Last Updated on 4 July 2025 by Vanessa
Gilles Dusouchet’s coffee table book Chats autour du monde (Cats Around the World), published by GEO in 2005, traces the history of cats from ancient Egypt to their widespread presence alongside humans. GEO’s album features photos of cats in various landscapes, from polar regions to Tibetan monasteries. The author invites readers to understand the cultural significance of these creatures and their impact on societies worldwide.
Chats autour de monde – Gilles Dusouchet
The journey of the cat spans vast distances. Originating in the Near East as the first domesticated companion, revered by the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, cats embarked on a remarkable conquest of the world. They traversed new frontiers alongside merchants, pioneers, and monks, venturing into uncharted territories.
GEO’s exquisite album contains many stunning photos of cats from diverse corners of the globe. It embarks on an exploration of the feline’s footprints across all latitudes, delving deep into the varying cultural perceptions of cats and their significant roles within different societies.
From the icy realms of the polar circle to the sun-drenched landscapes of the Sahara, from Tibetan monasteries to the picturesque Greek Cyclades, cats have made their presence known. These creatures have inspired the most beautiful tales as well as the worst nightmares. They were burned alongside witches during the Inquisition, yet cherished as ardently as lovers by the Romantics. Cats have encountered and withstood all manner of experiences before being celebrated by the greatest artists.
Gilles Dusouchet’s book beckons us to follow in the pawprints of these feline explorers.
To give you a glimpse of what to anticipate, here are a few of the featured cats from Chats autour du monde.
Guellala, Djerba
The cat in the above picture was spotted in Guellala, Djerba (an island located in the southern part of Tunisia). The town of Guellala is renowned for its pottery and steeped in a rich tradition where the art of vase making has been handed down through generations, from fathers to sons.
Pyay, Myanmar
In the village of Pyay, Myanmar, a girl plays with the neighborhood cats. On the girl’s cheeks and nose is a substance from the thanakha tree, which serves as both makeup and sunscreen. Her feline companions will soon take refuge in the shadows, between the pillars that carry the house.
Yangon, Myanmar
Meet the resident cat of the Paya Shwedagon in Yangon, Myanmar. Standing tall at an impressive height of 99 meters (325 ft), the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda shines resplendently, adorned entirely in golden splendor. Renowned as the oldest pagoda in existence, its ancient legacy echoes through the ages.
Essaouira, Morocco
An intense moment between a fiery ginger cat and a majestic black pelican bird in Essaouira, Morocco. The cat, brimming with feline agility, pounces forward with focused determination, while the giant black pelican spreads its wings in a defensive stance. The clash of the two creatures creates an atmosphere of raw energy and natural instinct.
Valletta, Malta
Positioned at the bow of a fishing boat in the Maltese port of Valletta, this cat has nothing to fear from a foreign invasion. Just like Sweden, Ireland and the United Kingdom, Malta has banned the entry of pets on its territory to prevent animal diseases such as rabies. As such, this kitty can bask in the sun with reckless abandon.
Notre Dame de Paris, France
This Siamese cat is enjoying a magnificent view of the Notre Dame de Paris, at the quay of the river Seine. An example of French Gothic architecture, this Catholic cathedral is one of the biggest and most famous in the world. If you climb the 387 steps, you’ll see the cathedral’s famous gargoyles up close and have a panoramic view over Paris and its cats.
Place de la Bastille in Paris, France
This Chartreux cat and its owner pose at the famous Place de la Bastille in Paris. The Place de la Bastille is a symbol of the French Revolution, and refers to the fortress that was destroyed between 1789 and 1790.
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