When you walk through the bustling streets of Morocco—whether in Marrakech, Casablanca, or Fes—you will almost certainly notice a familiar sight: cats. From lively kittens chasing shadows in the medina to majestic Moroccan cats lounging in the sun, felines are everywhere. For many travelers, the abundance of cats in Morocco becomes one of the country’s most surprising and charming features. But why are there so many cats in Morocco? And what role do they play in Moroccan society, culture, and even religion?
This article will explore the history of cats in Morocco, their connection to Islam, the different types of Moroccan cats you might encounter, and how they coexist with both people and dogs in Morocco. We’ll also look at issues like stray cats, cats for sale, and the popularity of big cat breeds like the Maine Coon.
Why Are There So Many Cats in Morocco?
The high number of cats in Morocco is not just coincidence—it’s a result of culture, religion, and environment.
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Islamic Tradition – In Islam, cats hold a special place. Unlike dogs, which are often considered impure in religious contexts, cats are viewed as clean animals. The Prophet Muhammad is said to have loved cats deeply, even allowing his own cat, Muezza, to sleep on his robe. This religious respect has carried through centuries, making cats widely accepted and protected in Moroccan society.
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Practicality – In Morocco’s old medinas, markets, and villages, cats have historically played a role in pest control. They helped reduce rats and mice around food markets and storage areas. Even today, you’ll see Moroccan cats patrolling near butcher stalls or bakeries.
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Social Tolerance – Moroccans often leave scraps of food for cats, and many shopkeepers “adopt” street cats unofficially, feeding them and giving them shelter. While not all cats have permanent homes, they are rarely mistreated.
Together, these cultural, religious, and practical reasons explain why cats thrive across Morocco, from Marrakech to the Sahara towns.
Types of Cats in Morocco
Although Morocco doesn’t have a single, distinct Moroccan cat breed, you’ll find many types of cats:
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Moroccan Street Cats – The most common cats in Morocco are mixed breeds, often short-haired with various coat colors. These cats are highly adaptable and survive well in urban and rural areas.
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Siamese-like Cats – In some cities, you may notice cats with pointed markings and blue eyes, resembling Siamese cats.
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Maine Coon Cats – While not native to Morocco, the Maine Coon cat is one of the big cat breeds increasingly popular among Moroccan pet owners. Known for their size, fluffy coats, and gentle personalities, Maine Coons are sometimes bred and sold in Moroccan pet shops.
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Persian Cats – Another popular imported breed, Persian cats are commonly sold in cities like Casablanca and Rabat.
These imported cats are expensive compared to local Moroccan cats, which are often adopted for free.
Cats in Marrakech
Marrakech is perhaps the most famous Moroccan city for cat lovers. In Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the narrow alleys of the medina, cats roam freely, often gathering around food stalls or resting near spice shops. Travelers often notice how friendly the cats in Marrakech are—they are used to tourists offering snacks or affection.
Cafés and riads in Marrakech sometimes keep cats as mascots, making them part of the local charm. Many photographers even capture Moroccan cats against the city’s iconic red walls, creating images that go viral online.
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Stray Cats in Morocco
While cats in Morocco are loved, the reality is that many of them are strays. Stray cats in Morocco often live outdoors, relying on food from people, markets, or garbage bins. Animal welfare organizations in Morocco have started spay-and-neuter programs to reduce overpopulation, but the issue is ongoing.
The sight of so many stray cats in Morocco can be bittersweet for tourists—on one hand, the cats are a beautiful part of Moroccan life, but on the other, they may face challenges like hunger or disease.
Still, compared to many countries, stray cats in Morocco live with relatively more acceptance and care from the community.
Cats in Morocco for Sale
If you’re looking to buy cats in Morocco, you’ll find pet shops in big cities like Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakech. These shops sell both common kittens and purebred cats like Persians, Maine Coons, and Siamese cats. Prices vary widely depending on breed, age, and pedigree.
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Local kittens – Often very affordable, sometimes even given away for free.
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Purebred cats – Prices can be much higher, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dirhams.
However, many locals and animal rights advocates encourage adopting stray cats rather than buying, since so many cats already need homes.
Moroccan Cats and Dogs in Morocco
The relationship between cats and dogs in Morocco is an interesting cultural difference.
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Cats in Morocco are generally loved, respected, and welcomed into homes, shops, and even mosques. Their presence is tied to religion, cleanliness, and tradition.
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Dogs in Morocco, on the other hand, have a more complicated status. While some Moroccans keep dogs for guarding homes or herding sheep, many consider dogs less clean in an Islamic sense. As a result, stray dogs in Morocco often face more challenges than cats.
Still, things are changing, and younger generations are increasingly adopting both cats and dogs as pets.
Islam and Cats
Cats hold a unique spiritual role in Morocco thanks to Islam. Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) often mention kindness toward cats. The Prophet allowed cats to drink from the same water as humans and taught that harming cats was unacceptable.
This deep respect explains why cats are seen roaming freely in Morocco’s mosques and medinas, while dogs are often kept outside religious spaces.
Big Cat Breeds in Morocco
Although most cats in Morocco are small street cats, there is a growing love for big cat breeds:
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Maine Coon cats – Known as gentle giants, they are increasingly bred by Moroccan cat lovers.
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Ragdolls – Another large, affectionate breed sometimes imported into Morocco.
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Norwegian Forest Cats – Rare, but occasionally seen among wealthy Moroccan pet owners.
These breeds contrast with the everyday Moroccan cat but highlight how global cat culture is influencing Morocco.
Cats as a Symbol of Moroccan Life
Cats in Morocco are more than just animals; they are symbols of Moroccan hospitality, religion, and culture. They add life to the streets, keep marketplaces clean, and provide companionship to millions of Moroccans.
For tourists, spotting Moroccan cats becomes part of the travel experience—whether it’s watching cats bask in the sun in Chefchaouen’s blue streets, playing with kittens in Essaouira, or photographing cats in Marrakech’s medina.
Conclusion
Cats in Morocco reflect the country’s unique blend of tradition, religion, and everyday practicality. From the respect rooted in Islam to their role in Moroccan society, cats enjoy a level of freedom and acceptance not found everywhere in the world.
Whether you’re exploring the medinas of Marrakech, wandering the alleys of Fes, or relaxing in Casablanca, you’re never far from a Moroccan cat. Their presence is part of what makes Morocco feel alive, warm, and welcoming.
So, the next time you visit Morocco, don’t just admire the mosques, palaces, and markets—take a moment to appreciate the cats of Morocco, too.