Remember Japan’s Viral Cat Island? You Might Not Get to See It Anymore

Remember that cat island that once went viral online? The one where dozens of furry locals would swarm the pier to greet every boat like some kind of KPOP meet-and-greet? That’s Aoshima in Japan. And sad news, it might not be around for much longer.

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

This island in Ehime Prefecture, just a 30 to 35 minute ferry ride from Shikoku, became internet-famous because cats outnumbered humans by a landslide. Tourists would show up armed with snacks and cameras, while cats lounged on fishing nets, stretched out on the pavement, or followed strangers like they owned the place. No hotels, no cafés, not even a vending machine! Just cats everywhere! And somehow, that was enough to turn Aoshima into a bucket list spot.

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

But here’s the part people don’t see on TikTok. The cats are old. Like, all of them. Since a mass spaying and neutering in 2018, not a single kitten has been born. Out of the 200 cats that once roamed around, only about 80 remain today. Most are over seven years old, and a lot are sick from inbreeding. It’s not the lively cat paradise you’ve seen online anymore, yes, it’s giving nursing home or the remote island in the movie, 28 Days Later. The island is now slowly being abandoned by humans!

After World War II, there were almost 900 people living in Aoshima. By 2017, only 13 were left. Now it’s down to four or five.

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

This is "Cat Mama", she is the reason the cats are still hanging on. A woman in her 70s who feeds and cares for them every single day is keeping the remote island of cats alive! If she leaves, that’s basically game over!

According to the resident cat nurse or “cat mama”, the future looks rough for Aoshima and its cats.

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

The island is shrinking in more ways than one. Without people, there’s no one left to look after the cats. And with no one to feed them, the furry locals won’t survive on their own.

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

Tourists are the only reason ferries still run to Aoshima. Once visitors lose interest, the boats will stop too. No ferries, no access. The so-called “Cat Island” would simply vanish from the travel map.

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

Rescue groups already have plans in place. When Aoshima finally empties out, they’ll step in to rehome the remaining cats. It won’t be easy, but it’s the only way to keep them alive once the island falls completely silent.

Here’s the wildest part. Aoshima was never supposed to be a tourist spot. It was a fishing village. Fishermen brought cats to control the rats chewing through their sardine nets. The cats stayed, multiplied, and eventually went viral. Next thing you know, it’s all over listicles and YouTube vlogs as “Cat Island.” Now? The internet fame is fading as fast as the population.

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

So if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Cat Island, this is your sign. Go while it’s still here! The furry welcome party that once made Aoshima iconic is shrinking by the day, and in a few years it might just be gone. As a cat lover myself, this is definitely included in my travel bucket list now. I’m just sad to see the cats go away. Hope I make it there someday!

Image credit: aoshima_cat | Instagram

But honestly, the way to get there will be tough because this is not the kind of place you casually book an overnight. There are no shops, no hotels, no restaurants. You’ll have to stay in Ehime on the mainland and catch one of the limited ferries for a quick day trip. It takes effort, but if you’re a true cat person, this could be your only chance to experience it before it disappears for good.

Featured image credit: Canva Pro