While touring any major city in Morocco, you will immediately notice stray cats looming around every corner. Some say there are as many street cats in Morocco as there are people! I find it quite charming to spot them throughout the city.
Part of the reason there are so many cats, is that neutering animals isn’t that common in Morocco. Though the cats are stray, you will notice some locals leave water bowls and food scraps out for the animals. They also seem completely unphased when cats wander in and out of the souks.
I found the street cats so fascinating because they live harmoniously with the locals. Some lay sunbathing in the entrance to a souk, while others come seeking scraps while you’re eating outdoors. They seem an integral part of the bustling medina. While I went to view the Tannery in Fez, there were cats hanging out in the indoor leather shop which was at least one floor up from the main street!
Once while we were having tea at an outdoor cafe, I didn’t notice a tiny kitten approaching until it brushed past my leg! I nearly jumped out of seat because it surprised me so much! They certainly aren’t very shy or scared of people.
Sometimes it can be quite heartbreaking, because some of the cats are in bad health. However, my mother-in-law told me there are some charities that try to help treat the strays. HSAM operates around Essaouira and SPANAoperates around Marrakech for both street animals and working animals.
Cats are very much a part of the Moroccan experience. Keep an eye out for these furry guys while you explore the medinas. Or better yet, eat outdoors and they’ll find you!
This is an adorable post and takes me back to when I visited Morocco a few years ago. The cats there are so adorable. We had a whole family of cats outside of our Riad. It was amazing! We debated whether or not we should pick them up and play with them. So cute. I wish there were lots of cats like that where I live 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
12 Comments
Mary Osadolor
The cats all look perturbed and you can tell they’re definitely an integral part of the community. Lovely article.
Prajakta
Wow so many cats, that’s an interesting information and very well written article.
Denisa
There are too many cats there even for a cat street 🙂
Indu Indra
These street cats are so adorable. Wonderful clicks of Morocco thoroughly enjoyed.
Ashli Ferguson
omg they’re so cute – and they seem like they just have a good time
Polly Amora
Cuteness overload! Looking at them laying comfy at these fabrics makes my heart melt. ❤️
Michele @ ourredonkulouslife
OMG CATS! I want them all!!!
Little Slice of Joy
I would be trying to bring them all home with me!
eshhappycookingrecipes
Awww!! I love cats, they’re too cute and lovely
ansh997x
This is a very nice series. I think this blog will be one of its kinds. Thanks for sharing this. I wanted to visit Istanbul just for this reason.
Jess Agostino
This is an adorable post and takes me back to when I visited Morocco a few years ago. The cats there are so adorable. We had a whole family of cats outside of our Riad. It was amazing! We debated whether or not we should pick them up and play with them. So cute. I wish there were lots of cats like that where I live 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Kim Bracey
I love these photos – so many cats! Look like such a beautiful country!