Ok, I would like to preface this blog by saying that researching and compiling this bucket list for cat lovers, was such a ride and SO much fun. I fell down many cat shaped internet rabbit holes and it was just the perfect project to get lost in and brighten up a dreary January weekend. There are many things on this list that I had no idea about prior to writing it, but are now firmly on my to do list for 2025 and beyond!
This list is packed with experiences every feline enthusiast should try at least once. From cosy home projects you can share with your own cat, to travelling to destinations where cats reign supreme, these ideas will inspire you to embrace your love for cats in every corner of your life.
So grab a cuppa, a notepad, and a pen and let's explore these feline themed adventures that await you!
1. Visit a Cat Café
Cat cafe's are a relatively new phenomenon in the west, with the first one opening it's doors in Paris, France in 2013. 'Le Café de Chats' was inspired by the popularity of Cat Cafe's in Asia, which had been being enjoyed by cat lovers since the 90's. It brought the concept to Europe and North America and was an instant success.
Today you are likely no further than a quick google search and hour or so's drive away from your nearest cat café, where you can relax with a cake and a cup of coffee in the company of not just fellow cat lovers, but the cats that live there too.
2. Visit a Cat Themed Air Bnb
Yep, you read that right! If you live or are travelling to the United States, and find yourself near Oxford, Georgia, you can book a stay at a true cat lovers paradise. 'Cats, Kittens and Cinema' not only boasts an entire suite beautifully furnished with cat themed art and décor, but is also run by an amazing non profit rescue, meaning every moment of your stay is filled with rescue cats and kittens... and should you find a new best friend during your stay there, you will also have the opportunity to adopt them if they are available. As if this wasn't already the best place on earth, the room also has it's very own movie theatre too.. Can I just move in tomorrow please?
3. Volunteer at a cat shelter
Whether you have your own cats at home or just wish that you did, volunteering at a rehoming centre is one of the most rewarding things that you can do. There are so many ways that you can help make a difference, whether it's lending a few hours of your day to help out with the morning chores in the cattery, or socialising with the many cats in care who are just desperate for some much needed playtime or love, you can tick another thing off your bucket list and support your local rescue too.
4. Cat Themed Pottery and Ceramics Making
For a unique hands-on addition to your list, why not try your hand to some pottery making with a feline twist? You can find pottery making studios in most towns and cities, and it's such a fun and creative way to combine your love for both crafting and cats. The options to unleash your creativity are endless. Why not create your cat a new food or water dish complete with their name or paw print design, or a cosy feline themed mug, planter, or trinket bowl with pointed ears? If you're feeling a little more daring, you could even have a go at sculpting your own cat figurines to add a whimsical touch to your home décor.
5. Attend a Cat Convention
Known as the Comic-Con for cat lovers, the famous CatCon in LA features everything from vendors offering a wide range of feline themed merchandise, to workshops and meet and greets with well known internet cats, with many proceeds going toward feline charities.
Here in the UK we have our own spin on cat conventions hosted by Loving Cats Worldwide. Their events take place in cities across the country and attending isn't just about indulging your love for cats - it's a fab opportunity to join a large community of cat lovers who share your passion. You'll leave with new knowledge, unique souvenirs, and possibly even a potential new soul cat.
6. Hand-Rearing Kittens: A Lifesaving Commitment
Kittens who for whatever reason find themselves without a mother are incredibly vulnerable. Without her warmth, nutrition, and care, their chances of survival without human intervention are impossibly low. Neo-natal kittens require bottle feeding and toileting every few hours (including through the night during their first weeks of life). As they grow it becomes easier (and more fun) as you watch them begin to socialise and play with their siblings as well as transition to solid foods.
For a cat lover, raising an orphaned litter is one of the most fulfilling things you will ever do. During my time working in animal care, I took on the responsibility of hand-rearing many litters myself, and although the experience is most definitely a very demanding one, seeing a once fragile kitten thrive, just makes every second of it all so worthwhile.
If you think hand-rearing is a commitment you would like to take on, you can reach out to your local animal shelters or TNR (trap, neuter release) organisations to see if they are looking for dedicated hand-rearing volunteers, and enquire about the next steps to take.
7. Capturing the Purr-fect Moment: A Professional Feline Photoshoot.
For devoted cat lovers, investing in professional photos is an amazing way to celebrate the furry companion who brings so much joy to their life.
Unlike the usual quick phone snaps, a professional pet photographer knows how to work with cats, and uses the right lighting, props, and patience to bring out their very best side. Whether you're looking for that perfect regal portrait, an action shot of your cat mid-play, or a heart-warming photo of both you and your cat cuddled up together, a professional session ensures the the most stunning results, and makes for an unforgettable day too.
8. Build the Ultimate Cat-Themed Reading List
For cat lovers, few things are more comforting than curling up with a cat in your lap and a good book in your hands- especially one that celebrates our feline friends. From mystical and wise to mischievous and adventurous, cats have long been a big source of inspiration in literature, and have made their mark in some of the most beloved stories of all time.
In our house, I'm fortunate enough to not be alone in my love of cats, and also have a feline-obsessed 6 year old daughter, whose first choice of bedtime story will always involve a cat as the main character. Our favourites are 'Six Dinner Sid' by Inga Moore, 'The Mog Series' by Judith Kerr, 'Katinka's Tail' by Judith Kerr, and 'Tabby McTat. by Julia Donaldson. I think I love them all just as much as she does, and sharing our favourite cat stories together is just so precious to me.
There are so many feline literary classics to dive into, both for adults and children. Why not create your own reading list or challenge to add to your bucket list too? Here are just a few to get you started!
'The Dalai Lama's Cat' - by David Michie
'The Guest Cat' - by Takashi Hiraide
'Jennie' - by Paul Gallico
'Thomasina' - by Paul Gallico
'The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents' - by Terry Pratchett
'The Master and Margarita' - by Mikhail Bulgakov

9. Visit the Hemmingway House
Perhaps my favourite on this list and taking the number one spot on my own personal bucket list, is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West Florida. While the house is of course famous for its literary history, it is an iconic destination for cat enthusiasts everywhere.
Hemingway's former home is not just a museum dedicated to his life and work, but is also the home to dozens of cats, most of which are descendants of his own beloved pets. Hemingway was gifted Snow White, a six-toed cat (known as polydactyls) by a ships captain, and the unique trait has been passed down through the generations of cats who continue to roam the estate to this very day.
The museum is open daily, 365 days a year for walk in visits and guided tours. Enjoy the company of these friendly, extra toe-beaned felines, grab a cat print, tote, or pin, and make sure you don't forget to take your camera!
10. Bake Your Own Cat Themed Treats... For You and Your Cat
If like me you love an afternoon of homemade baking, what could be more fun than adding a dose of cat magic into the mix too and making your bakes that little bit sweeter.
As far as sweet treats for humans, the options are endless, and you can find tonnes of inspiration to get you started on our Pinterest page. Everything from cat themed layer cakes, brownies, cupcakes, pizzas, cake pops, donuts and more. I just love a classic sugar cookie, and with all of the cute cookie cutter options available online now, all you need to get started are your ingredients and some royal icing to create your beautiful kitty cookie masterpieces. As a bonus they also make the most amazing, thoughtful gifts for any cat lover in your life!
Of course, tasty snacks aren't just for us humans, and all cat owners know the crazy lengths their cats will go to to score a few cat treats! Most store bought cat treats contain lots of additives that are not only unhealthy, but just plain unnecessary too, and by making your own at home using safe, pet-friendly ingredients like chicken, tuna, salmon and pumpkin, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's in their snacks.
11. Visit a Cat Island: A Dream Travel Destination for Cat Lovers
I usually get to around hour 3 of any vacation before I start to desperately miss my cats, and by day two I will have predictably made friends with the local stray(s) or resident cats of wherever I am visiting. I know I'm not alone in this feline friend making mission, and so this bucket list entry is for all of you who like me enjoy travelling far more when there are cats involved!
Across the world there are several cat islands where felines reign supreme, outnumber humans, and have become an integral part of the local culture. Adding a trip to one of these destinations is a bucket list must!
Cyprus is often considered the birthplace of domesticated cats, with archaeological evidence suggesting that humans formed close bonds with cats as early as 9,500 years ago, long before even the famous feline worship began in ancient Egypt. One of the most famous cat havens on the island is St. Nicholas Monastery in Akrotiri, often referred to as the 'Cat Monastery' where monks have cared for cats for centuries. The entire island of Cyprus is famous for its large and friendly feline cat population, particularly in cities such as Limassol, Paphos, and Nicosia where cats roam freely and are often fed by locals, shelters, and tourists.
In Japan, many cat islands also exist, with Aoshima and Tashirojima being amongst the most famous. Many locals believe that the cats bring good luck and follow a tradition of caring for them, often setting up small shrines and shelters for them. The islands have become very popular pilgrimage sites for cat devotees from around the world, and Tashirojima even has a cat themed lodge called 'Manga Island'. However, it is definitely worth noting that both islands are very remote and offer limited amenities. So if you are looking for the full immersive cat lover experience, Tokyo, being the birthplace of the Maneki-Neko (beckoning cat), with its famous cat cafes, cat shrines and temples, feline themed shopping, and ease of travel may be a better destination if you wish to avoid the extra travel and ferry rides.
12. Train Your Cat: A Fun and Rewarding Challenge
While your cat may act as though she is above such a thing, the truth is, that with the right treats, plenty of patience and some determination, cats are highly intelligent and can learn tricks, commands, and even good manners.
Training isn't just about teaching tricks though- it helps build a closer bond with you and your cat, as well as trust and mental enrichment. When I had my first cat Dolly, a beautiful ragdoll willing to do just about anything for a few dreamies, I managed to teach her a full line up of commands, including 'sit', 'turn', 'high five', and 'into bed.' All this being said, with cats I have found it is very much a case of, 'if you don't use it you loose it,' and without regular practice and reinforcement, they are likely to forget what they have learned in favour of more naps.
Unlike dogs, cats do not aim to please you and are fully here for the snacks, which is why the secret to cat training is bribery.. lots and lots of bribery! You can find lots of training videos on YouTube to help kick things off, however the top 5 tips and tricks I always stick to are:
1. Keep the sessions short and sweet, once they are bored, they'll quickly let you know!
2. Treats are your best friend - the stinkier, the better.
3. Timing is very important, catch your cat while he or she is in a playful mood or asking for treats rather than waking them from an afternoon nap.
4. Invest in a clicker to reinforce a command.
5. Praise like they're royalty - because in their mind they are!
While there are certainly many more cat-filled adventures I'd love to include, I didn't want to make this list too long. So for now, we'll call that a wrap on our ultimate cat lovers bucket list- though don't be surprised if part two makes an appearance down the road!
Until then, pick an item from the list and why not kick start your bucket list adventure! If you've already checked a few off, I'd love to know what has been your favourite feline experience so far?
Amy x