What is the “best cat city in the world?” Well, we’re sure many of our followers instantly have an answer. Surely, we’d have to rank the area of Amsterdam among the best places, with its beautiful cats roaming picturesque streets. Experienced travelers have identified the coastal city of Kotor, Montenegro, as being a “cat lover’s dream.”
As tourists, many folks find that unexpected encounters with cats are among their best meow-mories. For example, a resident cat ambassador, Miso, is delighting folks walking down one of the oldest residential streets in the United States, Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia.
Image via Instagram/MisoPhiladelphia
Considering all the places to visit and the way they value their cats, what city would you pick?
Is The Best Cat City in The World Called Kotor?
Global traveler Sibu has been seeing the world since she was a baby. As a teen, she began traveling on her own and has seen dozens of countries, learning how to do it all on her own. Impressive, right? All that travel brings perspective and wisdom about our common humanity. It’s certainly a valuable lesson the world could use more of right now.
“I truly believe that most of the world’s problems could be solved through travel. We are not as different from each other as we think we are,” she wrote.
In her experienced estimation, Kotor is the best cat city in the world. It was historically known as the Italian “Cattoro,” from the time when the city was under Venetian rule. Interestingly, the Venetian builders had the Lion of Saint Mark as a mascot.
Flag of Veneto via Wikimedia Commons
Cats are Good Luck in Kotor, Montenegro
As we shared previously, people adore cats in this scenic medieval town on a bay leading to the turquoise Adriatic Sea.
Kotor, Montenegro by Neil Thompson via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
As you explore, you will find a quaint, dedicated cat museum. Everywhere, the resident cats are considered good luck and it’s been that way for centuries.
Cat Museum, Kotor, Montenegro by Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Back in Roman times, travelers arrived by boat along with disease-carrying rodents. By introducing cats, the rodents ran for their lives. And thus, the kitties quickly became welcomed and purrmanent city residents, fed by the locals and tourists alike.
In recent times, the town has only played up the cat theme with feline art and gifts in many cat-devoted shops.
Cat in Kotor by David Stanley via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
As Sibu shares (see video below), there’s a really interesting vending machine in the park where people can recycle bottles in exchange for dry cat food!
“Some say the cats have even become the guardians of the city,” says Sibu. “If you’re into cats, I highly recommend you come to Montenegro.”
Images and media via Instagram/goglobalwithsibu
Caring for the kitties is reportedly a community effort, with residents taking them in during the cold winter months. Also, a local charity, Kotor Kitties, helps feed, medicate, spay, and neuter the cats to help control the population.
Best Time to Visit?
Wondering when to visit? Sibu says the best time might be after the end of summer during late September. That way, you might avoid the crowds. Without as many people, the cats are easier to interact with.
Image by Alexandra Zakharova via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
“You have to check out Kotor. Yes, it’s becoming extremely popular as a European destination, but I’d still recommend you visit, even for a day trip. My personal recommendation: come in or after late September when the crowds are gone, the water is still warm to swim in, and the cats are just there waiting to be pet.”
Sibu with local kitties
See more at Go Global with Sibu on Instagram, YouTube, and her website
Video via Instagram/goglobalwithsibu
Good Advice for Travelers Anywhere
In a previous video, Sibu recommended travelers get their rabies vaccinations. Sage advice. Thanks to Sibu for sharing your experiences with cats for all the cat lovers out there!
“Travelers: Get vaccinated against rabies, even if you’re not an idiot like me who’s always petting animals on the street. Animals can still bite or scratch you while cycling or even walking,” she wrote. (see video below)
Video by Go Global with Sibu:
Featured image: Cat Museum, Kotor, Montenegro by Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 with Cat in Kotor by David Stanley via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
