Cats have invaded the Internet and are now invading ancient historical monuments. The CNN has investigated on places where cats have outshone the major tourists attractions. So here is a mini guide for traveller- cat- lovers!
Rome: The "gatti di Roma"
No, Romans didn't worship cats like the Egyptians did, and there is no historical monument dedicated to cats in Italy.
However stray cats have found a home in the ruins at Largo Argentina: the stray cats have been watered and fed since the 1920's and in the 90's brought an injection of funds into the Torre Argentina Roman Cat Sanctuary, money that allowed more cats to be trapped, neutered and returned to their colony.
Japan: The cat island
Tashirojima in Miyagi Prefecture, is Japan's best-known feline isle and is nicknamed the Cat Island.
Dogs have been banned form the island and cats now have outnumbered humans. Theses furry inhabitants are fed by the fisherman who believe in the cats "good luck" powers.
Taiwan: the cat town
The town Houtong in Taiwan was once the largest coal mine of the country. But when it closed in the 90's, the town population decreased rapidly, and cats arrived.
The Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park was created to showcase the heritage of the town, but instead tourists come every weekend to photograph the playful cats!
Florida: Hemingway's six-toed cats
Hemingway was a well-known drinker, but also a cat lover. In the 1930's he was given a six-toed cat named Snowball.
Today some of Snowball's descendants are among the 50 cats that live in the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
