Cat Havens; Five Places in the World Where Cats Outnumber Humans

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - It is undeniable that cats are the world’s most popular pets. They even outshine dogs in the United States. It is also a fascinating fact that some places around the globe have more cats than people.

As reported by Time Out, this article reveals five places in the world where cats outnumber humans.

1. Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan

Houtong, Taiwan, is definitely a feline haven. More than just neighbors, cats are adored by the entire village. A cat-friendly platform has been built on the bridge connecting the shopping area and the train station to accommodate the furry residents. Visitors can often spot cats relaxing beneath souvenir stands or lounging in cat-themed restaurants.

2. Hemingway Home and Museum, Florida Keys

The legendary author Ernest Hemingway is a unique figure. His love affair with feline began with a six-toed cat given by a sailor, which was later named Snow White. Allowed to roam and reproduce freely, the cats take over his Key West home and transform it into a feline sanctuary. 

Today, approximately 60 polydactyl cats call the Hemingway estate home. Hemingway even installed a garden fountain where they could quench their thirst under the Florida sun.

3. Ainoshima Island, Japan

On the small Japanese island of Ainoshima, cats are estimated to outnumber humans by a staggering ten to one. Originally arriving as stowaways on fishing boats infested with rats, they were welcomed by local fishermen as natural pest control. Today, these pampered cats roam freely around the harbor, where they are showered with treats by both fishermen and tourists.

4. British Museum, London

In the 1960s, the British Museum faced an unusual pest problem. To combat the infestation of rats and pigeons, the museum adopted cats. Surprisingly, the population quickly grew out of control and swelled to hundreds of semi-feral cats as they were not neutered.

Eventually, a charity was formed to rehome these museum cats, but not before sensationalist news reports attributed superhuman intelligence to them due to their proximity to priceless artifacts.

5. Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkiye, has rightfully earned its nickname as ‘Cat City’. These feline residents are a common sight around iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia. They have even been granted official permission to roam freely within the city’s mosque.

Although many of them are independent and untamed, human residents generously provide food to ensure these furry inhabitants are well-nourished. It is believed that the city’s stray cat population has existed for thousands of years, making them as much a part of Istanbul’s heritage as its historical monument.

KARUNIA PUTRI | TIME OUT

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