Last Updated on 20 June 2025 by Vanessa
What if I told you there’s a book that feels like it was made just for fans of this site? It’s called Cats of the World.
Since 2013, I’ve been exploring the beautiful intersection of cats, travel, and culture—from alleyway kitties in Tokyo to tabbies in the ruins of Pompeii. Now, Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila have tackled that same passion in Cats of the World. This isn’t just a photo book. It’s a soulful, visually rich chronicle of a shared obsession: cats and the people who love them, everywhere.
Read on to find out why this book is a must-have for your collection and how it captures the very heart of what I’ve been celebrating for years.
Cats of the World by Hannah Shaw and Andrew Marttila
Cats of the World book giveaway
Before we dive into our review of Cats of the World, did you know that you can win a copy of this book? The giveaway is open worldwide and ends July 21, 2025. To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
Documenting kindness, care, and community
The journey began with a trip to Malaysia in 2019.
Shaw and Marttila had no idea that a few snapshots of local cats would spark a global movement. Some followers responded with comments implying that people in Malaysia (and possibly other non-Western countries) mistreat or don’t care for cats.
Shaw and Marttila said they were not based on fact, but on generalized, harmful assumptions. It made the pair doubled down on their mission: to document the kindness, care, and community that cats receive around the world. From that moment, Cats of the World was born.
31 countries, 100 cities
Over the span of five years, Shaw and Marttila visited 31 countries and 100 cities, capturing over 750 photographs.
I’ve featured many of these cat-centric spots in detail here on Traveling Cats—from Amsterdam’s cat museum and the Cat Boat shelter, to the colorful streets of San Juan, Montmartre Cemetery in Paris, Parque del Buen Retiro in Madrid, Rome’s Romeow Cat Bistrot and Largo di Torre Argentina, and even the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Ephesus in Izmir, the Acropolis of Athens, Yanaka Cemetery in Tokyo, cat island Fukuoka, Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, among many others.
Marttila’s lens work is nothing short of breathtaking. Each image does more than document; it elevates.
You’ll find graceful poses in front of iconic landmarks, perfectly timed shots capturing jumps and funny expressions, clowders of cats gathering wherever there’s food, and curious kitties striking poses against stunning city skylines.
Marttila uses treats like Churu to coax his feline subjects into frame, resulting in portraits that are both candid and majestic.
What makes these images extraordinary, however, isn’t just the variety of backdrops—from spice markets to snowy mountaintops—but the shared humanity that threads through every feline encounter.
Countries featured in Cats of the World
- Malaysia
- Chile
- Netherlands
- Puerto Rico
- Oman
- France
- South Africa
- Croatia
- Japan
- Dominican Rupublic
- Kuwait
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Uruguay
- Thailand
- England
- United States
- Kenya
- Argentina
- United Arab Emirates
- Turkey
- Spain
- Australia
- Italy
- Peru
- Finland
- Tanzania
- Mexico
- India
- Greece
- Nepal
- Montenegro
Click on any country in the list to meet its feline residents and explore their lives.
Visual storytelling at its finest
The lives of these cats are stunning and diverse. In Mumbai, for example, cats often have multiple homes, drifting between families that each offer a piece of their heart. And in Nepal, resourceful rescuers feed kittens yak milk when formula is scarce. (This reminded me of the cats in Hiriwadunna, Sri Lanka, sipping coconut milk straight from the shell.)
More than just pretty pictures
However, what sets this book apart from others—and even from this website—is the human element.
In her writing, Shaw places a deep emphasis on the people who care for these animals, and they show us that love for cats is something that transcends borders. The book doesn’t dive deeply into local history or politics, but it does touch lightly on the environments the cats live in—just enough to set the scene. The real focus is always the relationship between people and their feline companions.
One of these inspiring individuals is Travis Nelson, whom I also interviewed for his story Sigrid Rides—a real-life tale about his cycling cat, Sigrid, who has explored more of the English capital than most Londoners ever will. The pair introduces Shaw and Marttila to many of the pub cats of London, including Churchill from The Old Eagle Pub whom I met in 2019.
Another perspective
That said, while the book is heartwarming, it doesn’t present the full reality. Yes, there are thankfully many cat lovers across the globe—thank goodness for that. But the truth is, in some places, cats are still seen more as pests than pets. Locals may act differently when tourists are around, but there are still heartbreaking stories of poisoning and mistreatment, especially near hotels and restaurants where cats are considered a nuisance. It’s not a pleasant truth, but it’s important to acknowledge—because well-intentioned travelers feeding or encouraging cats in certain areas can sometimes do more harm than good.
Things are slowly changing for the better, but we’re not quite there yet.
To be clear, Shaw and Marttila aren’t claiming that every cat around the world is safe and loved. They know—like many of us do—that animal welfare varies wildly from place to place, and even from one neighborhood to the next. But Cats of the World isn’t meant to be a deep dive into global animal rights. It’s a celebration of the compassion that does exist everywhere—often in quiet, overlooked moments.
Their choice to focus on the positive is deliberate: to challenge harmful stereotypes, spark empathy, and remind us of the good that’s out there.
If you’re looking for a raw, unfiltered exposé on the challenges facing street cats worldwide, this book isn’t that. But if you’re looking for hope, connection, and proof that kindness knows no borders, Cats of the World delivers all that—and more.
Is Cats of the World worth your time?
If you’re looking for a book that combines global adventure with heartwarming storytelling and next-level photography, this is it.
The photography is easily the strongest element, delivering awe-inspiring visuals of cats in every conceivable setting. But the surprise star is the writing, which adds depth and context rarely seen in photo-centric books. Shaw’s words give life to the humans behind the cats—their routines, their challenges, and their deeply personal connections with the animals they care for.
Pros:
- Heartwarming
- Breathtaking photography that captures the spirit of each cat and setting
- Polished, thoughtful writing that complements the visuals
Cons:
- Doesn’t fully address the harsher realities many street cats face worldwide
- Not ideal for those seeking a travel guide or historical deep dive
Kindle vs. hardcover
I also checked out the Kindle version of Cats of the World. Since the book is so well written, it can definitely be read on an ereader as well. However, because of the nature of the device, the pictures are too small to truly be enjoyed. They look great on a computer or iPad, though.
So yes, you’ll definitely enjoy the book on Kindle too. But if the visual aspect is what draws you to this book, I highly recommend purchasing the hardcover edition.
Final thoughts on Cats of the World
Have you read Cats of the World? What did you think? Did a particular photo or story stick with you? Let me know in the comments below.
If not, you can grab a copy on Amazon today and see for yourself why cat lovers around the world are falling in love with it.
Are you looking for even more books that explore the intersection of cats and travel? Be sure to check out my other reviews, including:
- Cats Who Changed the World
- Cats of Greece & Scenic Places
- Nicolai and the Cats of Skiathos
- Travels of Suki the Adventure Cat
- Shop Cats of China
- Clowders
- Neko Land
- The Cat With Three Passports
- The French Cat
- And many others!
