Last Updated on 22 November 2024 by Vanessa
Embark on a global journey with this photo collection of cats living in other countries. Gain insight into their lives, and maybe find potential travel inspiration.
If you want to see your own travel pictures of cats in our “Cats Around the World” series, you can submit them here.
Cats around the world
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a stunning city on the picturesque Turquoise Coast of Turkey, known for its ancient historical landmarks and pristine beaches. As with most destinations in Turkey, Antalya also has a thriving feline community who can be found lurking amidst the alleys, sleeping on walls and in doorways, or prowling along rooftops.
The cats of Antalya, although mostly strays, are an important part of the city’s culture. Cats are well looked after and respected by the Turkish people, who are known to put out bowls of water and food for them to eat. There are many reasons for this, both culturally and religious, and cats have been treated with kindness in the country for centuries. The Ottomans are known to have been cat lovers, often portraying them in their artwork and literature. It is also believed that the cat was the Prophet Mohammad’s favourite animal, and therefore most Muslims throughout the world take good care of the cats they encounter.
Cats can be found all over the city of Antalya, from the winding streets of Kaleici, the Old Town of Antalya, to the bustling bazaars, so sleeping under tables in Antalya’s restaurants.
The cat pictured is sleeping on an ancient wall opposite Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya Old Town.
Submitted by Louisa Smith from the travel blog The Turkey Traveler.
Barcelona, Spain
I spotted this cat last week when in Barcelona, Spain. It’s the resident cat from Centro Anandi, a spiritual center where you can follow yoga, meditation, and belly dance lessons; where you can enjoy massages and reiki; or where you can buy artisan candles, healing gemstones, etc.
Want to meet this cat as well?
Centro Anandi is situated on the Carrer de la Mare de déu dels desemparats near the metro station Fontanera. Also nearby are the famous Parque Güell and the Barcelona cat café Espai de Gats.
Submitted by Gilles Vranckx.
Battle Ground, Washington, USA
Meet Aurora, the feline companion of author Marilyn Conner Miles. While Aurora predominantly resides indoors, she relishes outdoor excursions on a leash. They live in the country, and there are too many predators around, including coyotes, owls, hawks, and sometimes bears and cougars.
Submitted by Marilyn Conner Miles.
Clovelly, England
This cat lives in Clovelly, a picturesque village located in the county of Devon, England, and known for its steep cobbled streets, traditional fishing harbor, and unique charm.
Jutting out into the Bristol Channel, the historic pier, once a lifeline for the local fishing industry, now stands as a testament to Clovelly’s maritime heritage.
Submitted by Gilles Vranckx.
Gümüslük, Turkey
This black cat lives a tranquil life in Gümüşlük, a coastal village on Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula. It’s known for its historical roots as the ancient city of Myndos, visible underwater. The village offers a serene escape with seafood eateries, a blend of traditional and modern influences, and a tranquil ambiance. Gümüşlük’s beaches and underwater ruins attract those seeking both history and relaxation.
Submitted by Jay Artale, author of the Bodrum Peninsula Travel Guide: Turkey’s Aegean Gem.
Jerusalem, Israel
I spotted this cat in Liberty Bell Park in Jerusalem, Israel. Cats are abundant here, mainly because of their historical importance, cultural links, effective rat control in the city’s close quarters, community care, and adaptability to urban life driven by tourism and tradition.
Submitted by Animal Shelter Volunteer Life.
Key West, Florida, USA
Don’t you just want to sit by that pool with a good book, an iced coffee, and the resident cat to keep you company?
Where is this inviting scene set? At the tropical oasis of the Simonton Court Historic Inn, nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, Florida. This boutique hotel offers a mere stroll to renowned historic sites like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (which is the home of 45 cats).
Submitted by Andrea on Vacation.
Kunming, China
I came across an adorable scene in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province: a cat comfortably perched atop a dog sporting sunglasses. Xu Ming, the owner of the animals, has several cats and dogs and takes them all out for a walk together. Ming affectionately described the duo as “brothers,” revealing that the cat hops on the dog’s back for a ride whenever it needs a break from walking.
Submitted by China Navis.
Peterborough, Canada
This adorable ginger puss belongs to the blogger behind Ditching the Black Dog. They both live in Peterborough, a city located in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Submitted by Ditching the Black Dog.
Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA
This cats live at the Caboodle Ranch Cat Sanctuary in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Spanning across 10 hectares of land, Caboodle Ranch forms a scaled-down city for cats, with over 500 homeless rescues residing in miniature houses and malls throughout the area.
Submitted by Caboodle Ranch cat sanctuary.
Reykjavik, Iceland
A giant Christmas cat called Jólakötturinn is erected as part of Reykjavik’s yuletide decorations. The illuminated cat sculpture is located in Lækjartorg Square. Jólakötturinn is said to be an evil cat that eats people who have not received new clothes to wear before Christmas.
Submitted by Katie from the travel blog Trekking the Dream.
Valdivia, Chile
This cute white kitty lives in Valdivia, located in southern Chile’s Los Ríos Region. Nestled at the confluence of the Calle-Calle and Valdivia Rivers and close to the Pacific Ocean, it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.
Visitors can explore historical sites like the Valdivia Fort System while immersing themselves in local culture at museums like the Museo Histórico y Antropológico Maurice van de Maele. Surrounded by lush forests and hills, Valdivia is a destination well worth visiting for those seeking both historical insights and the tranquility of nature.
Submitted by anonymous.
Wingrave, England
Is this England’s meanest cat?
Residents in Wingrave, Buckinghamshire, carry water pistols for protection against this five-year-old Turkish Van who listens to the name of Oscar. One victim spent six days in hospital after Oscar the cat mauled his right arm and sank his teeth into his left thumb all the way to the bone. Children can’t walk down the alley to the school. They all know about the cat, and they are all frightened it’s going to get them. His behavior is so bad even the cat sitter refuses to help out.
When Oscar the Turkish Van went missing for a few days, villagers were relieved. Unfortunately, the “Lion of Wingrave” returned. Only owner Caroline Hughes says Oscar is a sweetheart. “He’s so lovable he even appeared in an Ikea advert in 2010.” However, Oscar is now under house arrest.
Submitted by Stephan Jankovic.
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