Aoshima Island is one
of about a dozen "cat islands" around Japan, where there are a lot
more feline residents than people. More than a hundred cats roam the island,
curling up in abandoned houses or prowling around the quiet fishing village.
Cats outnumber humans six to one here. Tiny Aoshima has seen a huge rise in
tourist visits since recently becoming popular online.
Originally introduced to the mile-long island to deal with mice that plagued fishermen's boats, the cats stayed on - and multiplied.
Not all the residents are admirers, though. One elderly woman shooed the animals away with a stick when they dug up her back garden. Locals are trying to keep the cat population in check - at least 10 cats have been neutered.
Originally introduced to the mile-long island to deal with mice that plagued fishermen's boats, the cats stayed on - and multiplied.
Not all the residents are admirers, though. One elderly woman shooed the animals away with a stick when they dug up her back garden. Locals are trying to keep the cat population in check - at least 10 cats have been neutered.
