Close your eyes and picture an island where cute kitties roam free in the streets to their hearts’ content and the pleasant sounds of meows and purrs fill the air. Sounds like a dream world, right? Turns out, you don’t have to imagine this magical place, because it actually exists!
On Japan’s Aoshima Island felines outnumber humans 10 to 1, reports Japan Today. But before you freak out, there are only 13 people living there, so that’s approximately 130 kitties currently residing on the island. Still, that is a lot of cats! No wonder why Aoshima is often dubbed “Cat Island” or “Island of Cats.”
According to Reuters, the cats were originally introduced to the mile-long island to deal with mice that infested fishermen’s boats. After World War II, most of the island’s human residents left for the cities for better jobs. But the kitties stayed on Aoshima — and multiplied.
These days, the folks who live there feed and care for the cats as needed. But the island is also quickly growing in popularity with tourists, who hop on a 30-minute ferry ride from the Japanese district Ehime to meet new furry friends. And when you see these pictures of Cat Island, you’ll no doubt want to visit yourself!
Scroll down to see the best photos of Cat Island, then click on the circular buttons below your favorite image to share it instantly with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!
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Cat Island In Japan
Getty Images Imagine being greeted by this crew outside your home right after you get back from work!
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Cat Island Japan
Getty Images Spending all day looking after cute kitties — like this hardworking resident — sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us.
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Island Of Cats
Getty Images These endearing kitties clearly enjoy each others' company.
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Island Cats
Getty Images While cats have obviously taken over Aoshima Island, it's nice to know they still enjoy some human company.
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Cats Island
Getty Images Tourists like this man sometimes lend a hand with feeding — and loving up — the cute felines.
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Cats Island Japan
Getty Images Believe it or not, Aoshima is not the only cat island in Japan. In fact, sources report there's at least 11 of these feline paradises.
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Island Of The Cats
Getty Images However, Aoshima is arguably the most iconic and famous Japanese cat island, due to the extremely small number of humans in comparison to felines.
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Japanese Island Cats
Getty Images This kitty clearly has many reasons to smile. Who doesn't love a smiling cat?
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Cats Island In Japan
Getty Images But one thing's for sure, kitties on Cat Island take feeding time very seriously.
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Aoshima Island
Getty Images After all, nothing brings cats together like dinnertime! (Oh, and some human company.)
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Island With Cats
Getty Images We wonder what's on this little buddy's mind as the ferries come and go.
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Island Of Cats Japan
Getty Images Is it just us, or can you practically hear this guy's purrs of contentment?
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Aoshima
Getty Images Any cat lover knows how much felines love to explore their surroundings. Seems like they have their (fun) work cut out for them!
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Aoshima Island Cats
Getty Images Just imagine all the kitty chitter chatter that must be happening on this street.
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Aoshima Island Japan
Getty Images Too many adorable kitty facial expressions to count.
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Aoshima Ehime
Getty Images Looks like something has got these precious cats' attention!
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Aoshima Japan
Getty Images We bet this cat would make an excellent island tour guide!
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Aoshima Ehime Japan
Getty Images From above, you can see how many unique fur patterns are present among cats on the island. Just beautiful!
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Cats Of Japan
Getty Images Uh oh, looks like this devious kitty might be up to something! We can only guess what.
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Ehime Japan
Getty Images There's nothing like a peaceful walk with a few of your closest furry friends.
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Japanese Cat Island
Getty Images No matter where cats are, they just love showing off their toe beans — much to our human delight.
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Japan Cat Island
Getty Images How can the humans who live here resist constantly petting these cute cats?
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Cats In Japan
Getty Images What on earth did this kitty find while exploring the island?
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Cats From Japan
Getty Images Isn't it funny how a lot of these cats end up walking on the streets like human residents?
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What Is Cat Island
Getty Images There's always that one grumpy neighbor in every town! We bet this little guy is thinking, "Get off my lawn."
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Where Is Cat Island Located
Getty Images With so many cats in one place, there's bound to be kitty scuffles here and there — like this poor guy who got pawed in the face. Aww!
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Cat In Japan
Getty Images Aoshima Island has plenty of nooks and crannies for curious cats to explore.
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Where Is Cat Island
Getty Images Considering how often these felines eat meals together, we can't help but wonder if they ever take group catnaps. Wouldn't that be adorable?
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Cat I Japan
Getty Images Oh, hello there! We were just dropping by to see you on our way out, little kitty.
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Cat Island Photos
Getty Images One thing's for sure: It's always a new adventure for the kitties on Cat Island! We wonder where these furry explorers are headed next.