From sculptures to historical artifacts, these cat museums are dedicated to honoring and showcasing the beloved feline in various cultures and eras.
Here’s a look at the most fascinating cat museums around the globe:
- Manekineko Museum, Okayama, Japan
The Manekineko Museum in Okayama is dedicated to the iconic Japanese “beckoning cat,” known for bringing good luck. The museum houses over 800 figurines of Manekineko, made from various materials, with one large Manekineko greeting visitors at the entrance. The museum also offers a workshop where visitors can paint their own lucky cat figurines or draw cats on rice paper. - Cat Museum, Minsk, Belarus
This museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions dedicated to cats. Visitors can even contribute their own cat drawings to the gallery. The resident cats, who were once strays, are now under the care of “Ponchik,” the museum’s feline director, and are available for adoption. - Kuching Cat Museum, Kuching, Malaysia
The city of Kuching, meaning “cat” in Malay, is home to this popular cat museum. The city’s love for cats is evident through numerous statues, a local radio station named “Cats FM,” and even a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as cats, set during the ASEAN 2017 festival. The museum is a treasure trove of feline artifacts. - Katten Kabinet, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Founded in 1990 by a wealthy Dutchman in memory of his cat, John Pierpont Morgan, the Katten Kabinet showcases feline-themed works of art, including pieces by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Toulouse-Lautrec. It’s a refined celebration of cats in fine art. - Cats Museum, Kotor, Montenegro
Opened in 2013, this museum highlights Kotor’s deep connection to cats through historical objects such as antique books, prints, coins, and postcards, dating from the 16th to 20th centuries. A portion of the museum’s proceeds goes toward caring for Kotor’s street cats, reinforcing its role as a cat haven. - The American Museum of the House Cat, Sylva, North Carolina, USA
This museum, founded by retired biology professor Harold Sims, houses around 5,000 cat-related items. Its collection includes everything from whimsical cat sculptures to a 600 BC bronze statue of the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet. - Feline Historical Museum, Alliance, Ohio, USA
Run by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), this museum, established in 2011, offers an extensive collection of memorabilia related to cat breeds, exhibitions, and history. Among the fascinating items is the silver collar of the first cat to win a cat show in the United States in 1895. - Persian Cat Museum, Tehran, Iran
Opened in 2018, this museum is dedicated to the history of cats in Iran, particularly the famous Persian breed. The museum features a café and restaurant and offers visitors the chance to interact with the Persian cats living there. Visits are by appointment only. - Mummified Cat Collection, British Museum, London, UK
While not exclusively a cat museum, the British Museum houses ancient Egyptian mummified cats, highlighting the deep reverence Egyptians had for cats as symbols of protection and fertility. - Toy Museum Cat Collection, Moscow, Russia
In Moscow’s Toy Museum, there’s a special section dedicated to cat-themed toys from various eras, giving visitors insight into how the love for cats has been reflected in playthings over the decades.
These museums celebrate cats in diverse ways, showcasing their significance in art, history, and culture worldwide. Whether through exhibitions, art collections, or playful tributes, these institutions offer an immersive experience for cat lovers everywhere.