You’ve probably seen the photos. A tiny wooden pier in Japan, practically carpeted in calicos, tabbies, and ginger toms. It looks like a fever dream for anyone who prefers whiskers to people. But if you're actually planning a trip and wondering how many cats are on Cat Island, the answer depends entirely on which "Cat Island" you’re talking about and, quite honestly, what day of the week it is. Japan actually has about a dozen of these places, but most people are thinking of Aoshima or Tashirojima.
The numbers are shifting. Fast.
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If you're looking for the short answer: Aoshima currently has roughly 100 to 120 cats, while Tashirojima likely hosts around 100. But those figures are deceptive. They aren't static populations in a thriving ecosystem; they are the result of a very specific, somewhat bittersweet demographic collapse of the human population.
The Aoshima Count: More Cats Than People?
Aoshima, located in the Ehime Prefecture, is the one you see in the viral "cat wave" videos. It’s a tiny speck of land, barely a mile long. Back in the 1940s, nearly 900 people lived there. They were mostly fishermen. Mice were a nightmare for the boat silk and the nets, so they brought in cats.
Nature did what nature does.
By 2018, the human population had plummeted to fewer than 10 residents, all of them elderly. Meanwhile, the feline population exploded. At its peak, the ratio was something like 30 cats for every one human. If you step off the ferry today, you'll be swarmed. It's not an exaggeration. They wait for the boat. They know the sound of the engine means tourists with "Churu" treats and kibble.
However, there’s a massive caveat to the current numbers. In 2018, the Aoshima Cat Protection Society decided to spay and neuter almost the entire population to prevent further uncontrolled growth. Out of the roughly 130 cats on the island at that time, nearly all were fixed. This means the population is naturally aging out. There aren't many kittens anymore. When you ask how many cats are on Cat Island today, you’re looking at a dwindling number of senior residents.
Tashirojima: The Island of the Cat Shrine
Then there’s Tashirojima in Miyagi Prefecture. This place feels a bit different. It’s more "organized" for tourism, featuring "Manga Island" (themed cabins) and a literal Shinto shrine dedicated to cats. Historically, the islanders raised silkworms, and cats were kept to protect the cocoons from rats.
The fishermen here also believed cats brought good luck. They watched the cats' behavior to predict weather patterns—a feline barometer, if you will.
Today, the cat population stays around 100. The human population is slightly larger than Aoshima’s, around 60 to 80 people, though that's also shrinking. Unlike Aoshima, where the cats are concentrated near the harbor, Tashirojima’s cats are more spread out between the two main villages, Nitoda and Oodomari. You have to walk the paved paths through the woods to find them all. It’s a hike. Bring good shoes.
Why the Numbers Are Hard to Pin Down
Counting cats isn't like counting people. They don't fill out census forms.
- The Ghost Cats: There are always "feral" cats that don't hang out at the docks. These are the ones hunting in the overgrown hills. They rarely show up in official estimates.
- Tourist Influence: On rainy days, cats hide. On sunny days when the ferry is full, every cat on the island seems to materialize out of the woodchips.
- Health and Lifespan: Island life is harsh. Despite the "cute" photos, these are semi-wild animals. They deal with salty air, kitty colds (URI), and the occasional lack of fresh water. The population fluctuates because of natural turnover.
It’s also worth noting that the "cat island" phenomenon is a ticking clock. Because of the sterilization programs—which were necessary for the welfare of the animals—these islands won't be "cat islands" forever. In twenty years, the numbers might be in the single digits.
Traveling There: Don't Be "That" Tourist
If you're going to contribute to the headcount, you need to follow the rules. Japan takes this seriously.
First, the ferry to Aoshima is tiny. It only runs twice a day, and if the sea is even slightly choppy, it gets canceled. Many travelers make it all the way to the Ozu area only to find the boat isn't leaving. It’s a gamble.
Second, feeding. On Aoshima, there is a designated feeding zone. Don't just drop kibble by the pier. It creates a mess that the elderly residents—who are not your cleaning crew—have to deal with. Tashirojima is even stricter; they generally discourage feeding because the cats are on a managed diet to keep them healthy.
Third, trash. There are no convenience stores. There are no vending machines in most spots. Whatever you bring (water, wrappers, used cat toy packaging), you must take back to the mainland.
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The Ethics of the "Cat Island" Trend
We have to talk about the reality of it. The "expert" view on these islands is complicated. Veterinarians like those from the Japanese group Animal Fund have spent years working on these islands. They argue that while the cats look happy in photos, the high density leads to the spread of diseases like feline flu and skin mites.
When you ask how many cats are on Cat Island, you should also ask about their quality of life. The islands with lower numbers—where the ratio of cats to humans is more balanced—usually have healthier animals. Tashirojima’s cats generally look a bit chunkier and healthier than the ones on Aoshima because there’s more infrastructure and more people to look after them.
Other "Cat Islands" You Haven't Heard Of
While Aoshima and Tashirojima get all the press, they aren't the only ones. If you want a more "authentic" experience without the crowds, look into these:
- Manabeshima: In the Okayama Prefecture. It’s a beautiful, atmospheric spot used in movies. The cats here are chill.
- Sanagishima: Famous for the "jumping cats" photos where they leap between concrete pier blocks.
- Ogijima: Features a lovely lighthouse and a very walkable village terrain.
Each of these has its own specific count, usually hovering between 30 and 80 cats.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
If you are serious about seeing the cats of Japan, do not just wing it.
Check the ferry schedules on the official municipal websites of Ozu (for Aoshima) or Ishinomaki (for Tashirojima) the morning of your trip. Wind speeds over a certain knot will ground the boats. Pack a "cat kit" including wet wipes (for your hands), a small bag for your own trash, and some high-quality treats if the local signs permit it.
Most importantly, manage your expectations. You are visiting someone’s home—both the feline and the human residents. The humans are mostly elderly people living out their quiet years. Keep your voice down. Don't trespass on private porches for a photo.
The cats will be there. They’ve been waiting for the next boat for decades.
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To make the most of your trip, consider staying overnight in Ishinomaki before heading to Tashirojima. This gives you the best chance of catching the first ferry, which is when the cats are most active and hungry. If you're heading to Aoshima, stay in Nagahama. There is literally nothing to do there but wait for the boat, but being first in line is the only way to guarantee a spot on the limited-capacity ferry.
The "Cat Island" experience is moving, strange, and a bit melancholic. It’s a glimpse into a disappearing version of rural Japan, held together by four legs and a lot of fur.