Kotor, a cat lover’s dream town

The first thing you’ll notice as you arrive in Kotor are the well-fed cats that roam freely all over the place, hundreds of them! A true cat lover’s paradise!

Weave between the old town’s medieval maze of museums, shops, bars and restaurants and a bowl of biscuits can be found on many street corners, often accompanied by a posse of well-fed felines.

That’s because here in Kotor – one of Montenegro’s most popular and picturesque destinations – cats bring you luck, or so say the resident of this beautiful medieval town.

Over the last 10 years many cat-devoted shops have opened their doors to welcome cat lovers from all over the world, and additionally, there isalso a dedicated cat museum which help feed the feline population with part of their profits.

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This is one of the many ways cats get their food and board in Kotor, with a network of residents sharing the responsibility – particularly in the colder winter months when the cats are invited inside homes.

“Cats are a sign of good luck,” they say. Many old people in Kotor will tell you they have always loved cats and many years ago, maybe the middle of the 20th century, all their doors would have cat flaps so the cats can come in and out of their the houses as they please.

Theories for how this obsession developed are up for discussion. After surviving wars, sieges and earthquakes – including one that devasted Kotor more than 44 years ago – some believe cats have helped to save the town over the years.

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Others say the lucky charms were brought to Kotor by sailors, who docked their feline-filled ships in the Bay of Kotor during a revolt by the Austro-Hungarian navy in 1918.

For those who wish to explore the city further, Kotor has to offer won’t be disappointed, either. The old town is entered through a magnificent, pink-tinged stone sea gate, which forms part of the wider Venetian fortification that dates back to the 12th century.

Make sure you also visit San Giovanni Castle which is perched 280m above sea level at the top of a mountain, overlooking the old town. Hike up for views of Kotor’s royal blue and turquoise bay.

If you live in the UK and are planning your next summer vacation, EasyJet flies direct from London Gatwick to Tivat; Kotor is a half-hour drive from there!