Cats in Morocco

Rabat Kasbah.

Rabat Kasbah. 

I was not expecting to see so many cats in Morocco, it just was not something that I had considered, but as a cat lover, it was a highlight of the trip! Cats exist pretty much all over Morocco. Despite the impressive cultural and geographical differences across the country, cats were a constant, especially in old areas of cities, trash areas and around ports. Cats were more prevalent in urban areas than in rural but there were fewer cats seen in desert cities. Where cats were though, they seemed to dominate the space or at minimum cohabitate efficiently, they kept to themselves, were somewhat skittish and spent time lounging or foraging in small groups.

Andalusian Gardens of Rabat.

Andalusian Gardens of Rabat.

I noted three main categories of cats: street animals to be ignored or disliked, street animals that are friends to all, and pets. The first category was evident when shop owners would kick the cats away or with cats that were extremely skittish. The second category was overwhelmingly what was seen; shop owners would put out food/water and pet the cats. Tourists would pick up cats and take endless pictures. My host mom in Rabat even gave daily food to a favorite street cat, Mimi. The last category was observed when we would enter a home and cats would be settled in, as well as in a couple hotels where cats were allowed to roam freely and enter guest rooms. It did appear that cats are not a common pet in Morocco but are instead brought up by the community in the streets. All cats regardless of category seemed well fed. Cleanliness did vary though but I did not pity any of the cats which was proof that they are at least cared for at a slightly above bare minimum level.

Life in the Sahara Desert.

Rissani farm life.

Near the Atlantic Ocean of Rabat.

Due to the prevalence and quality health of street cats in Morocco, it is no surprise that tourists were drawn to cats as subjects in pictures or to fulfill a need for cute animal contact. I predominately snapped quick pictures of cats and greeted them with a sweet, "hi kitty". Per recommendations for health reasons, I only pet one cat during my two weeks in Morocco, but came home with a plethora of cute pictures; most are used in this post!

Rabat Park. 

Rabat Kasbah.

Marrakech.

Rabat Andalusian Gardens.

Rabat Kasbah.

Rabat Port - fresh sardines!

Rabat Kasbah. 

Ourzazet.

Marrakech.

Ourzazet.

After contemplating the overpopulation of cats in Morocco, I imagine that this is not seen as a big problem by locals. I am left with questions about if cats are used to attract tourists? If so, I wonder when there will be posters like the doors, of cat scenes. Also, will there be a surge in animal tourism? I would love to know what our travel guides did or did not say about the cat population in Morocco and it would also be interesting to compare the life of street cats in Morocco to other countries. In Latin America, street cats are not so well cared for. This makes me wonder if Arab or Muslim cultures have a special connection or appreciation towards cats? More research will need to be done...

Kitten in Marrakech.

A quick Google search shows I am not alone in my observations of cats in Morocco! 

Enjoy these creative perspectives from other tourists!🐱

Atlantic Ocean of Rabat.

Medina Rooftop in Rabat. 

*http://www.ephemeraanddetritus.com/2012/08/16/the-ridiculously-awesome-cats-who-run-morocco/
*http://www.huffingtonpost.com/valerie-frankel/must-love-cats_b_5250967.html
*https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/the-mangy-cats-of-marrakech-need-names
*http://www.petful.com/animal-welfare/morocco-street-cats/
*http://www.followmefaraway.com/theres-something-cats-morocco/
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beAsQxcR2CE

Medina. 

  Medina.