Last Updated on 26 November 2024 by Vanessa
If you think the internet has run out of weirdly wonderful niches, think again. There’s an account on X (formerly Twitter) where the whole game is to find cats on Google Maps. Some are sunbathing on sidewalks; others are caught mid-stroll or napping in unexpected places. Welcome to the wild world of Google Maps Cats!
Google Maps Cats takes digital cat spotting to a whole new level
The inspiration behind Google Maps Cats
How does one even come up with the idea to search for cats on Google Maps?
For the creator of Google Maps Cats, it all started during a holiday in Croatia in May 2024. She was casually exploring local attractions on Google Maps when something unusual popped up—an attraction called “Uli the Cat.” Uli wasn’t your typical landmark, but a real cat who had become a street icon in Rijeka. Intrigued by this peculiar find, she was inspired to search for more feline sightings on Google Street View.
“When I found Uli the Cat, it was such an unexpected joy,” the creator, who prefers to remain anonymous, shares. “I thought, ‘If there’s one cat on Google Maps, how many more are out there?’ And from that moment, I started hunting for them.”
Since then, she’s been on a mission to collect as many cat sightings as possible, documenting them all on X. While Google Maps Cats is currently only on the platform, she’s working on an interactive map that will soon showcase all of her digital feline discoveries.
Talk about taking cat spotting to the next level!
A grumpy friend on Google Street View
After discovering Uli, the creator decided to dig deeper. She explored Uli’s hangout spot on Street View, hoping to find him or perhaps some feline friends. Her efforts weren’t wasted. She came across a grumpy but undeniably cute cat nearby, cementing her fascination with this newfound hobby.
Now, every time she “drops a pin” on a random street somewhere in the world, she hopes to stumble upon another delightful kitty surprise.
How to find cats on Google Maps?
Finding cats on Google Maps isn’t as straightforward as you might think—it’s mostly a game of chance.
The creator of Google Maps Cats recommends picking a random location on Google Street View and wandering around until you (hopefully) spot a furry friend lounging in a garden, strolling down the sidewalk, or peeking through a window. Sometimes, you’ll get lucky on your first attempt; other times, you might search for hours without finding a single cat.
That said, there are a few strategies to improve your odds.
In countries with rich “cat cultures,” such as Turkey and Greece, you’re more likely to find stray cats near busy public spaces, parks, or coastal areas. In places like the U.K., where outdoor pet ownership is more common, it’s best to focus on quieter residential neighborhoods, especially dead-end streets or front gardens.
“If you want to start your own digital cat hunt, I highly recommend beginning in Istanbul,” says the creator. “It’s almost guaranteed you’ll spot several cats wandering around.”
Japan is another cat lover’s dream. The country is home to famous feline spots like Aoshima Island, known as Cat Island, and Tashirojima, where there’s even a cat shrine. “While exploring Tashirojima on Street View, I found not just cats, but people visiting the island specifically to interact with them,” she explains. “The Street View car documented them having the time of their lives with the local kitties.”
Can’t find any cats? Try cat attractions!
If your cat hunt isn’t going well, don’t fret—there’s another way to track down felines on Google Maps. Try searching for “cat attractions” where people have left reviews. These range from individual celebrity cats to cat cafés, cat parks, or even temples dedicated to our feline friends.
That said, the creator admits that some days are just cat-less. “In the U.S.A., for example, it’s harder to find cats due to the more common indoor cat culture. Some days, I’ll search for hours and come up empty-handed. Other days, I’ll drop into a new street and spot a cat within seconds. It’s all part of the fun and mystery!”
And that’s the magic of it—each successful cat sighting feels like a small victory.
Most memorable cats on Google Maps
After scouring the globe for cats, the creator has come across some truly unforgettable felines. One of her favorite finds is Minouche, a particularly hefty cat in Brussels. “Minouche is one of the chonkiest cats I’ve ever seen,” she laughs. “You can search for it yourself by looking up ‘Le Chat de Bruxelles’ on Google Maps.”
Another memorable moment was when she dropped a pin in Stirling, Scotland. Within less than a minute, she found a cat casually strolling down the street—a serendipitous discovery that made the search worthwhile.
I also love spotting cats with jobs,” she says. “In Japan, I found a cat that’s a stationmaster. In New York, there’s one guarding a video game store. And in Paris, I found a cat helping its owner busk on the streets. These cats aren’t just lounging—they’re making their mark!”
Cats: the perfect blend of adventure and comfort
What makes this cat hunt so rewarding, according to the creator, is the way cats seem to effortlessly balance adventure with comfort.
“It’s always heartwarming to find a cat exploring a new environment, only to spot another one later snuggled up in a windowsill,” she muses. “They truly know how to live.”
And in case you were wondering—yes, she has a cat of her own. “His name is Kevin, and he’s a mischievous little explorer himself,” she says with a smile. “I’ve had him for three years, and he’s always getting into some kind of trouble. Maybe one day I’ll spot him on Google Maps too!”
Ready to start your own Google Maps cat hunt?
If you’re feeling inspired to start your own digital cat search, why not start with some of the cat-rich destinations? Here are a few articles to get you going:
- Cats of Amsterdam: 12 must-see attractions for a feline-inspired trip
- Cats in Tokyo: hidden districts every cat lover should visit
- These historical sites in Athens, Greece, are teeming with cats!
- What to see in Malta in 2 days: the ultimate cat-lover’s sightseeing itinerary
- Gimmelwald, Switzerland: you won’t believe how many cats roam this Alpine village!
- These photos of cats in Positano, Italy, will give you serious wanderlust! (cat lovers’ itinerary included)
- Is Chefchaouen in Morocco the ultimate cat tourist destination?
- Rue Crémieux: this picturesque street in Paris is a cat lover’s dream come true!
- Meet the charming feline residents of Port de Soller in Mallorca
- Must-see monastery in Cyprus: Saint-Nicholas of the Cats
Happy cat spotting! Who knows—your next favorite feline might just be waiting for you on Google Maps.
Pin these Google Maps Cats!
One Response
I love google maps and wandering around on them, I’ve never looked out for cats though. I think I may now though. I actually have one I could add that I found.