Last Updated on 21 April 2025 by Vanessa
Have you ever wondered what the lives of cats of the world are like in different parts of the globe?
From the sun-soaked alleys of Greece, over the sacred groves of Mongolia, to the touristy cat islands of Japan, cats live fascinatingly diverse lives depending on where they are.
Curious?
Readers from around the world have sent us their favorite photos of cats, along with stories about the places they’ve visited and the unique lives of the cats they met. Get ready to discover how cats thrive in the most unexpected and extraordinary locations!
Cats of the world
Ano Mera, Mykonos
Rizes (meaning “roots”) is a folklore farmstead situated in the heart of Mykonos Island. They welcome visitors to enjoy breakfast or a meal at the restaurant. All the ingredients are sourced from their own garden and animals. On the menu are typically Mykonian dishes such as Greek salads, tatziki, tarama, meat recipes, and much more. Through this, they revive the daily life of their ancestors and their heritage.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can also spend the night on the farm and be surrounded by nature.
There are several farm animals on the farmstead, including horses, chicken, and goats. But Rizes has quite a few cas running around as well. The little kitten from the photo was the most sociable of the bunch, and it kept my friend and I company while we were having lunch at the farmstead’s restaurant.
After lunch, we visited the nearby Panagia Tourliani Monastery in Ano Mera, which was teeming with cats.
Submitted by Eric Valette.
Budapest, Hungary
Last summer, I visited Cat Cafe Budapest with my daughter, and we had a wonderful time. The café is cozy and inviting.
While the cats can’t be adopted since they belong to the café, it’s heartwarming to know they’re all rescues. Each one comes from the Macskavilág Alapítvány (Cat World Foundation), which helps the Hungarian strays. It would be great if the café supported adoptions, considering the large number of stray cats in Hungary, but it’s still a lovely place that gives these cats a safe and happy home.
Submitted by Stephan Jankovic.
Cat island Aoshima, Japan
The pictures below have previously been featured in Cat Island in Japan Photobook: Aoshima Island. This picture book is a perfect idea for all fans of “cat island” Aoshima in Japan. With this book, they can admire the beauty and great visulization of this animal with different scenes.
Submitted by Calliope Frank.
Cleveland, Ohio
This cat is living the good life and enjoying the peaceful countryside on a farm in Cleveland Ohio. With the fields stretching out before it, this feline has the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the calm of the evening, making the sunset a daily highlight of farm life.
Submitted by Shirley Behind the Lens.
Kos, Greece
Kos is a beautiful Greek island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, close to the coast of Turkey. Known for its stunning beaches and ancient ruins, it’s also home to a significant population of stray cats. The abundance of felines is partly due to the island’s warm climate, which allows them to thrive year-round, and a cultural tradition of allowing cats to roam freely. While locals and tourists often feed and care for the cats, limited access to widespread spaying and neutering programs has contributed to their growing numbers. Despite their stray status, the cats of Kos are an iconic and endearing part of the island’s charm.
Submitted by Monique Rozendaal of Kattencafé Stripe in Dordrecht.
Lake Como, Italy
I am born and raised near Lake Como, a scenic alpine region in northern Italy. At every light shift, I think how lucky and grateful I am for these wonderful views!
Submitted by Fede Venini.
Laoshan Mountain, South Korea
Laoshan is the second most important place in Taoism. There are cats and also monkeys walking around, but I didn’t see the latter.
Submitted by Bart Vodderie.
Mongolia
Many people in Mongolia share a deep love for cats, much like their neighbors in China. Cats are cherished companions, whether in the bustling city streets of Ulaanbaatar, the cozy yurts (gers) dotting the vast steppes, or even near the sacred groves that hold spiritual significance. Cats in Mongolia are more than pets—they’re part of the rhythm of life in this unique and beautiful land.
Submitted by Bart Vodderie.
Sitges, Spain
Just like last year, I visited Sitges, Spain, to attend one of the world’s biggest movie events: the Sitges Film Festival. Between screenings, I took time to explore the town and meet the cats of Sitges. Some must-visit spots included the tapas bar La Guineu, the Retiro Cinema, and the port. I also captured this adorable kitty on the beach promenade, right in front of the San Sebastian Playa Hotel (now URH Sitges Playa).
Submitted by Gilles Vranckx.
Statesville, USA
This calico cat is the cover model for Akasha by Sandra Cox, a novel about a cat who returns to earth to save the kitten she left behind. She lives in Statesville, North Carolina, a town known for its historic downtown and annual balloon festival.
Submitted by Sandra Cox.
Warwick, England
I spotted these cats on a pumpkin farm in Warwick, a historic town in the West Midlands of England. It is mainly known for its medieval castle and charming countryside. Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, is nearby.
Submitted by Barbara from Words Words Words.
Cats of the World – Which cat stole your heart?
We hope you’ve enjoyed these cats of the world! From cozy city corners to remote cat islands, each photo tells a unique story. Which cat was your favorite? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Do you have your own “cats around the world” photos? Share them with us! You can send them directly, or post them on the Traveling Cats Facebook or tag @TravellingCats on X so we can feature your feline adventures.
Read next: Clowders
f you’re a fan of cats and thrillers, Clowders by Vanessa Morgan is a must-read. This supernatural thriller follows the story of a small town in Luxembourg plagued by a series of mysterious deaths. As the attacks escalate, the residents uncover dark secrets about the cats in their community—and the supernatural forces controlling them. With its eerie atmosphere, unexpected twists, and a chilling connection between cats and the town’s secrets, Clowders offers an unforgettable reading experience. Dive into this gripping tale to discover a new, suspenseful side of cats in fiction.
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