ANIMALS

An island inhabited by cats in Japan. Does it really exist?

Tashirojima, also known as Cat Island, is a small island located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. 

The island is home to about 100 residents and more than 100 cats, making it a popular destination for cat lovers from around the world. Cats on the island are considered good luck and are well cared for by locals. In addition to cats, the island is known for its beautiful scenery, including picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking ocean views. 

Overall, Tashirojima is a fascinating destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers and especially for animal lovers.

In our gallery we reveal some interesting facts about this particular island.

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Tashirojima, the island of cats in Japan
Tashirojima, also known as Cat Island, is a small island located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The island is home to about 100 residents and over 100 cats, making it a popular destination for cat lovers from around the world. Cats on the island are considered good luck and are well cared for by locals. Besides cats, the island is known for its beautiful landscapes, including picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking ocean views. In our gallery we reveal some interesting facts about this particular island.
Di ひでゆき - デジタルカメラでの撮影, Pubblico dominio, https://commons.wikimedia.org
Tashirojima (Cat Island)
The island of Tashirojima is a small island off the north-east coast of Japan. This magical place is also known as the island of cats and the reason is simple: felines are everywhere.
By Brocken Inaglory - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=275015
An old Japanese legend
According to an old Japanese legend, cats bring good luck, prosperity and happiness to the hearts of the local population. For this reason, the residents of Tashirojima have always encouraged the presence of cats on the island.
By ja:user:ダダ - Japanese Wikipedia, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?cur
Cat Sanctuary
In this place, the presence of cats is greeted with joy and wonder, so much so that visitors can find many shrines dedicated to these animals. In fact, the island of Tashirojima has become famous precisely because of its large feline population.
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How did the cats arrive on the island of Tashirojima?
Legend has it that the arrival of cats on the island was caused by men breeding silkworms for silk production. The insects attracted many mice, which were soon chased away by the cats. Since then, these animals have become an integral part of life on the island and are now protected and fed by the residents. It is not uncommon, in fact, to see the islanders feeding their furry friends with affection and love.
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Island of Tashirojima: no dogs allowed
Located in the eastern part of Japan, the island is well known for its huge cat population. The feline colony, superior in numbers to the human colony, arose in the late Edo period to safeguard the silkworm farm from rats. Dogs are not allowed on the island to protect the felines, which are considered lucky animals in Japan.
By ようてい at the Japanese language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/in
Feline population
In 2015, the human population numbered about 80, while the total feline population exceeded it by several dozen, with at least 150 cats permanently residing in one of the villages. A veterinarian travelled to the island every two months to examine the village cats. While the feline population consists mainly of cross-breeds and mixed-breed cats, a distinct breed commonly seen on the island is the Japanese bobtail (the cat in the photo). Source: Wikipedia
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Festival dedicated to cats
The affection for cats is so strong on the island that the locals even decided to create a festival dedicated to these animals that is held every year in February. During the festival, the locals prepare a wide variety of food for the cats, along with games to entertain these animals.
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Island of Tashirojima
Ultimately, the Island of Tashirojima  has become famous not only for its natural beauty, but also for the presence of cats, which are an important part of the daily life of the local inhabitants. Visitors can enjoy this extraordinary place, meet the island's cats and discover their history and role in local life.
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