This Country Just Declared Cats National Treasures—Here’s Why
There’s cat news, and then there’s CAT NEWS—the kind that makes the internet lose its collective mind and has cat lovers around the world collectively whispering, “finally.”
One country just officially declared cats as national treasures. Not internet darlings. Not just adorable little gremlins who rule your home. National. Freaking. Treasures.
It’s a big deal. It’s cultural. It’s political. It’s historic. And most of all—it’s the validation every cat has always believed they were due.
Let’s break it all down: what happened, why it matters, and how cats have clawed their way into the hearts, laws, and identities of countries across the globe.
So, Which Country Did It?
Mexico.
Yup. In an official move that would make any cat beam with smug satisfaction, Mexico declared the cats that live in the National Palace in Mexico City as “living fixed assets.”
It might sound like bureaucratic mumbo jumbo, but the phrase is actually a legal designation that ensures the cats will receive lifelong care and recognition—regardless of political changes or who's living in the palace next. We're talking food, medical attention, shelter, and most importantly, legal protection.
It might sound too charming to be real, but this story is 100% legit. According to a report from the Associated Press, the 19 cats who roam the grounds of Mexico’s National Palace were officially granted this status to ensure their continued wellbeing—turning them from casual residents into protected members of the nation’s most important building. Read the full story here.
These aren’t just strays anymore. They're protected residents of the nation’s top government building, and now, by law, they're woven into the fabric of the country’s public identity.
Why Did This Happen?
It’s not totally random. These cats have been part of the palace for decades, originally brought in to control rodent problems. Over time, they became part of the scenery, then part of the staff, and eventually—thanks to public affection and media coverage—part of the story of modern Mexico.
They have names. They have fan pages. Tourists come looking for them. It was only a matter of time before someone asked: why not just make it official?
So they did. And in doing so, they joined a small but growing list of countries that don’t just love cats, but honor them as symbols of who they are.
The Rise of Cats in Culture
Cats have always had main character energy. They’ve been worshipped, painted into ancient murals, turned into gods, spirits, and omens. Fast forward a few thousand years, and they’re still everywhere—on T-shirts, TikTok, memes, and your coworker’s Zoom background.
But while cats have long held cultural clout, something new is happening: countries are starting to officially recognize them—not just as symbols of good luck or internet royalty, but as part of their national identity.
This isn’t just about viral cat videos or quirky traditions. We’re talking cat protection law, national animal cat discussions, and public recognition that’s showing up in legislation, city programs, and international headlines. It’s a shift that shows how much cats in culture matter—not just in our homes, but in our history, our cityscapes, and even our politics.
So, where are cats being honored in ways that go beyond pet status? Let’s look at some of the places that are answering the question:
Which countries treat cats as national symbols—and how exactly are cats honored around the world?
Japan: Cat Culture Royalty
Japan doesn’t just like cats—they’ve built an entire industry around them.
You’ve got:
- Maneki-neko (the lucky cat statues) guarding storefronts
- Cat cafes as regular social spots
- Cat islands like Aoshima, where felines outnumber humans
- And probably most importantly, a nationwide respect for cats as spiritual and lucky creatures
Cats here are tied into folklore and good fortune. The idea that cats bring blessings and balance isn’t just cute—it’s taken seriously. And the laws reflect that: animal cruelty in Japan can carry serious consequences.
Turkey: City of Cats
If you’ve ever seen the documentary Kedi, you already know—Istanbul is the unofficial cat capital of the world.
Stray cats are everywhere in the city, but they’re not treated like pests. They’re part of the community.
It’s common for restaurants to leave food out. Homes to crack their doors open for a warm nap. Residents to leave water bowls along alleyways. And the government? They’ve placed laws and protections around cats, making it illegal to harm them and supporting efforts to care for them.
Cats here are part of the urban landscape—just as integral as the buildings and the Bosphorus.
Italy: Eternal Cats of Rome
Rome’s ruins aren’t just crawling with tourists. They’re also crawling with cats.
Especially in places like the Largo di Torre Argentina, where a colony of cats has set up camp among ancient ruins. Locals and animal organizations have built a sanctuary right there among the pillars and stones. It’s protected. It’s funded. And it’s official.
Rome has basically said: the ruins belong to history, but the cats belong to us now.
Egypt: Where It All Began
If we’re going to talk about cats in culture, we have to go back to ancient Egypt.
Cats were sacred. Literally. They were worshipped as manifestations of deities like Bastet, the goddess of protection and home life.
They were protectors of the family. Killing a cat—even by accident—was punishable by death. That’s how deep their cultural value went.
Today, while Egypt doesn’t legally treat cats as national symbols, the historical reverence remains. You see it in museums, artifacts, and the pride locals still take in their connection to one of the oldest cat cultures in history.
Legal Protection: Cat Laws Are Growing
We’re starting to see more countries move toward cat protection laws that go beyond basic pet ownership rules.
Here are a few interesting examples:
- Germany: Has strict breeding laws and requires outdoor cats in some regions to be neutered/spayed to control stray populations ethically.
- The Netherlands: Has pushed toward eliminating stray cats and dogs altogether—without killing them—through a combination of sterilization programs and strict adoption laws.
- Taiwan: Passed an animal welfare law that includes jail time for anyone who abuses or kills cats.
- United States (some states): Cities like Chicago and San Francisco have “community cat” programs that give certain strays legal protection if they’re fixed and cared for.
The trend is clear: the line between “stray” and “community member” is starting to blur.
Wait… Could a Cat Become a National Animal?
Cats aren’t usually the official national animal of any country—but maybe that should change?
Let’s think about it.
Cats represent independence, adaptability, stealth, and intelligence. Pretty solid traits for a nation to align itself with.
Some places have tried:
- Massachusetts named the tabby cat as the state cat.
- The Isle of Man embraces the Manx cat (famous for its missing tail) as a cultural icon.
- And now Mexico, in its own way, has officially said: these cats are part of our national identity.
So… maybe it’s time. Maybe a few more countries need to ask themselves: is it really a stretch to make cats our mascots?
How Cats Are Honored Around the World
Beyond law and culture, people go out of their way to honor cats in daily life.
- Cat statues in public parks
- Instagram-famous street cats with massive followings
- Books, cartoons, festivals, murals
- Whole cities that treat stray cats better than some countries treat their citizens
It's not about obsession. It's about recognition. Cats have lived alongside us for thousands of years. They're part of our evolution, our homes, and our stories.
Honoring them isn’t weird—it’s overdue.
Final Thoughts: The Pawsitive Shift
So, here’s what it all boils down to:
Mexico’s declaration isn’t just a feel-good headline. It’s part of a growing movement to legally, culturally, and emotionally acknowledge cats for what they are—respected members of our shared spaces.
It’s a message to the world that says:
- Cats aren’t disposable.
- They aren’t just “pets.”
- They’re companions, workers, healers, muses—and sometimes, they’re little fuzzy weirdos who sleep in the fruit bowl for no reason.
But they deserve care, respect, and yes—even legal recognition.
So the next time your cat stares at you like they rule the universe… just know, they might have a point.