Dex QuekIf you’ve ever wondered where to see cats celebrated in all their whiskered glory, the answer isn’t just your neighbourhood void deck. Around the world, dedicated museums showcase everything from Renaissance cat portraits to thousands of lucky cat figurines, proving that humanity’s obsession with felines spans cultures and centuries.
For cat lovers planning their next adventure, these eight museums offer far more than a quick photo opportunity. They provide genuine insight into how cats have shaped art, culture and urban life across continents, and even house real life cats you can pet!
Also read: 6 Countries Around the World for Travellers Who Like Cats
KattenKabinet (Amsterdam)
Image credit: KattenKabinet
Amsterdam’s KattenKabinet stands as one of Europe’s most sophisticated tributes to feline art. Housed in a historic canal-side mansion, this museum displays paintings, sculptures and posters featuring cats throughout art history. You’ll find works by Picasso, Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec, all united by their feline subjects.
The museum’s founder established it in memory of his beloved ginger tom. Consequently, the collection feels both scholarly and deeply personal, making it an ideal stop for art enthusiasts who also happen to adore cats.
Cat Museum (Kuching)
Image credit: DBKU Sarawak
Just a short flight from Singapore, Kuching’s Cat Museum claims the title of the world’s first dedicated cat museum. Spread across four galleries, it houses more than 4,000 feline artefacts ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to modern pop culture memorabilia.
The museum explores cats in mythology, their roles in different cultures, and even features mummified cats from Egypt. Given Kuching’s name literally means “cat” in Malay, the city’s devotion to all things feline extends beyond the museum walls.
Lithuanian Museum of Cats (Šiauliai, Lithuania)
Image credit: Visit Šiauliai
Šiauliai’s remarkable museum boasts over 10,000 cat-related objects, making it one of the world’s largest feline collections. The exhibits include stamps, toys, porcelain figurines and artwork from dozens of countries.
Rather than focusing solely on fine art, it documents how cats appear in everyday life across cultures. You’ll see Soviet-era cat toys alongside Japanese ceramics and European advertising ephemera.
Cat Museum (Budapest, Hungary)
Image credit: Cats Museum Budapest
Budapest’s Cat Museum combines art appreciation with hands-on experience. Beyond its collection of cat-themed paintings and porcelain, the museum hosts several resident cats who lounge amongst the exhibits.
The museum occupies a charming building in Budapest’s historic district, where you can admire Hungarian folk art featuring cats whilst actual felines supervise your visit. For travellers seeking an interactive experience, this venue delivers both cultural enrichment and the opportunity for genuine cat cuddles.
Maneki-Neko Museum (Near Nagoya, Japan)
Image credit: The Maneki-Neko Museum
Located near Nagoya, this museum celebrates Japan’s iconic lucky cat in extraordinary detail. The collection features hundreds of maneki-neko figurines in every size, colour and style imaginable.
These beckoning cats, with their raised paws, represent prosperity and good fortune in Japanese culture. The museum is a a fascinating study of folklore and commercial culture. Additionally, the surrounding area offers excellent opportunities to explore traditional Japanese architecture and cuisine.
Cat Museum (Itō, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan)
Image credit: thecatmuseum via X
Itō‘s museum takes a broader approach to feline celebration. It examines both domestic cats and their wild relatives through natural history exhibits, artwork and photographs. However, the real draw is the approximately 40 resident cats who live on the premises.
Visitors can observe these cats in various environments throughout the museum, making it part educational institution and part sanctuary. The museum particularly appeals to families and anyone interested in cat behaviour and welfare, rather than solely art or collectibles.
American Museum of the House Cat (North Carolina, USA)
Image credit: WNC Cat Museum
North Carolina‘s museum houses over 5,000 cat-related artefacts whilst simultaneously operating as a rescue organisation. This dual mission creates a unique atmosphere where historical appreciation meets active animal welfare.
The collection spans cat imagery in advertising, household items, toys and art from the past two centuries. For those planning an American road trip, this venue offers a meaningful stop that combines tourism with genuine social impact.
Cats Museum (Kotor, Montenegro)
Image credit: catsmuseum.org
Kotor‘s museum occupies a small space in this stunning Adriatic coastal town, but it packs considerable charm. The collection features historic prints, postcards and photographs documenting the town’s long relationship with cats.
Kotor’s streets teem with cats, many descended from felines brought by sailors centuries ago. The museum contextualises these modern strays within the town’s maritime history, explaining how cats protected grain stores and became integral to local culture. Furthermore, Kotor’s dramatic setting between mountains and the sea makes the museum an excellent addition to a Balkans itinerary.
Planning Your Feline Pilgrimage
Image credit: アフロ（Aflo）via Canva Pro
Whether you’re drawn to fine art in Amsterdam, comprehensive collections in Lithuania, or hands-on experiences in Budapest, each venue offers distinct perspectives on our relationship with these enigmatic creatures.
For Singaporeans planning European holidays, you might combine Amsterdam’s KattenKabinet with other Dutch attractions, then continue to Lithuania or Budapest. Alternatively, the Malaysian and Japanese museums work brilliantly for shorter regional trips.
Pack your camera, prepare your best cat puns, and discover how different cultures have celebrated, mythologised and adored these captivating animals throughout history.
