Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, Borneo, East Malaysia but it’s branded itself in the tourism market as Cat City.

Phil poses (reluctantly) with furry friends at the Cat Museum in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo.

A case full of lucky cats – maneki neko. The beckoning cat originated in Japan but is now a popular Chinese figure. The various coours, raised paws, coins and bibs have different meanings. Find out more here: https://luckymanekineko.wordpress.com/2012/10/01/left-paw-or-right-black-white-or-red-decoding-the-lucky-cat/

This cat family statue is on a roundabout in the heart of Kuching. There are more kittens on other parts of the statue. Very popular spot for tourists to pose. Phil refused.

Into the belly of the beast. The entrance to the Kuching Cat Museum.

Cat scratch fever. A statuary scratching post with family of cats on the Kuching Waterfront.

Locals say that’s  because ‘kucing’ is the Malay word for cat.
Doubters think it’s more likely to be derived from Chinese: ‘cochin’  means port; or from ‘ku’ – old, and ‘ching’ – well giving ‘old well’. Boring!

The Cat City Museum

The cat definition may not be true but Kuching has taken it to heart and you will find cat statues in various parts of town and a large cat museum on the north shore. (You can get there by bus but a taxi is better. Back in 2012 it cost 25RM (aboout US$6) each way plus 10RM waiting time.)
The museum is in the same building as the Kuching North City Hall and it’s probably much more popular and entertaining. Entry is free but you have to pay a small fee for cameras. It was definitely worth the fee because there are lots of corny photo ops inside.

Picture purrfect

Phil was a bit reluctant to pose with a bunch of plaster moggies but I made him do it anyway. I thought it was fun!
Cat souvenirs are plentiful both at the museum and in Kuching town; T-shirts and trinkets, all very kitschy. Or maybe that should be kitty.