1. Cat Island – Aoshima, Japan
Where Cats Outnumber Humans
This remote island is home to a few dozen residents—and hundreds of friendly, free-roaming cats. There are no shops or cars, just the peaceful purr of feline society doing its thing.
📍 Ehime Prefecture, Japan
2. Gayer-Anderson Cat – British Museum, UK
An Ancient Egyptian Idol with Earrings
This 2,500-year-old bronze cat statue is decked out with jewelry and an amulet. Revered in ancient Egypt, she now resides in London as a symbol of feline divinity.
📍 London, UK
3. Tashirojima (Cat Island #2) – Japan
Another Island Ruled by Cats
Believed to bring good luck and fortune, cats on Tashirojima are lovingly cared for by locals. You’ll even find cat-shaped lodges for overnight guests. It's a purrfect getaway.
📍 Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
4. The Hermitage Museum Cats – Russia
Art Guardians with Whiskers
Over 70 cats live in the basement of the Hermitage Museum, originally brought in to guard priceless artwork from mice. They’re now official residents, complete with their own caretakers and an annual “Cat Day” celebration.
📍 St. Petersburg, Russia
5. Ernest Hemingway Home – USA
Home of the Famous Six-Toed Cats
Hemingway’s former home is now a feline-friendly museum, housing over 50 polydactyl (extra-toed) cats, many believed to be descendants of the author’s original kitty, Snow White.
📍 Key West, Florida, USA
6. Largo di Torre Argentina – Italy
A Cat Sanctuary Among Roman Ruins
This ancient archaeological site is not only where Julius Caesar was assassinated—it's now a home for over 100 stray cats. Volunteers care for them in a unique blend of history and compassion.
📍 Rome, Italy
7. Meow Parlour – NYC, USA
NYC’s Original Cat Café
Relax with a latte and a lap full of adoptable kitties in this cozy Lower East Side café. You can book visits, attend yoga with cats, and maybe meet your future fur-ever friend.
📍 New York City, USA
8. Gotokuji Temple – Tokyo, Japan
The Birthplace of the Lucky Cat
This serene Buddhist temple is believed to be the origin of the Maneki Neko (the beckoning cat figurine). Thousands of lucky cat statues cover the grounds—left by visitors as tokens of gratitude and hope.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
9. Cole and Marmalade – Website + YouTube
Internet’s Favorite Rescue Cats
These two famous cats became viral sensations, known for their sweet personalities and advocacy for rescue, adoption, and trap-neuter-return (TNR) education. Their site is equal parts fun and informative.
📍 Online
10. The Cat Museum – Kuching, Malaysia
A Whole Museum Dedicated to Cats
Located in a city whose name literally means “Cat,” this is the world’s first and largest cat museum, featuring feline folklore, art, and tributes to famous cats from around the globe.
📍 Kuching, Sarawak (Borneo), Malaysia
