George Town, Malaysia
George Town Cats (Penang)
UNESCO old town in Penang where street cats and famous cat murals share the lanes.
Before you go
- Early morning and late afternoon are often calmer for both sightseeing and cat watching.
- Red Garden Food Paradise is livelier in the evening — cats are often seen around the food court at night.
- Cats may not always be in the same spot — keep expectations flexible.
About George Town Cats (Penang)
George Town on Penang Island is a UNESCO World Heritage old town known for its street art and walkable lanes. Cats are part of everyday life here — you will often meet them on steps, in doorways, and beside famous wall murals. For cat lovers, it is a rare place where painted cats and real ones share the same streets. The cat art museum MEOWSEUM once operated in town but is now closed.
How to get to George Town Cats (Penang)
Fly into Penang International Airport (PEN), then continue to George Town by Grab (about 30–45 minutes) or Rapid Penang bus 401 / 401E to Komtar or Pengkalan Weld (about 60–90 minutes). The UNESCO heritage core is compact and best explored on foot.
Armenian Street and the lanes around it are an easy starting point for cat walks and mural spotting. Observe cats quietly and respect residents' homes and shops.
- Fly into Penang International Airport (PEN).
- Continue to George Town by Grab, taxi, or Rapid Penang bus 401 / 401E (Komtar or Pengkalan Weld area).
- Enter the UNESCO heritage zone and start around Armenian Street — famous for cat murals and street cats.
- Wander the blue lanes at a slow pace. China House, Khoo Kongsi, and Chew Jetty are also within walking distance.
Location & map
Open in Google MapsGeorge Town Walking Map
This walking map covers Armenian Street, Little Children on a Bicycle, Lebuh Cannon, The Heritage Cat, Chew Jetty, Tan Jetty, Red Garden, and other cat-friendly highlights in George Town’s UNESCO old town. The heritage zone is also a place of daily life — please do not block doorways or chase cats for photos. Locations are approximate.
George Town Spot Guide
Visited October 2023
Visited in October 2023. A local boy on Armenian Street told me to go further in — and I found more than ten cats gathered together. In George Town, real cats sit right beside cat murals on the walls.
Related articles
More Cat Art & Culture spots
Gotokuji Temple
Setagaya, Japan
The Tokyo temple famous for countless maneki-neko figurines — and occasional temple cats.
Happiness Maneki-neko Train (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
Setagaya, Japan
A cat-themed wrapping train running the full Tokyu Setagaya Line — Miyanosaka Station is the nearest stop to Gotokuji Temple.
Imado Shrine
Taito, Japan
A Tokyo shrine said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko — with cat-themed charms and occasional feline visitors.
Kuching Cats
Kuching, Malaysia
Malaysia’s “Cat City” — where cat monuments, a cat museum, and feline-themed street culture define the town.
Found a cat spot you'd like to visit?
With MeowSnap, every cat you meet —
on a trip or around the corner —
becomes a pin on your own cat map.
Free to use. Give it a try.
