Cat Island': Tourists flock to Japanese island Aoshima, where felines outnumber humans six to one


Tourists are flocking to a remote island in southern Japan, where an army of feral cats now outnumbers humans six to one.

People first migrated to the 1.6-kilometre island of Aoshima 380 years ago and established a fishing village, bringing cats to deal with mice that plagued fishermen's boats.

The island, a 30-minute ferry ride off the coast of Ehime prefecture, had been home to 900 people in 1945. Now, more than 120 cats swarm the island with less than 20 humans, all pensioners aged between 50 and 80.

According to Japan Daily Press, islanders said cat numbers began to shoot up about a decade ago. As the human population decreased, the cats' breeding went unchecked, locals said.


Now, boatloads of tourists from the mainland descend daily on Aoshima, visiting what is locally known as Cat Island.

The cats of Aoshima are not too picky, surviving on the rice balls, energy bars or potatoes they get from tourists.

"There is a ton of cats here, then there was this sort of cat witch who came out to feed the cats which was quite fun," said 27-year-old Makiko Yamasaki.

"I'd want to come again."

The allure of cats is not surprising in a country that gave the world Hello Kitty, and cat cafes that have long been popular in Tokyo, catering to fans who can't keep the animals at home because of strict housing regulations that often forbid pets.

Residents of the tiny island say they do not mind the intrusion of gawking tourists, as long as they are left in peace.

"If people coming to the island find the cats healing, then I think it's a good thing," said 65-year-old Hidenori Kamimoto, who makes a living as a fisherman.

"I just hope that it's done in a way that doesn't become a burden on the people who live here."




http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-03/tourists-flock-to-japans-cat-island-aoshima/6278128

I no fit go there, come back empty handed.... love cats [color=#000099][/color]

wonder if you can take em home

Gozzzy:
I no fit go there, come back empty handed.... love cats [color=#000099][/color]

Hahahaha

henry007:
wonder if you can take em home

If you have to go and find out!