Where in the World Are the Cats?

Written By Lauren Richards

While you're busy noticing the architecture or sampling local cuisine, I'm usually making friends with the resident felines. These generally unimpressed little creatures have somehow wormed their way into my travel memories everywhere I go.

I never actually planned on documenting cats across continents, but here we are. They've crashed my breakfast, judged my outfit choices, and mysteriously appeared the second I break out a sandwich. No matter how many UNESCO sites or breathtaking vistas I visit, somehow these fuzzy opportunists keep stealing the spotlight.

So here's my completely unnecessary but totally required catalog of international cats who've supervised my travels. You're welcome in advance for the serotonin boost.

Tabby cat sleeping peacefully on small white stones or pebbles, with its eyes closed and paws outstretched.
Woman with brown hair smiling down at a black and white cat she's holding at a restaurant table.
Tabby cat with white chest and paws lying relaxed on light-colored marble floor tiles arranged in a geometric pattern.
Close-up of person with a headscarf holding a small tabby kitten beside their face. The kitten has green eyes and striped fur, with a warm-toned brick wall in the background.
Gray tabby cat standing on a light blue wooden bench or chair illuminated by golden sunset light. The
Close-up portrait of a small gray and white tabby kitten being held in green fabric, likely someone's shirt or wrap.
Person with dark hair holding two black and white kittens against a light wooden background. The person is smiling while carefully cradling the small tuxedo kittens against their chest.
A calico cat standing on a terracotta-tiled balcony, looking out toward another building.
Person in white clothing and beige hat sitting on a patterned red cushion against vibrant blue walls in Morocco's Blue City (Chefchaouen). They're holding a gray cat while surrounded by orange trees and colorful tiled flooring.
Close-up of a black and white tuxedo cat lying upside down on a patterned rug.
Person wearing a gray baseball cap and olive green cardigan holding a small gray and white kitten against their chest in a parking lot.
A gray tabby kitten with white markings sleeping in a woven straw basket at what appears to be a marketplace or shop.
Person in a gray cap, coral top, and patterned kimono sitting on a brown bench in a parking lot, petting a gray tabby cat lying stretched out beside them.
An orange and white cat sitting on the edge of a blue fishing boat with its mouth open in a meow or hiss.
Person wearing an elaborate red satin headdress with gold accents and festive face makeup holding a black and white cat. The background shows blue elements in what appears to be a celebration or costume setting.
A small gray tabby kitten sitting on a stone surface against a blue wall with decorative patterned tiles visible in the background.
A cream and orange cat lying on a stone surface with its head resting sideways, looking sleepy.
Three cats napping together on a bright blue cushion. An adult gray/white cat cuddles with two kittens - one tabby and one calico - creating a peaceful family scene against a colorful background.

What I've learned from all these furry encounters is that speaking Cat is a surprisingly universal language. When everything else feels foreign - the food, the customs, the language - there's something weirdly comforting about these small, demanding creatures who act exactly the same whether they're in Marrakech or Mexico City. So next time you're feeling out of place while traveling, just find the nearest cat. They'll either completely ignore you or demand attention in a way that instantly makes you feel at home. And really, isn't that what we're all looking for when we travel? Connection... and maybe some good photos for the 'gram that don't involve standing awkwardly in front of famous landmarks.

Lauren Richards
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