The Cats and Kittens of the Marrakech Medina

Anyone who has visited Marrakech will probably tell stories of the cats and kittens that inhabit the streets of the ancient medina. Every derb (street) you walk down you see family of cats resting in the shade, a cute kitten lapping up some water or a lone cat sneaking around the corner. Even some of Marrakech’s main tourist attractions – such as El Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs or the Menara Gardens – are inhabited by lots of furry felines.

However, unlike our household friends, the cats of Marrakech are street cats. Although they are fed, watered and cared for by the locals, yet don’t entirely exist as pets in the way we consider cats. (Indeed, our riad staff often give the street cats water and leftovers!!) In this way the Marrakech cats are a lot more independent and more carefree than the cats we know and love.

Just as everywhere in the world, the cats and kittens of Marrakech divide opinion. Some love the cats and find them cute and adorable, while others aren’t so interested and would rather keep their distance. This rule applied for both tourists and locals alike. Yet, due to the independent nature of the cats of Marrakech are not used to attention and will probably shy away from a loving hand. Similarly, if cats aren’t your cup of tea – or rather, your cup of mint tea – then it is quite easy to avoid them.

Ultimately, whatever you think about them, the cats and kittens of the medina are genuine Marrakchi locals and are just one of the many things which makes the red city such a unique and interesting place to visit. Why not book at stay at our luxury riads today?