From Japan to Turkey: Why some cultures treat cats like royalty

Cats are loved all over the world, but there are some countries where cats are regarded like royalty. From temples and markets to whole islands and cities, cats have been valued, appreciated, and honored since ages ago. The importance of cats in society is based not only on the history of the region but also its religion, mythology, and exceptional adaptability to humans' life.

Japan is one of those countries where cats are everywhere: in art, books, café culture, tourism campaigns, and ads. Cats were introduced to Japan for religious reasons. Initially, they were kept as guards of precious Buddhist scriptures and food reserves against rodents. Later, they have been transformed into the symbols of happiness. There is an entire Japanese culture of lucky cats – maneki-neko. Moreover, there is even a trend of cat cafés in Japan and cat islands with more cats than people.

There is no place more fond of cats than Istanbul. They can be found wandering in markets, mosques, cafes, and gardens and the whole neighborhood usually looks after them.
The roots of such love go back many years because cats were used for controlling rats in people's houses, stores, and even on ships. Islamic culture that teaches to treat animals with respect also played an important role in that regard.

Prior to becoming internet sensations, cats had already gained prominence in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians regarded cats as powerful creatures that protected humans from evil spirits. Bastet is an example of an ancient feline goddess who was worshipped in Egypt. Killing a cat was a serious offense that led to harsh penalties; some cats were even mummified along with their owners after death.

Cats have been highly valued in Thailand for centuries. Certain types of cats, such as the Korat cat, are symbolic of good fortune.

In Thailand, images of cats are found in old scriptures and ceremonies. Cats were usually presented to newly-wed couples to ensure prosperity and happiness.

For ages, Russia has revered cats not only because they are expert mousers but also because they make great companions. Many Russian folk tales feature cats depictedas wise and mysterious animals. Undoubtedly, some of the best-known cats can be found residing in the Winter Palace of St. Petersburg, where their descendants still guard collections from pests, thus being treated like valuable assets of the palace.

Cats are a common presence in the medinas and other historic quarters of many Moroccan cities, as local residents treat them kindly and provide them with food and water. This attitude toward cats, which arose from Islamic beliefs, has greatly contributed to their acceptance within the city environment.

First of all, the reason is obvious: cats protected household food reserves from rats and mice. It was important to keep them close for that reason before modern techniques advented.

Secondly, they are not only useful but also fascinating creatures. Their beauty, elegance, intelligence, and mystique attract us like no other animal.

From enjoying their presence in Japanese cat cafes to watching them roam the streets of Istanbul or taking part in religious Thai events, from worshipping felines in ancient Egypt to seeing them everywhere we go nowadays, it’s clear that cats became special to humans.
Not just in the sense that they live alongside people but because cats became almost royalty of animals.