Kotor Cats: A City of Feline Friends & the World’s First Cat Museum

Imagine a city overflowing with Mediterranean cats, where every corner you turn reveals a furry friend basking in the sun. Welcome to Kotor, Montenegro, a haven for cat lovers and home to the world’s first Cat Museum.

Kotor is one of the most beautiful places you must see when visiting Montenegro. Of course, there are many different reasons why this is so: palaces, churches, natural beauty and charming Old Town… A wonderful city on the Mediterranean coast. But what truly sets Kotor apart is its abundance of feline residents.

Kotor Cats: A Purr-adise on the Adriatic

Years and years ago… during the peak of trade by ships through the Mediterranean, dealing with mice on ships was a major challenge. A solution was needed, and as you know from Tom and Jerry, cats, the sworn enemy of mice, became indispensable crew members. But as everyone knows, cats are a bit maverick. You can never tell them what to do; they come and go as they please.

Kotor was one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean at that time. When the ships docked in Kotor, the cats, tired of chasing mice for long hours on the ship, disembarked and explored the city. They liked the Mediterranean air so much that they never returned to their ships. For this reason, over many years, ship cats came to Kotor and stayed, becoming permanent residents of this charming city.

Cats became a symbol of Kotor, an integral part of the local culture, and are believed to bring good luck. They not only protected the grains on the ships from rats—thus successfully fulfilling an important task and ensuring that the people of Kotor were fed—but also kept people company by living amongst them.

When you visit Kotor, you will realise that seeing cats here is as natural as seeing people on the street. In fact, you might see more cats in Kotor than anywhere else in the world! While walking down the street, you might feel like you are at a casual meeting of the World Cat Association.

Of course, the cats of Kotor are in a better mood than ever. The locals love and feed them. In Kotor, cats give life to people, and people give life to cats.

A Cat Lover’s Dream: The Kotor Cat Museum

When you come to Kotor, you can find evidence of cats in the cafes, in the boutiques where you buy souvenirs, and on the streets—that is, everywhere you can think of. For this reason, the city is actually like a cat museum on its own. A wonderful open-air cat museum on the Mediterranean coast…

However, seeing cats only on the streets or in boutiques is not enough for dedicated cat lovers. For this reason, the idea of opening a museum showcasing cat motifs and materials collected since the 16th century was born. A very important person contributed to the opening of this museum, and her contribution inspired the idea.

That person is the Italian Countess Francesca di Montreale Mantica. The Countess shared her collection of period paintings of cats with the International Feline Adoption Centre in Venice, and the collection grew from there. As this collection of cat-related materials attracted interest from all over the world, the idea of establishing the world’s first cat museum emerged.

The idea of establishing the museum is based on love and respect for cats. However, the museum also promotes the idea that the relationship between human beings and nature is based on a common unity and that all living creatures deserve respect.

The Cat Museum Kotor has many fascinating exhibits. From children’s drawings to vintage illustrations, from maps featuring cats to children’s books, from coins and medals to oil paintings and photographs, you can find all sorts of things related to cats. Wouldn’t you like to visit this city where Mediterranean culture blends with European charm and pet the friendly Kotor cats?

If you are travelling to Montenegro, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Kotor and experience this city of cats and its unique Kotor Cat Museum. You are sure to have a wonderful time in Kotor; a city frequented not only by cat lovers but also by people with diverse interests worldwide.

The Cat Museum Kotor is generally open between 31 October and 1 May. However, they often extend their opening hours to accommodate visitors during the peak season.

In Kotor, you will spend unforgettable times with the cats on the streets and in the Cat Museum. Who can forget the cats of the Mediterranean?

Where to Find Kotor Cats in Montenegro

While the Cat Museum is a must-see for cat lovers in Kotor, Montenegro, you’ll encounter these friendly creatures throughout the city. Here are some prime locations for cat spotting:

• The Old Town Square: Cats love to bask in the sun in this historic square.
• Trg od brašna: This charming square is another popular feline gathering spot.
• Kotor’s waterfront: Watch cats stroll along the harbour, enjoying the sea breeze.
• Local cafes: Many cafes in Kotor welcome feline visitors so that you can enjoy a coffee with a furry companion.

Tips for Interacting with Kotor’s Cats

• Respect their space: Not all cats want to be petted. Observe their body language and approach them gently.
• Please don’t feed them harmful foods: Stick to cat treats or dry cat food to avoid upsetting their stomachs.
• Support local cat charities: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that care for Kotor’s cats.

What are you waiting for? The cats of Kotor await your visit!