Ahhh, cats! Also called “Internet fuel” by those in the know (i.e. no one), our furry feline friends are objects of affection both online and “In Real Life,” as the kids say.
Though you probably won’t be able to hit every one of the entries this year, we’ve found a list of 15 “cat spots” that may soon shoot to the top of your bucket list. Not only are these places a veritable cornucopia of adorableness, they’re all great tourist destinations too!
Get ready to say “awwww!”
Asia
Cat Flower Garden, Taiwan
This picture is from Taiwan’s “Cat Flower Garden” cafe—the world’s original cat cafe (opened in 1998)! While people usually think of Japan when they think of cat cafes, the first in Japan was actually established in 2004.
I Tien Palace, Taiwan
This is from another Taiwanese cat spot in New Taipei, the Taoist temple I Tien Palace. Check out a website featuring the palace here (Warning! Music plays automatically. Also, it’s in Chinese.) Numerous cats live in and around the temple, which is insanely beautiful itself .
Luang Prabang, Laos
These sleepy fellows are from Luang Prabang, Laos, where cats tend to congregate at open-air restaurants and cafeterias. The photographer notes that while cats in Bangkok have “strange” faces, these were basically the same as those seen in Japan. There are so many of the creatures in the area that many call it a kind of “cat heaven.”
Wat Arun, Thailand
Our next feline is from the Buddhist temple Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand. It seems that Thailand has a lot of cats, especially at temples, since they prohibit the taking of life. The cats living at the temple eat their meals next to the statues of Buddha.
Royal Cat Park in Thailand
This large-eared kitty is from the Royal Cat Park in Thailand. Yes, “royal!” The cat pictured is a Khao Manee, which means “white jewel,” and its fur is, indeed, all white. The Khao Manee also all have the distinct differently-colored eyes and have been in the care of the Royal Thai family for over a century and a half.
Europe/Africa
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey seems to really like kitties. Stores—not just food places like cafes, but anything from general stores to music shops—place food bowls outside for the felines. If you ask your friends to bring you back some cat pictures, you’ll practically drown in the deluge.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh, Morocco, it turns out, is as much a cat country as Turkey is. Cats have traditionally been seen as mouse-catching companions and are often seen lazing next to working people throughout the day.
Meteora, Greece
While Greece is known for having many cats, Meteora, a World Heritage site, has a particularly large number of them. Scattered around the monasteries, the cats sit blithely in peace, giving hardly any notice to passing humans. Maybe they’re taking their cue from Diogenes of Sinope , the ancient Greek philosopher.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia has been the model for many movie settings, including Kiki’s Delivery Service , so you might have already wanted to check it out. If so, having an abundance of kitties is just icing on the cake!
State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
While a museum might not seem like the best (or even an okay) place for cats to live, the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia happily accommodates the furry cuties . Apparently, the cats were originally introduced, under orders from Elizabeth of Russia, to keep mice and rats under control. The cats were brought to St. Petersburg from Kazan—a journey of around 1,500 kilometers (or about 932 miles)!
Ypres, Belgium
And here’s something not quite entirely different: the cat festival “Kattenstoet” in Ypres, Belgium! Held on the second Sunday of May only every three years, this festival is basically a parade where people dress as cats or old-fashioned townspeople. We’re not sure how many real cats are around, and, as one commenter noted, there’s just something…creepy about it.
Central America
Roatan, Honduras
Roatan, Honduras, situated in the Caribbean Sea, is probably best known as a gorgeous tourist destination for all things beach related. Happily enough, they also have tons of cats! One traveler went so far as to say that the cats practically ran the 60-kilometer-long island.
Valparaiso, Chile
Heading west, we find ourselves in Valparaiso, Chile, another World Heritage site. Known for hills and fishing, the city provides travelers with numerous cafes and restaurants covered in lazy, relaxing cats. Beautiful scenery is just that much better with a whisker-faced friend, right?
Havana, Cuba
The felines of Havana, Cuba were featured in Iwago Mitsuaki’s World Cat Travelogue, an NHK documentary show filmed by the animal-loving photographer Iwago Mitsuaki (naturally). The country has a relatively good medical system and a wonderful atmosphere, making it the perfect place for cats and cat lovers.
Perquin, El Salvador
Finally, there’s a hotel in Perquin, El Salvador by the name of Mama Toya. They have so many kitties they just randomly appear in your hands when you’re walking to your room! [citation needed]
And that’s it for your daily dose of cute kitties! Now go take your vitamins.
Source: Matome Naver
