Random Things You Should Know About Aoshima, Island Of Cats (10 items)

• 

  (#6) Aoshima Isn't The Only Cat Island In Japan

  Cat islands are more common in Japan than you might think. Aoshima is one of more than 10 cat islands in the country. While all of them have being overrun by cats in common, they all have their own unique attributes that make them worth visiting. 

  For example, if you want to visit Iwaishima, you'll not only have a chance to interact with cats, but also other humans. The island has a population of at least 500 people, and "many cats." If you need someplace to stay overnight, you can stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Ajima has its own beach and camping sites. On Tashirojima Island, you can even visit a cat shrine. 
• 

  (#4) You Can Visit If You Want To

  If you want to go cat-watching on Aoshima, you absolutely can. Once you're in Ōzu, Ehime Prefecture, you can take the Yosan Line on the Shikoku Railway company to the JR Iyonagahama station. From there, walk to the Nagahama Port. Twice a day, there's a 35 minute boat trip to Aoshima.

  Unfortunately, Aoshima has nowhere for tourists to stay overnight, so unless you're personally acquainted with one of the residents, you'll want to make overnight arrangements elsewhere.
• 

  (#2) The Island Used To Have A Lot More Human Residents

  Aoshima wasn't always as low on human residents as it is now. Approximately 380 years ago, inhabitants of what is now Hyogo Prefecture were attracted to Aoshima by the abundance of sardines in its waters. One source claims in 1945 there were 900 people living on the island, while another source says the population peaked in 1955 with 758 people. Either way, that's a lot more than the current population of approximately 20.

  What happened? After World War II, many younger residents of Aoshima left the island to seek work elsewhere. The remaining residents were retirees who saw no need to leave. As the human population dwindled, the cat population exploded. 
• 

  (#10) Population Control Is Key

  In an effort to control the burgeoning population, at least 10 of the cats have been neutered. However, this is still an ongoing process. 

  While the high number of cats and the yearly explosions in the kitten population might seem adorable, it's actually better for the cats themselves if their numbers stay small. With fewer cats, diseases are less likely to spread amongst them, and they're less likely to fight over resources. Besides that, spaying and neutering cats can decrease behavioral problems like spraying. 
• 

  (#3) The Cats Managed The Island's Mouse Problem

  Before Aoshima's cat population swelled, there was a huge mice problem on the island. This is because villagers used to raise silkworms to make silk for their fishing nets. The silkworms attracted mice, so cats were brought in to solve the problem.

  The cats made short work of the resident rodents, and today mice are a non-issue for the people of Aoshima.
• 

  (#9) Not All Of The Residents Love Their Furry Neighbors

  As cute as the fluffy residents of Aoshima might be, they can certainly cause their share of trouble. Imagine, for example, you're into gardening. It's going to be pretty difficult to maintain your vegetable patches if cats appear in your yard to dig them up and pee on them all the time. That's why at least one woman was seen chasing cats away from her garden with a stick. 

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking