Cats Around the World: How Felines Are Loved and Celebrated Globally

Wherever you go, if you stop and look closely, chances are you’ll find a cat – lounging on a café chair in Istanbul, staring out from a windowsill in Rome, or gracefully strolling through ancient ruins in Athens like they own the place. (and they do.)

Cats are universal. And although every country has its quirks, some cultures just get cats. From sacred companions to street celebrities, this article explores how cats are celebrated, protected, and downright adored around the world.

And trust me, there are some places I’d gladly swap passports with a local feline. (Scroll down for that list)

Cats in Ancient and Modern Egypt

Egypt is often the first place people associate with cats in history – and for good reason. The ancient Egyptians worshipped a cat-headed goddess, Bastet, who symbolized protection, home, and fertility. Cats were mummified, mourned, and killing one (even accidentally!) was a serious offense.

Fast forward to today, and while Egypt’s feline worship may be less formal, street cats still roam freely and are generally respected. Cairo’s backstreets and temples still echo with the pawsteps of this ancient affection.

Japan: Spiritual Companions and Pop Culture Icons

I’ve already written a full article about Japan’s feline mystique – Cats in Japanese Art and Mythology, so let’s summarize: Japan loves cats. Period.

From ancient spiritual roots to modern internet fame, Japan has elevated the cat to both sacred symbol and national sweetheart. The iconic Maneki-neko (the beckoning cat) greets customers at the doors of restaurants and shops, paw raised in invitation – each variation meant to bring wealth, luck, or protection.

And if you think that’s charming, wait until you hear about Aoshima, Tashirojima, and other so-called Cat Islands – places literally overrun with felines, often outnumbering humans. These cats are not just left alone; they’re fed, photographed, and revered as good omens.

What makes Japan stand out in the landscape of cats in different cultures is the way it blends ancient reverence with modern obsession. You’ll find cats in temples, manga, video games, cafés, and even in train stations – like the famous stationmaster cat, Tama, who wore a little hat and had her own office.

Cats in Japan are viewed not only as lucky and sacred but also as deeply comforting, especially in busy urban life. They’ve become symbols of tranquility, cuteness (kawaii), and even productivity (yes, office cats are a thing). And of course, they are extremely photogenic – which is why they’re all over Instagram, plush toys, stationery, and your favorite sushi-shaped socks.

Whether in scrolls from the Edo period or your latest TikTok scroll, Japan’s cats embody that perfect balance of tradition, elegance, and everyday magic.

Turkey: Street Kings with Community Thrones

In Turkey – especially in Istanbul – cats don’t just live on the streets; they reign over them. Known locally as kedi, these feline citizens are seen as part of the soul of the city. You’ll find them stretched out on café chairs, perched on mosque steps, or quietly surveying their kingdom from ancient walls.

What makes Turkey stand out among cats in different cultures is how deeply integrated cats are into everyday urban life. They’re not viewed as strays – they’re community members. People leave out food and water bowls. Miniature cat houses pop up on sidewalks and in parks. Some shops even keep open boxes or blankets by the door, so a neighborhood cat can drop in for a mid-morning nap.

There’s even a law protecting their right to stay in their chosen territory. Cats in Turkey have legal status as residents – how’s that for royal treatment?

And then there’s the famous cat documentary – Kedi, a love letter to Istanbul’s street cats. It follows several feline personalities as they interact with the people who care for them, revealing a quiet, heartwarming culture of coexistence. If you’ve ever wondered how cats would fare in a human-centric world, Turkey provides the answer: gloriously.
This unique, mutual relationship between people and cats is one of the most beautiful examples of harmony between species – and proof that in some cultures, cats don’t just survive… they thrive.

Greece: Rooftop Rulers of the Islands

Ah, Greece. Where sunsets are stunning and cats are everywhere. From Santorini to Athens, island cats strut through cobbled lanes and perch photogenically on whitewashed walls. They’re beloved by locals and tourists alike and often fed by entire communities.

One of Greece’s most iconic native breeds is the Aegean cat – an elegant, friendly feline known for its striking bicolor coat, thick seasonal fur, and love of the outdoors. Aegean cats are one of the oldest natural breeds in the world, believed to have originated on the Cycladic islands. They’re social, vocal, and excellent hunters (fish beware!), often spotted lounging on fishing boats or strolling seafront tavernas like they own the lease.

Greek mythology even whispers of cat-like goddesses – Artemis, protector of animals, would definitely approve.

Thailand: Cats of Luck and Luxury

In Thailand, cats aren’t just pets – they’re symbols of luck, prosperity, and sometimes even royalty. The elegant Siamese cat, native to the region, was once considered so sacred it could only be kept by members of the royal family. Sleek, vocal, and intelligent, the Siamese quickly became known not just for its striking looks, but for its spiritual importance as well.

Traditional Thai beliefs often place cats at the heart of household harmony. It’s said that having a cat at your wedding will bless your new home and relationship with peace, longevity, and plenty of purring. How very purr-suasive, indeed.

Centuries ago, Thai monks and scholars penned the Tamra Maew or “Cat Book Poems”, a beautifully illustrated manuscript describing various cat breeds – especially those believed to bring good fortune. These poems are more than feline fanfiction – they’re a historical record of how deeply intertwined cats were with Thailand’s culture, spirituality, and daily life.

Among all the cats in different cultures, Thailand’s felines may have had the most luxurious origin stories. Even today, Thai street cats are often treated with gentle affection, and many temples offer food and protection to their resident feline guardians.

Whether revered for their beauty, their blessing-bringing paws, or their calm presence in temples, Thai cats live a life touched by both mythology and modern-day love.

Italy: Cats Among Ruins

Rome’s ruins aren’t just for tourists – they’re playgrounds for cats. Nowhere is that more evident than at Largo di Torre Argentina, home to a legendary cat sanctuary nestled among the ancient pillars of four Roman temples. This spot is famously rumored to be the very place where Julius Caesar was assassinated. History? Yes. Drama? Definitely. Cats? Everywhere.

In a beautiful twist of fate, the site has become a safe haven for hundreds of stray cats, cared for by volunteers who feed, vaccinate, and even organize adoptions. These feline residents lounge on marble steps, nap in amphora-shaped shadows, and generally behave as if they own the place – which, honestly, they do.

Italy takes its street cats seriously. National laws protect cat colonies, allowing them to remain in their chosen territories. That’s why it’s not unusual to find feline-friendly zones flourishing even in the most historic city centers. It’s one of the most charming examples of how cats in different cultures are not only accepted but lovingly woven into the daily fabric of life.

So if you’re wandering through the ruins of Rome and feel like you’re being watched… you probably are. By a very well-fed cat with excellent taste in architecture.

Morocco: Cats and Culture Collide

In Morocco, cats roam the souks and medinas like seasoned vendors – gracefully weaving through woven rugs, spice stalls, and piles of olives like they’re on a mission (probably for sardines). These feline wanderers aren’t just tolerated; they’re embraced as part of the landscape.

This respect for cats is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, where cats are considered clean animals and companions of the Prophet Muhammad himself. Stories even tell of him cutting off a sleeve rather than disturbing a sleeping cat. That reverence still echoes through the alleyways of Moroccan cities.

In places like Chefchaouen, with its dreamy blue walls, or the bustling medina of Fes, cats live peacefully alongside people, often cared for by shopkeepers, locals, and tourists alike. Bowls of water appear near doorsteps. Plates of leftovers find their way to furry mouths. Even in ancient ruins and mosque courtyards, cats lounge like spiritual mascots of the streets.

It’s a beautiful reflection of how cats in different cultures adapt to their surroundings while still being held in high regard. In Morocco, they’re not just pets or strays – they’re part of the soul of the city.

So if you’re wandering through a Moroccan market and spot a cat blinking at you from a rooftop or loafing on a rug, don’t be surprised. You’ve just met another local.

Cats in Azerbaijan – My Sister’s Feline Expeditions

Now, let’s get personal. My sister travels every year to Georgia as an official birdwatcher (yes, with binoculars, journals, and professional gear). But let’s be honest… the birds aren’t the only ones in her lens. Being a cat lover and cat “owner” herself, she always returns with photos of local cats.

And because Azerbaijan is just a stone’s throw from Georgia – of course she visited! Her trip inspired my article Cats in Azerbaijan: Feline Love and Culture, where I explore how cats are treated in a place many people overlook.

It’s always fascinating to see the way different places respect cats – and her photo albums are 30% wildlife… 70% feline.

The Global Rise of the Cat

The good news? Cats are becoming more and more popular everywhere. As people learn to live more mindfully, many are beginning to see cats for what they are: calm, independent, emotionally intuitive creatures who bring peace (and memes) into our lives.

Sure, not everyone adores them – and there are places where cats still face hardship – but let’s not focus on the dark today. In fact, as humans, we might want to hush up. We’re the ones polluting oceans, building loud machines, and breaking nature’s rhythm. Cats? Cats nap in sunbeams and knock over pens.

I know who I trust more.

Places I’d Totally Live If I Were a Cat (Or at Least Visit)

Countries with the Most Pet Cats (Recent Data)

In the End, It’s a Universal Love Story

No matter where you go, cats seem to find their way into people’s homes and hearts. Maybe it’s their mystery. Maybe their independence. Maybe it’s the way they nap like philosophers.

But one thing’s certain: the world is a better place with cats in it.

And as long as we keep loving them, photographing them, and writing about them (ahem), their paws will continue leaving soft imprints across every culture.

Love learning about unique cat-loving traditions? Then you’ll adore Cats and Cappuccinos: Unveiling the Charm of Cat Cafés. It’s a cozy dive into the magical places where coffee and cats combine – and yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.