The Cat Museum of Kotor (Museo del Gatto) is a specialized cultural institution located in the heart of Kotor’s Old Town, dedicated to the history and art of domestic cats. Established in 2013 by Venetian collector Pierro Pazzi, the museum houses thousands of items including vintage postcards, coins, lithographs, and posters dating from the 16th century to the present day. It serves as a spiritual home for feline enthusiasts and a vital supporter of Kotor’s stray cat population.
For centuries, cats have been an inseparable part of Kotor’s daily life and local culture. Legend suggests the first felines arrived in the Middle Ages aboard merchant ships, drafted into service to protect the walled city from the plague by hunting rats and snakes. Today, they are the unofficial symbol of the town, protected and nurtured by a tight knit community of locals and visitors alike.
The museum is more than just a gallery; it is a labor of love that transforms quirky cat memorabilia into a serious study of European art history. From Minoan motifs to 19th century postcards, the collection highlights how the domestic cat has navigated through human history as a muse, a worker, and a companion.
Visitor Essentials
Your entrance fee goes directly toward medical care and food for Kotor’s stray cat community.
Notable Artifacts
- The 1927 Stamp: A historic find from the early 20th century, showing a cat motif for the first time in philatelic history.
- Antique Advertising: A diverse collection of 19th and 20th century product labels featuring feline mascots.
- International Prints: Rare drawings that track how cats emerged as artistic subjects during the Renaissance.
- The Putin Piece: A controversial modern addition showing the Russian President petting his cat.
The museum store also offers the popular Cats of Kotor City Calendar for 5€, with proceeds supporting local animal welfare.
A Venetian Collector’s Vision
The Cat Museum of Kotor is the vision of curator Pierro Pazzi, an expert collector from Venice who spent decades amassing an impressive array of cat art and memorabilia. His obsession resulted in a collection that spans from the 16th century to the present day, largely bolstered by a significant private donation from an Italian countess.
Between the hundreds of cat-inspired postcards and antique coins, visitors will find pieces that are both funny and genuinely unorthodox. The museum serves as a guide to the remarkable stories of our feline friends through international prints and drawings, showing how their motifs disappeared during the Middle Ages only to resurface with a deep sympathy in art history during the Renaissance.
Whether you are a feline enthusiast or a fan of quirky muses, the two museum rooms offer a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the Old Town. You may even be greeted by the museum’s resident cat, who patiently allows visitors to offer affection while roaming among the exhibits.
Old Town Walking Tour
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Top 25 GuideLiving Legends of the Old Town
Walk through the streets today and you will encounter a massive armada of stray cats occupying the town’s narrow corridors and charming squares. While the city’s official coat of arms still depicts a red lion, the local community has embraced its smaller feline relatives so completely that they have become the primary face of Kotor’s tourism, appearing on almost every piece of local merchandise.
This daily co-existence is supported by unique civic initiatives. In several locations, recycling machines have been installed that dispense dry cat food in exchange for plastic bottles. By dropping two bottles into the machine, visitors receive a handful of granules to feed the nearby residents, ensuring the population is managed and well-fed through a sustainable, community-driven effort.
Beyond their historical role as protectors, these cats are now woven into the fabric of the modern city, where residents and shopkeepers alike provide food, medical care, and affection to their four-legged neighbors.
Finding the Museum
The Cat Museum of Kotor is located on the atmospheric Cinema Square (Trg Gospa od Anđela), immediately adjacent to the historic Church of Saint Michael. The square itself is a quiet corner of the Old Town, perfect for a short break between exploring the larger landmarks.
If you are looking for an authentic and quirky souvenir, the museum store is filled with funny cat merchandise. Visitors can choose from diverse prints, souvenir magnets, and the famous city calendar. It is a must visit stop for those who appreciate the feline muses of past centuries.
Official Resources
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