Last Updated on 15 July 2025 by Vanessa
Following the immense success of his book Shop Cats of Hong Kong, photographer Marcel Heijnen embarked on a journey to explore the broader landscape of China and its feline companions, resulting in the creation of his latest photo book, Shop Cats of China. The book is not only visually stunning but also heartwarming and infused with humor. Above all, it transports you to a world that is likely very different from your own.
Traveling Cats had a conversation with the photographer to delve into the creative process behind crafting this book and to uncover the prime locations in China where cat enthusiasts can encounter these charming creatures.
So, grab yourself a cup of cat-puccino, and let’s immerse ourselves in the world of Chinese cats and the shops they call home.
Shop Cats of China by Marcel Heijnen
From the Netherlands to China
It all started in 1992 when Marcel decided to relocate from the Netherlands to Singapore.
Initially, work served as the primary motivation for the move. He would frequently visit Hong Kong, and because he quickly developed a fondness for this city, he asked his superiors if there was a possibility to move there for work.
In hindsight, he believes that his growing interest in photography played a significant part in this because Hong Kong inspired him so much more than Singapore.
Shop Cats of Hong Kong
When Marcel finally moved to Hong Kong in 2015, he noticed something interesting about the city: Many shopkeepers kept cats as pets to protect their goods from mice and rats, especially in traditional stores in the older districts.
It didn’t take long before Marcel found his niche and started taking pictures of shopkeepers and their cat companions in various stores across the city.
In 2016, Marcel launched his first photo book, Shop Cats of Hong Kong, featuring mostly photos from Hong Kong’s Sai Ying Pun district. These photos went viral, and the book is already in its 8th edition.
Shop cats in other parts of China
Even before that first book about Hong Kong’s shop cats was released, I wondered if the phenomenon could be a thing in mainland China, too,” Marcel writes in his book Shop Cats of China.
He began traveling and exploring with his camera in hand. Starting in Guangzhou, the project took him to around ten different parts of China, including the bustling city of Shangai and the much slower-paced Guangdong province.
Some had more shop cats than others, but it was especially in the older areas that Marcel found his favorite feline photo subjects.
The book Shop Cats of China took about four years and numerous trips to complete.
Just like with Shop Cats of Hong Kong, the cat is once again essential, but sometimes, a feline just becomes an excuse to shoot a particular shop.
These convenience stores, grocers, hairdressers and rug stalls are unlike any you’ve seen in western countries. They are colorful, chaotic, and filled to the brim, and they sometimes have chickens running around, not to mention the cats.
“My photos are about much more than just the cats,” Marcel explains. “I am always looking for a good backdrop that conveys something about the culture, and the relationship between the cat and the shop owner is also something I find beautiful to capture.”
Marcel continues, “I also enjoy creating ‘search images,’ where you have to find the cat in the picture in a ‘Where’s Wally?‘ style, amidst a busy background filled with almost timeless shops.
“I am also quite particular about the angles I use, aiming for as many straight lines in the composition as possible,” Marcel says. “Sharpness is crucial in this series; I want viewers to discover plenty of details in the background. And, of course, there’s an element of humor.”
Capturing the best shots
The Shop Cats of China book is made all the more special when you understand the time and patience that went into capturing these images.
Marcel often has to stroll for hours or even days before he finds a cat in a perfect setting.
“I return frequently to the same place,” Marcel admits. “This worked especially well in Hong Kong because I lived in a district with many shop cats, so I often passed by the same stores to see where they were perched. That’s how the book Shop Cats of Hong Kong came to be. For Mainland China, I achieved it by traveling extensively to different cities, but even there, I frequently revisited the same locations.”
“What works best for me is waiting and being patient,” he continues. “Sometimes, I spot a cat in a delightful situation and make sure to capture a photo immediately because the situation can change in a heartbeat – the cat might walk away, or, on the contrary, come closer. Then, I linger around to see if anything changes, if I can capture even better compositions and angles of the same scene.”
Cats in Chinese culture
While it’s impossible to generalize, the popularity of keeping cats as pets has been on the rise in urban areas of China, particularly among the younger generation. Cats are appreciated for their companionship, and internet culture further contributes to their popularity through cute cat videos and social media accounts dedicated to our feline friends.
Traditional dried-food stores in some Chinese communities (such as the ones featured in Shop Cats of Hong Kong and Shop Cats of China) often also keep cats as pets. This practice is rooted in cultural beliefs that associate cats with good fortune and protection against evil spirits. Cats are believed to bring positive energy to the environment, ensuring the well-being of the store and its products, particularly in places like Hong Kong and Guangdong where such stores are prevalent. The presence of a cat is seen as not only symbolically beneficial but also practically helpful in controlling pests, making it a cultural and practical choice for these traditional establishments.
“I was surpised to see how enthusiastically the Chinese shop owners responded to my work, and how proud they are of their cats,” Marcel says. “They really enjoyed the fact that there are now books about it.”
Where to find cats in China
Browsing through Marcel’s books will likely inspire you to visit China and meet these charming cats. But where are these felines hiding out?
“In Hong Kong, you’ll find them mainly in the Sai Ying Pun district, known for its abundance of dried seafood and medicinal stores, as well as in Tai Po, Mong Kok, and Sham Shui Po,” says Marcel.
“In China, I encountered them primarily in the southern Chinese cities of the Guangdong province. A similar culinary culture to the one in Hong Kong prevails here (Cantonese), with a focus on dried seafood, etc. Cats can often be found in such stores.”
Marcel continues, “They can even be spotted in large metropolises like Shanghai, especially in the older, more chaotic neighborhoods. The smaller city of Shantou was where I discovered the most shop cats, and it’s also a remarkably beautiful city.”
Unfortunately, these old-fashioned stores are vanishing across China due to changes in culture and the economy. That means that there is some urgency if you want to see cats in settings such as the ones featured in Marcel’s books.
Does Marcel himself have a cat?
“Yes, we have three cats at home: Alley, Tora, and Rizo,” Marcel says. “All three are adopted Hong Kong street cats with whom we moved from Hong Kong to Amsterdam in 2023.”
Plans for the future
“I have a career as a graphic designer behind me, and I still design regularly, although not full-time.” Marcel says. “In the past, I focused a lot on branding and packaging. Nowadays, I’m more into cultural projects like books (both for myself and other artists/photographers), posters for concerts, etc.”
“Both my wife and I are musicians as well. I’m a singer-songwriter, and she’s a violinist. We currently run a music studio in Amsterdam (@godown020), so that keeps us busy.”
“There are a couple of other photo series that I might release as books in the future, but I can’t say for sure at the moment.”
Conclusion – Who is Shop Cats of China for?
Looking for the perfect feline-inspired gift?
Shop Cats of China is a fantastic choice. What sets it apart is the richness of each photo – there’s an abundance of detail and content to discover. You can flip through it over and over again, and each time, you’ll stumble upon something new.
The photos are complemented by stories about the shop cats as well as a foreword by Catharine Nicol and haikus written by Ian Row, providing a glimpse into the innermost thoughts of these feline companions.
The photographer’s often humorous perspective makes the book more than just visually pleasing. He’s always on the lookout for odd poses, funny expressions, and unusual sleeping spots.
And, of course, it’s hard to resist the “find-the-cat” photos – the images with hidden feline friends. It’s often difficult to spot these cats amongst all the life, color and produce, but it’s a really fun pursuit trying to find them.
Not only is Shop Cats of China a great gift for cat enthusiasts, but it also doubles as an educational tool for children. The book offers insights into Chinese culture, and the “find-the-cat” photos make it an engaging and fun learning experience.
Now available in paperback, Shop Cats of China was published by Thames & Hudson.
If you like this photo series, please follow Marcel Heijnen on Instagram @chinesewhiskers, purchase his books, and share this post with your friends and on social media.
6 responses
Awww, so many beautiful cats. We love all kitties and are so happy we have two happy kitties living here.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. ♥
So many amazing cats to enjoy
Thank you so much for sharing these fascinating photos with us at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2024/02/le-musee-dart-sacre.html
That is so cool that they can wander among the masses unharmed. Love all the photos. May have to check out his book.
so many wonderful photos, I’m now following on Instagram.
Thank you for sharing this story with us at #pocolo. It’s fascinating to hear about the relationship with the cats and their owners. I often take snaps of my cat and play ‘spot the cat’ as she hides in the most bizarre places. I particularly loved the cat and the Buddha.