The museum's collection was originally curated by Italian cat enthusiast Francesca Montillo.
Many of the items on display date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on how cats were represented in lithographs and early advertising.
The museum is housed in a building that formerly functioned as a monastery school for girls.
The exhibits include a selection of cat-themed coins and currency from various countries.
The museum actively documents the global cultural symbolism of cats, moving beyond local Kotor lore.
The Kotor Cats Museum is a niche cultural institution dedicated to the historical relationship between humans and felines. The collection features thousands of artifacts including vintage postcards, rare cat-themed books, medals, and art pieces dating back to the 16th century. It occupies a historic building within the UNESCO-protected walls of Kotor's Old Town. The museum functions as a tribute to the local feline population, which is an unofficial symbol of the city. Exhibits highlight the cat's role in European art and cultural history rather than focusing on live animal rescue. The venue maintains a modest footprint, emphasizing documentation and historical display.
The eclectic wall of vintage, framed cat-themed postcards provides the most unique photographic backdrop.
Look for the museum sign specifically in the Trg Gospa od Anđela square, as the winding streets of the Old Town can make locating specific small doors difficult.
Combine your visit with a walk through the Old Town, as the museum is small and can be viewed relatively quickly.
The museum is temperature-controlled, making it a good location to escape the peak mid-day summer heat.
Do not expect to find a rescue shelter or a petting zoo; this is a historical gallery, not an animal welfare facility.
The museum typically operates seasonally, often reducing access or closing during the low winter months.
