Cafe Dog & Cats opened in 1998, beginning a trend that would later revolutionize coffee drinking for animals lovers. Originally called Cat Flower Garden, the innovative Taipei joint was the very first cat cafe in the entire world, creating a cozy space for city dwellers to relax alongside feline companions after a long day. As its new name suggests, Cafe Dog & Cats has since welcomed canine friends, as well. Beyond a variety of coffees and teas, the Cafe Dog & Cats menu also offers continental fare and even a few alcoholic drinks. Animal lovers of all ages traveling around Taipei will love this groundbreaking cafe.

Back in the 1960s, one sweet lady took in a stray cat and her kittens. Her house soon became too small for all the cats that followed and she moved to a houseboat in one of Amsterdam's lively canals. Even though cats hate water, they flourished in their new home and it since became a cat shelter where cats can go their own way, are not confined to cages and walk around like little captains. It is a unique and remarkable place. Two hours a day tourists are very welcome to come aboard and see this amazing shelter for themselves.

The ancient buildings that can be seen here were discovered during excavation work in the 1920s. The four temples from the Republican era were named A, B, C and D. Temple C is the oldest, Temple A is from the 3rd Century BCE, and some of the flooring and mosaics of Temple B are still visible. Though Temple C was built in 100 BCE, the mosaic decorations were added during a later period. Currently, this historic sight is a no-kill cat sanctuary that houses abandoned cats from the area. Stray cats are taken in, given shots, sprayed and given a home at the sanctuary where they now abound. Whether you are a history buff or a cat lover, this is one sight you have to see.

Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. They are home to over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species, most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. Their dual mission is to provide the best home they can for the cats in their care and educate the public about the plight of these majestic animals, both in captivity and in the wild, to end abuse and avoid extinction.

Lying just off the coast of the Oshika Peninsula, Tashirojima is a small island that is dominated by furry, four-legged felines. Here, the stray cats far outnumber the humans who call this their home. Surrounded by the azure waters of the mighty Pacific, Japan's Cat Island was once home to about a thousand humans, however, over time, the population has dwindled down to a mere hundred. The enormous population of cats hearkens back to the Edo era, and a belief which suggests that feeding cats is a sure-fire way to attract prosperity. An ode to this belief is Neko-jinja, a humble cat shrine which lies nestled in the island's very heart. Having captured the imagination of the world at large, Tashirojima is often featured in media and is one of the best-kept cat islands of the country.

Inspired by a Japanese culture, this is the first of its kind in Vienna. Cafe Neko which means cat cafe in Japanese opened its doors in 2012. The five resident felines have their own 'cat furniture' and are friendly enough to allow guests to pet them. The decor is designed keeping these agile creatures in mind complete with scratch posts, climbing walls and more. Drink coffee from traditional Viennese roasters along with homemade cakes or you can also order yourself some Japanese tea.

The first of its kind to be opened in the United States, Oakland's Cat Town Cafe is a truly heartwarming experience. Part cafe and part cat shelter, this cafe is run by the non-profit Cat Town Oakland, which is dedicated to finding foster and forever homes for homeless cats in and around the Oakland area. The cafe consists of two different areas separated by a dividing wall: the cafe proper, where patrons can order coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and pastries, and the cat zone where all of the adoptable cats are free-roaming. Visitors to the cafe can take their drinks into the cat zone and spend up to an hour petting, playing with, and getting to know all of the cafe's feline residents. Reservations are highly recommended, as Cat Town Cafe is extremely popular, and can be made online. A $10 donation, which goes towards providing food, shelter, and care for the cats, is required for all patrons who make a reservation. Free-of-charge walk-ins are also available at the cafe, but are only available as time and space permits.

Get away from the city life and enter an entirely different zone that boasts of rare wildlife. The Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park is home to a variety of exotic as well as common species of wild animals. Here, you also get to interact with the animals like wolves, tiger cubs through the Behind the Scenes program. For more details, check website.

If you are a feline lover, then Cats Republic (Республика кошек) will be an interesting visit. It is considered to be the first cat cafe in the country and opened its doors in 2011. It comprises of a cafe, display room, play room, souvenir shop and library. You can cuddle, pet or just look at any of the 20 in-house kitties. Six are from the Hermitage Museum and the remaining 14 are from various breeds. Get to know their behavior and their distinct personality, fall in love with them. There is an entrance fee and since it's a democracy of cat world, you will be issued a visa. You can also ask for an extension once the visa expires. The charges on weekdays for single visit is RUB200 and during weekends it is RUB300, while for kids below three years old, it is of no charge. The exhibition hall features some of the amazing cat objects from the Hermitage Museum. Buy some interesting souvenir from their gift shop.

A Center for feline breeding and research, The Cat House protects 70 endangered feline species from extinction. Visitors can see these animals from a distance of 5 feet (1.5 meters). Some of these include leopards, tigers, jaguars, cougars, Canadian lynx, Bobcat, Margay and Ocelot, among many others. The Cat Center does well to preserve the future of these animals and give them a home where they can breed, as well allow research on all of these 19 species. The institute is run entirely on public funds. For all those who love big wild cats, a visit to The Cat House is a must.

If drinking good coffee and enjoying the company of cats are two separate activities that sound exciting, The Cat Café offers both to customers. High quality coffee from West Coast Coffee Roasters and Cafe Virtuoso is served here in the company of furry felines who are waiting to be pet. The cats in the playpen are friendly and always active and are also put up for adoption to give them new homes in willful customers' homes.

Situated in a beautiful structure on the scenic Herengracht canal, KattenKabinet is home to a rather quirky art assemblage whose theme is centered around cats. The museum was set up in 1990 as a mark of tribute to John Piermont Morgan, a red cat who stayed here between the years 1966 and 1983. The museum houses an extensive collection of photos, sculptures, posters and paintings of cats. Art works by Sal Meijer, Pablo Picasso and other noted artists also grace the museum walls. Laminated boards inside the museum provide details about each of the 'cat-themed' artworks.