Cats are full of mischief and surprises, and one street cat in Turkiye recently proved they can be surprisingly patient, too.
A viral social media post showed two tourists using a cat as a "makeshift tripod" while taking photos. The feline stayed perfectly still, despite looking a little confused.
Turkiye's Istanbul, often nicknamed "Catstanbul", has a deep cultural and historical bond with cats. Thousands of felines live freely alongside residents, commonly seen lounging in mosques, restaurants, parks and other public spaces, and they are all cared for by the community.
One of the city's most beloved street cats, Tombili, whose name means "chubby" in Turkish, became an Internet sensation after photos of its human-like poses went viral. After its death in 2016, a statue was erected in his honour.
Meanwhile, Tokyo in Japan is home to the well-known Cat Street. But you won't actually find cats here. The origin of the name remains a mystery, with some suggesting the area was once inhabited by many stray cats, while others say the street was as narrow as a cat's forehead.
Today, Cat Street is a vibrant fashion and shopping district lined with boutiques and cafes.
For travellers who love felines, here are our suggestions on destinations where cats are part of the experience.
In Rome, Italy, the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary is home to hundreds of cats living among ancient Roman ruins in the city. Visitors can interact with the cats while exploring the site's rich history.
Amsterdam in the Netherlands may be famous for its canals, but it is also home to the Poezenboot – a permanently moored floating cat sanctuary on the Singel canal. The Poezenboot, which means "The Cat Boat" in Dutch, rescues and rehomes stray cats and welcomes visitors for free. It is advisable to book your visit in advance.
In Belgium, the city of Ypres hosts Kattenstoet, a colourful cat parade held every three years (the next event will take place on May 9, 2027). What was once a dark medieval practice – where cats were thrown from the Cloth Hall tower – has since been transformed into a lively festival featuring giant cat floats celebrating feline culture.
Closer to Malaysia, Koh Khai Nai near Phuket is referred to as "Cat Island", where cats roam freely along sandy beaches. The island is popular with beachgoers who come here to snorkel – and spot felines,
Back home, cat lovers can visit Kuching Cat Museum in Sarawak's capital city, Kuching. The museum houses thousands of cat-themed artefacts and showcases the cultural and historical role of cats across civilisations.
