Cat Heaven Island A Paradise for Catlovers
Tashirojima Island is located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It can be reached by a twenty-minute ferry ride. It has been dubbed Cat Heaven Island since felines outnumber people 6 to 1.
The human population is around 100. Eighty-three percent of the population are elderly. The main occupations of the residents are hospitality workers and fishermen. Many of the elderly villagers leave food out for the cats and enjoy their companionship.
The rise of the feline population started as early as the Edo Period in Japan (1603-1868.)
The islanders raised cats to keep the mice away from their silkworms. The cats of on Tashirojima Island are fortunate as they are well looked after by the human residents and dogs are not permitted anywhere on the island. The Japanese believe that feeding cats leads to good luck, and prosperity so it makes sense for them to treat the cats so well.
A cat shrine, known as Neko-jinja was erected between the two villages in honor of a cat that was killed by a falling rock.
The fishermen who once thought the cats were a nuisance, grew quite fond of them. Even better they were able to forecast the weather by observing the cat’s behavior.
Tashirojima Island would be a great place to visit for anyone who is a cat lover. You can find a more detailed look at the Island in the 2017 post from Katzenworld.
About the Author Stephanie Musarra:
I am a college student majoring in web design. I like to write short stories, and poetry in my spare time. I currently have four stories, and eight poems published. I am the proud owner of a Russian Blue named Buddy.
No doubt about it, cats love sunshine – and sulk when it’s winter #cats
Looks like a great place to go for a vacation.
HEAVEN ON EARTH PURRS
Love cats.
This place is incredible. Would be amazing to visit some day!
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My ideal place to retire. x?????
We are planning to visit the island in March 🙂
Your so extremely lucky. ???
I know! Plus Iain speaks a fair bit of Japanese as he used to teach English there. And we have plenty of friends there to make a trip even more enjoyable.
Gosh I would recommend everyone to watch the video on your 2017 Katzenworld blog. x????
It’s amazing isn’t it! Hoping to record my own one this year.
Oh wow I would love to go there. x?????
It’s not the easiest as there is only a few ferries per day but looks well worth it.
Yes on the film the guy explained how to get there. X?????