The attitude towards cats is said to have developed from folklore, with the Montenegrin people holding the belief that cats saved the town of Kotor. It is reported that in 1918, during the revolt from the Austro-Hungarian navy, the Slav sailors would bring their ships into The Bay of Kotor, and with that their cats. Because the ships would bring in cats from all over the world, the feline population of Kotor is as diverse as it is extensive.
‘This is just part of legend, but historically the cats appeared here when the sailors were coming back home and they had the cats on their ships. Because Kotor is a town between sea and mountains, there were also lots of mice and rats and snakes, and it was necessary to have the cats in the town to protect it. So cats have become a symbol of good luck for Montenegro,’ says Oksana Troshina, who owns the Cats of Kotor souvenir shop with her husband.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to $1,665 on our unique trips.
Cats of Kotor souvenir shop | © Matthew Glover
There are many shops located in Kotor’s maze of alleys selling cat-emblazoned paraphernalia, but Oksana’s is by far the most popular. She and her husband set up the shop back in 2012 not just to celebrate Kotor’s cats, but also to highlight Montenegro’s handmade goods.
‘Our idea was to give a chance for the tourists to buy something made here in Montenegro and to be all dedicated to the cats,’ Oksana continues. Also doubling as a charity initiative, proceeds from the store go to feeding Kotor’s large feline population. The cats have really taken to the store and you will find kittens playing in one corner, some hanging out on the outdoor signs and others snoozing amongst the souvenir products.
Stray cats will sit with tourists | © Sabrina Faramarzi
Cats are so ubiquitous to Kotor that they have taken on a symbolic meaning. ‘The official symbol of Montenegro is the Venetian lion, but the cat is like a little lion and is now the unofficial symbol of Kotor because we believe that cats are a sign of good luck!’
Another public initiatives that celebrate its feline population is Kotor’s town square, which has been nicknamed the ‘Square of Cats’ for the large community that reside there. There’s even a museum dedicated to them, and visiting the Cats Museum Kotor costs just €1. Inside there’s a plethora of feline-themed artefacts – real testament to the Montenegrin respect towards its animals.
If you’re a cat lover, then a visit to this purry haven is a must. Kotorians are the closest thing to how we’d imagine Ancient Egyptians treated their cats, so get off that computer and find your feline-loving community out in the real world!
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.
Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/europe/montenegro/articles/bizarre-history-kotors-fascination-cats
Author :
Publish date : 2017-07-26 07:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
