Houtong was once the largest coal-mining site in Taiwan, producing nearly 220,000 tonnes of coal annually at its peak in the 1960s.
The transition into a cat village began in 2008 when local residents and cat lovers started photographing and documenting the stray cats to find them homes.
The pedestrian bridge, known as the 'Cat Walk,' was designed specifically to allow cats to cross safely above the railway tracks.
The area is officially part of the Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park, preserving the history of Taiwan's mining industry alongside the animal sanctuary.
Many cats in the village are vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped under a community-led TNR program.
Houtong Cat Village is a former coal-mining settlement in New Taipei City that has been repurposed as a sanctuary for hundreds of free-roaming cats. The village is physically divided by the Yilan Line railway tracks, connected by a dedicated pedestrian 'Cat Bridge' featuring cat-themed design elements. The feline population is cared for by local volunteers who provide food and medical support. Many cats here are socialized and comfortable around human visitors. The area retains its industrial heritage with preserved coal processing facilities and mining tunnels located nearby. Shops throughout the village specialize in cat-themed merchandise and refreshments. The environment is hilly, characterized by narrow stairways and traditional residential architecture repurposed for tourism.
The elevated 'Cat Bridge' provides a unique vantage point of both the village architecture and the feline residents.
Do not feed the cats human food; use only approved cat treats if you intend to interact with them.
Avoid using camera flashes, as they can startle and stress the animals.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the village features steep stairs and uneven pathways.
Avoid chasing the cats for photos or disrupting them while they are sleeping; respect private property signs near residential homes.
Do not chase or pick up the cats, as they are free-roaming and may be territorial; keep noise levels low in residential zones.
