Last Updated on 29 April 2025 by Vanessa
Welcome to the latest edition of Cats Around the World. This is where we showcase the travel photos of cats captured by none other than you, our fantastic community.
This edition features cats from different corners of the world – from the streets of Athens and the charming village of Bohan-sur-Semois in the Belgian Ardennes to the arid landscapes of the Thar desert in India and the iconic Villa Borghese gardens in Rome. No matter where we go, our furry friends are taking center stage.
Get ready to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and landscapes, all thanks to the presence of our global cat companions.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the purr-sonalities of cats worldwide!
Cats around the world
Athens, Greece
The streets of Athens are filled with crumbling ruins that make forgetting its ancient history impossible. And whilst it’s difficult to imagine them in their former glory, a silent community thrives here: the roaming cats of Athens. Wherever you turn, cats lounge in the warm Athenian heat, using pillars for shade and tourists as entertainment.
The cats in Athens are loved by locals, who regularly leave out food and water for the friendly creatures. And whilst some are content to be left alone, many come padding up to say a friendly hello. They have become integral to the city’s charm and are as much a part of the city as the buildings around them.
Submitted by Kizzi Webster from the travel blog Off To Get Lost.
Bohan-sur-Semois, Belgium
I found these two kitties in 2013 while on holiday in Bohan-sur-Semois, a charming village along the Semois river in the Belgian Ardennes, just two kilometers (roughly 1.242742 miles) from the French border.
The village is surrounded by hills and features a main square with a 17th-century church, bars, restaurants, and small shops with local specialties and souvenirs. The area is dotted with camping and holiday parks, many hiking and biking trails, and lots of kayak opportunities.
Submitted by Gilles Vranckx.
Calcata Vecchia, Italy
Impossible to imagine a hilltop village in central Italy without its colony of felines. Take Calcata Vecchia, for example, which sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by forests 50 km north of Rome.
The village was destined to decay in the 1960s, before artists arrived. Coming from all over the world, these free spirits saw Calcata Vecchia as the perfect place to practice their arts independently.
And cats proved to be their best companions. You’ll find them perched on the doorways of old houses sunbathing, or chasing each other down cobblestones alleys. Forget medieval walls and artists’ workshops, the center stage here is held by the cats.
Calcata’s cats are healthy and happy; there is always some kind soul looking after them. The artists’ village has now become the village of artists and cats. If you love taking pictures of cute cats while you travel, you should definitely stop by.
Submitted by Lisa from the travel blog Rome Travelogues.
Clervaux Castle, Luxembourg
Visitors to this cultural and historical landmark in the heart of Luxembourg will likely encounter the renowned Clervaux Castle cat, often found near the fortress entrance.
By the way, Clervaux and its cats play a notable role in the supernatural thriller Clowders. In the novel, a family’s idyllic move to Luxembourg takes a sinister turn when the death of a cat leads to a series of eerie events, each accompanied by a clowder of cats. As paranoia envelops the town, the family questions whether they face collective fear or an unspeakable evil.
Submitted by Stephan Jankovic.
Cordes sur Ciel, France
Perched on a hilltop in Southern France lies the charming bastide Cordes sur Ciel. The cobblestone streets, ivy-covered stone homes, and sky blue shutters will make you think you were transported into Charles Perrault’s fairy tale world of Cinderella. The streets were virtually empty when we visited in January, so my partner and I explored all of the tiny alleyways and steps. Little cats would come out and walk alongside us everywhere we went. This little kitty quickly became our friend and wouldn’t leave our side.
Submitted by Cecilia Jade Kern Fix.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The moment I set foot in Croatia, I was bewitched by an army of feline companions that seemed to be everywhere. These cats wandered around the streets, alleys, and every possible corner. Even as a self-proclaimed dog enthusiast, I found myself drawn to the cats of Croatia.
Submitted by Weird and Cool Stuff.
Gattières, France
With its winding streets and panoramic views of the French Riviera, the hilltop village of Gattières is known as one of the most picturesque of the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. Its medieval streets gain an extra touch of beauty with the presence of this tuxedo cat exploring its surroundings.
Ischia, Italy
I found this fluffy cat in Ischia, a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, located off the coast of Naples, Italy.
The cat is part of my book Cats of Italy/Gatti d’Italia, which features 72 photos along with a collection of 64 quotes about cats. The quotes come from various sources—everyone from Sigmund Freud to Jules Verne to Charles Dickens and even contemporary figures like journalist George F. Will.
Submitted by Janet Wellington.
Koningslo, Belgium
Is this the chubbiest cat in Europe?
He can barely budge and can’t groom himself. But according to his humans, he’s on a diet.
Submitted by Stephan Jankovic.
Mexico City, Mexico
These cuties were living in an abandoned building in Mexico City. Luckily, there was a gap between the door so they could come and go, we saw them multiple times lazing at the door, sticking their heads out, and watching the world go by.
Submitted by Sally Rodrick from the travel blog Sally Sees.
Parque Merendas, Carvoeiro, Portugal
I found this beautiful cat keeping company with a tiny little leashed Chihuahua out on a walk. They were of the same family, but only the dog needed a leash. The cat was clearly very responsible, avoiding other dogs and cars as they drove by, despite being extremely interested in the birds at the park. The owner, an elderly woman, walked them every day around the park, Parque Merendas. It’s in Carvoeiro, Portugal, part of the Algarve.
Submitted by Tammi Kaeberlein from the travel blog Wander Healthy.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
This mom cat and her kittens live in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zanzibar renowned for its blend of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. This historic town also boasts narrow winding streets, spice markets, stunning seafront views, and landmarks like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort.
Submitted by Geraldine Monahan.
Thar desert in Jaisalmer, India
These kitties live in the golden sand dunes of the Thar desert in Jaisalmer, India. They are probably part of one of the many nomadic communities that live here.
Submitted by anonymous.
Tulum, Mexico
Meet Lumi.
Lumi is a cat who lives in La Botanica, one of the most populr hostels in Tulum, Mexico. He shares space with other felines and makes frequent appearnaces in the hostel’s kitchen when it’s time to eat.
Submitted by Stacy Thompson from the travel blog Explore Baja California.
Ventebran, France
Near Aix-en-Provence is a pretty village perched at the top of a hill: Ventabren. It is known for the remains of its Château of Queen Jeanne, the picturesque surrounding countryside, cobbled streets, lots of flowers, and… a couple of cats that were featured in the book The French Cat.
On my second visit to Ventabren, I came across Romeo dozing on a fence post. As soon as he saw me, he hopped off, stretching, and wandered over, obviously wondering where we were off to this time. He even turned up again later that evening when I returned to see if I’d missed any cats. I wonder if he’ll recognise me again when we return later in the year to photograph some of the dogs of Ventabren.
Persian had the perfect vantage point from which to watch the goings-on in the village square in Ventabren. It was dusk when I discovered him. The locals were out and about walking their dogs or on their way to a popular restaurant around the corner. A couple, intrigued by my activities, stopped to admire Persian as I was photographing him: ‘Un chat qui ressemble à Garfield,’ the man said. He was right. The big ginger Persian did indeed resemble Garfield.
Submitted by Rachael McKenna.
Villa Borghese in Rome, Italy
Villa Borghese is a large public park in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is mainly known for its elegant gardens and iconic landmarks like the Galleria Borghese. The villa houses an impressive art collection, including works by renowned artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
Just behind the cats is the zoo of Rome: Bioparco. If you look closely, you’ll see that the first cat has a gecko under its paw.
Submitted by Gilles Vranckx.
Conclusion
Did you like checking out these cool cat pictures from all over the world? Which one was your favorite?
If you want YOUR photography to be part of the next batch, then why not share it with us on Twitter or Facebook. We’d love to feature your cats!
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