Last Updated on 18 August 2026 by Vanessa
Street cats don’t get nearly enough love. While millions of them are out there just trying to survive, most of us walk right by without a second thought. Not Amy Mander. She grabbed her camera, booked a ticket to Thailand and Japan, and set out on a mission to tell their story.
Her latest project, Street Cats of Thailand and Japan, is more than just a photo book. It’s a raw, real look at the lives of these cats. It’s powerful, emotional, and a total eye-opener.
On top of that, the book also serves to raise funds for Kitty Rescuee, an animal welfare organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats in Asia.
So, if you’ve ever loved a cat—or just want to see the world from a different perspective—this book belongs on your shelf.
Amy Mander’s new photo book sheds light on the lives of street cats in Asia
The struggles of street cats in Asia
“In June 2017, I set off on a life-changing journey across Asia, spending a total of six months living in Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan.,” says writer and photographer Amy Mander.
“One thing that immediately caught my attention was the cats. Many of them live on the streets, and these street cats are everywhere in Asia. They lounge on temple steps, weave through market stalls, or dart between scooters on busy roads. They truly seem to embody the spirit of the place. But behind their quiet presence lies a much tougher story.”
“At first, I was excited to see them,” Mander says. “But that quickly changed when I witnessed the ill-treatment of cats and the harsh conditions they were living in. Many were injured, sick, or clearly starving. Without consistent access to food, clean water, or medical care, they rely on luck and the occasional kindness of strangers to survive.”
“However, I also came across many people of goodwill who would feed these cats, even though they had very little food themselves,” she explains.
Related: Add this cat sanctuary treehouse resort near Chiang Mai, Thailand, to your travel plans.
Street cats in Thailand
“Thailand is a shining example of a country where a profound mutual understanding between humans and animals exists. It’s a place where both species coexist harmoniously, respecting and acknowledging each other’s presence in everyday life. This is clearly visible in Udon Thani and several other Thai cities,” Mander says.
“Wild dogs dominate the pavements. Cats and kittens laze around shops. Lizards occupy the walls in hotels, homes, and hostels. Butterflies drift through gardens. And birds pay no attention to your calls; they only look for a brief moment and then move onto the next tree.”
Related: Cats in Thailand – 40 fun facts and trivia.
Street cats of Japan
“From my experience, Japan offers a very different picture when it comes to the treatment of animals. People clearly take priority in daily life, and many animals face neglect or poor treatment. This situation highlights a real need for education and awareness,” Mander explains.
“During my time in Japan, I noticed strange and sometimes troubling relationships between humans and animals. Knowledge among pet owners and practices in zoos often falls short of the compassion we hope for. Greater understanding and care are clearly needed to improve the lives of these animals.”
“Many cats in Japan are feral and tend to move in groups. They are tough, resourceful animals who form close bonds with one another and show loyalty only to the few humans who feed or care for them. Older people in particular often visit their usual spots and leave small portions of tuna. But that tradition is fragile. As this generation ages, many of the cats they once looked after may go hungry.”
Related: Misao and Fukumaru: this grandma and cat duo from Chiba, Japan, will melt your heart!
How the book Street Cats of Thailand and Japan came about
As Mander explored the crowded cities and quiet towns of Thailand and Japan, her camera became her way of telling the story of these cats.
“I felt compelled to document their lives—not just the hardship, but also their resilience and the unexpected beauty in how they connect with the world around them,” she says.
“That’s why I compiled all my images into the book Street Cats of Thailand and Japan. I hope it will raise awareness about street cats in Asia.”
Mander’s work indeed offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of these overlooked animals—from cozy moments curled up in alleyways to the quiet strength they show in the face of neglect and danger.
Every photo captures more than just a cat. It captures a moment of survival, a flash of hope, or a glimpse into a world most people never notice.
With this book, Mander hopes to inspire others to care about these animals who ask for so little, yet deserve so much more.
“In my book Street Cats of Thailand and Japan, I share the lives of these cats to spark conversation and encourage change,” Mander explains. “The stories and images aim to raise awareness, foster understanding, and inspire empathy toward these often-overlooked animals. Teaching younger generations the value of compassion and responsible care is essential to keeping this cycle going.”
Supporting Kitty Rescuee and the street cats of Asia
Half of all book sales go directly to Kitty Rescuee, a leading cat welfare organization in Asia. They provide shelter, medical care, and support to cats in need, and they give them a real chance at a better life.
By buying Street Cats of Thailand and Japan, you get a glimpse into the lives of these cats—and help Kitty Rescuee continue its work.
“Together, we can make a difference and give these feline friends a brighter future,” Mander says.
Related: This photographer spent years following cats in Japan, and the results are purrfection!
Where to find Street Cats of Thailand and Japan?
You can purchase Street Cats of Thailand and Japan directly via Amy Mander’s website. The book itself is small – more like a beautifully curated booklet – but it would make an adorable gift for the cat lover in your life.
About the photographer
Amy Mander is 25, fueled by lipstick, cats, and an unwavering love for Starbucks. She dives headfirst into self-help books and then loses hours scrolling through inspirational quotes on Instagram—her quirky way of navigating the highs and lows of a quarter-life crisis.
Win a copy of this new photo book
Amy Mander is teaming up with Traveling Cats to give away an autographed copy of Street Cats of Thailand and Japan to one lucky reader. The book giveaway is open worldwide, and you can enter by filling in the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Pin Street Cats of Thailand and Japan!
One Response
This is an enlightening and informative article. I appreciated reading this information.
Visiting today from #PoCoLo