Cats of Dubrovnik

It is a common sight in Dubrovnik’s Old Town; a cat stretched out across the top of an ATM. These machines stay warm throughout the day, and the marble ledges are perfect for a nap. For the cats, it is simply a practical choice of “real estate” in one of the busiest streets in the world.

While many tourists see them as a photo opportunity, these cats are, what locals call them gospodske mačke (noble cats). They have lived here for centuries, and the people of Dubrovnik are very protective of them. If you want to understand the true spirit of the city, you have to understand its feline residents.

History of protection of cats of Dubrovnik

The relationship between Dubrovnik and its cats goes back to the 1300s. During that time, Dubrovnik (then known as the Republic of Ragusa) was a powerful trading port. This success brought a major problem: rats. Arriving on ships from all over the world, rats carried diseases and threatened the city’s food supplies.

To solve this, the Republic brought in cats as a natural form of pest control. They were the original guardians of the city’s grain warehouses. Because they were so effective at keeping the city safe from disease, they earned a permanent place in the community. Today, when you see a cat wandering through the Old Town, you are looking at the descendants of those original protectors. This is why locals often call them “The Oldest Citizens of the Republic”.

The Famous Story of Anastazija

You cannot talk about the cats of Dubrovnik without mentioning Anastazija. For 18 years, this calico cat lived on the steps of the Rector’s Palace. She was so famous that she became a global symbol for the city.

However, her life became the center of a major debate in 2022. A local fan built her a small wooden house that matched the architecture of the palace, but museum authorities removed it, saying it did not fit the historical look of the building. This caused a massive public outcry, with thousands of people signing petitions to bring her home back.

While Anastazija passed away in 2023, her story changed how the city views animal welfare. Today, there is more awareness and support for providing proper shelters for street cats, especially during the winter months.

Where to find the best “cat spots”?

If you are a cat lover, there are several locations where you are almost guaranteed to find them. They follow a very specific daily routine based on the sun and the presence of people:

• The Old Harbour: This is the best place to be in the early morning. Cats wait near the stone edges for the local fishermen to return with their catch. They are very patient and rarely beg; they know that a small fish is usually coming their way as a “tax” for their presence.
• The Serbian Orthodox Church (Zlatarska Street): This area is tucked away from the main noise of the Stradun. It has a quiet courtyard where several cats usually gather for an afternoon nap. It is one of the best spots for photography because of the beautiful stone background.
• The Porporela Pier: This long stone pier is a favorite spot in the late afternoon. The cats enjoy the warmth of the stones and the view of the sea, often sitting right on the edge of the waves.

How to interact with cats of Dubrovnik?

You need to follow a few simple rules of “local bonton”. First, you might notice that some cats have a small, clean notch on the tip of one ear. Don’t worry, this isn’t an injury. It is a sign that the cat has been sterilized and vaccinated by local volunteers and groups like SOS Dubrovnik Cats. It’s the city’s way of keeping the population healthy and well-cared for.

When it comes to feeding, it is very tempting to share a piece of your sandwich or some leftovers. However, human food is usually too salty or processed for them and can cause health issues. If you really want to treat them, it is much better to stop by a local supermarket like Pemo or Konzum and pick up a small bag of dry cat food.

Most importantly, remember the local concept of fjaka. In Dalmatia, this is the art of doing absolutely nothing and just enjoying the moment. If a cat is fast asleep on a warm stone or an ATM, they are in a deep state of fjaka. The best thing you can do is take a quiet photo and let them enjoy their rest without forcing a cuddle.

Sharing the city with its oldest residents

After a day or two in the Old Town, you start to notice that the cats are simply part of Dubrovnik’s everyday rhythm. Between the stone streets, the crowds and the centuries-old buildings, they’re a small reminder that the city is still lived in.

Visitors come and go, seasons shift, but the cats are usually in the same places. Sleeping on warm steps, wandering through narrow alleys or sitting somewhere with a good view of the harbour.

If you stay long enough, you’ll probably begin to recognize a few of them. The one that naps near the bakery most mornings. The one that sits by the harbour wall like it’s guarding the entrance. They’re not trying to be part of the experience, but somehow they end up being exactly that.

So if you see one stretched out on a centuries-old step, it’s a good excuse to pause for a moment. Dubrovnik isn’t a city that rewards rushing anyway. The cats seem to understand that perfectly and they’ve had centuries to practice.

Photography: Pexels

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