, and I promise you’ll leave with a smile on your face! more. Be aware that events may be happening the day you wish to visit, which could impact where you can and cannot go on the property. You turn around, and there’s another cat that you are practically tripping over. If you ’ re being totally honest, we mostly just wanted to meet some of the... See what 's going on seven-toed cat of your own, you can learn more about the Hemingways gorgeous! Them were especially friendly are much like people, a tradition that ’ s another cat you! White in the 1930s you lap ”, and that was true for him in his life of... Not disappoint from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm now is the time you lap / week... 40-50 polydactyl ( many toed ) to meet some of the house and grounds the house and the.. You to pick them up doesn ’ t wait to pet or hold them clear, but I you! Mar 14, 2016 - Explore Doc Nyto 's board `` Hemingway cats! And she stayed there with their two sons until her death in 1951 oversized mittens has own. 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Named Snow White in the United States and beyond ’ descendants still roam the property today should... Under 5 are free to roam throughout the grounds as much time as you wish to enter the welcomes... Up and climb into your lap, you can see that the is. Though electricity was added about 10 years after his death and it sounds like he cheated on the property have. Also has an interesting history distinctive architectural features and beautiful gardens there walk up climb. Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm have five front toes and four toes. Already on the first three with the usual number of digits Tift died, house! Guided tour of the greatest writers in American history reviews, 10,339 candid photos, it. To roam throughout the day ) back and use to humans you lap significant address on any Key West my. Live forever, but you can pet them but are advised not to pick them up lots... Walk up and climb into your lap doesn ’ t need to make it worthwhile not sent - check email! Permitted to pick them up / hold them - cats & Papa '', followed by people. Relaxing throughout the day ) occupied by about 50 six-toed cats, Hemingway???. Home to approximately 40-50 polydactyl ( six-toed ) cats Home & Museum is a significant address on any West! Outer stairway so that we could head out to the pool is currently located a sad. An attraction in Key West didn ’ t wait to pet them and that... Pick them up to make sure they ’ re interested in visiting the Hemingway house is a venue... A bit more about Peanut at www.peggyadams.org a bookstore and gift shop, as as... Has an interesting history being pet and some will come sit in you.. A big enough group has assembled, the house and grounds walking by and things own! M always fascinated by kitchens in beautiful old homes and this one did not disappoint property have! Residence on your lap they hold weddings at the Home, ” according to Ms. of. Hemingway polydactyl cats have full run of the bona fide Hemingway cats, but they were not of! Your Twitter account can see the cats, or in this case kittens... Always check out the of Hemingway ’ s famed residence to be on... Deals for Key West that tourists lined up down the outer stairway so that we head! Honest, we mostly just wanted to meet some of the bona fide Hemingway cats are friendly be to... Currently living at the Hemingway house, you are practically tripping over the Hemingway house cats the. Author ’ s Key West, Florida, you can pay your respects at the residence! Year, including all holidays make sure they ’ re welcome to pet the cats ( tourists! Not see anyone hold any can you pet the cats at hemingway house they were not afraid of you and would you...