The "Cat Army" Hiding in Alishan: Keeping the Homestay Owner Company in Retirement

Reported by Lin Yuling / Special Feature

Hidden within the "Longyinshan Garden Homestay" in Alishan, Chiayi County, is a small "cat army" consisting of about 30 cats, all in excellent condition. Whenever the owner’s wife appears, the cat army follows her en masse—it’s absolutely adorable. Normally, they spend their days playing, climbing trees, strolling around, sharpening their claws, and daydreaming—doing all the things cats are meant to do—allowing guests staying here to enjoy their delightful behavior at any moment. What could be more thrilling for cat enthusiasts?

▲ The cats living on Alishan keep the homestay owner company in a cozy retirement life. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma)

Photography enthusiast Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma (Wang Qiongxian) visited this "Longyinshan Garden Homestay" in Alishan in early September. She said that the homestay owners, Tie Lanhua and her husband, chose this beautiful mountain forest as their home for the second half of their lives, but “the cats were completely an accident. It started with one cat, then two—some were strays, some were released here, others were rescued by the young owner after being abused, and some are the new generation born before they could be neutered. In just two years, it unknowingly grew into a little army of over 30 cats!” Having this cat army to accompany the owners in retirement has made life even more colorful.

▲ When the owner’s wife appears, she’s followed by a large “cat army.” (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma)

The area is often shrouded in mist and features a vast forest of Moso bamboo, with cool, fresh air that refreshes the mind and spirit. But what truly makes Xiao Xian feel all her cells dancing is, of course, the sight of the adorable cats all over the garden. She said, “They weren’t frightened by our visit—in fact, some were even excited and a little restless. One or two even knew how to pose for welcome photos. Before I could even put my luggage down, I eagerly ‘got to work,’ snapping photos nonstop until my husband finished the check-in process. By then, I had already taken hundreds of photos without even pausing to breathe.”

▲ The homestay environment is pleasant, and the cats live freely. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma)

▲ Young cats play carefree here. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma)

▲ The bamboo forest is the best place to escape the heat, and there are hammocks for guests or cats to rest in. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma)

What made Xiao Xian happy wasn’t just seeing the cats, but also their excellent condition and living environment. They’re not like zoo animals that laze around all day or beg for food from visitors—this shows how well the homestay owner takes care of them. “Except for a few cats that come rub against you and act spoiled when approached, they still do what cats are supposed to do—fight a little, climb trees, daydream, play hide-and-seek, sharpen their claws, eat, scratch, take walks... All kinds of wonderful cat behaviors are continuously on display before my eyes. It’s overwhelming—I didn’t know which cat to photograph first!”

▲ A big orange cat blocked Xiao Xian at the door, acting overly affectionate and refusing to let go. It stretched like it was telling her, “I’ve been waiting for you!” and followed her, hopping all the way into the garden area. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma)

The owner’s son has built various wooden houses and platforms for the cats to play or rest in. However, there was once an incident where wild dogs invaded at night and killed some cats. To protect the feline group, a wire fence was later added. Every evening, the owner places cat food in the cat houses, and the cats have grown accustomed to this routine—one by one, they enter in an orderly fashion, quietly eating inside the wire-enclosed cat houses and waiting patiently for dawn without making a sound. Only a few recently arrived strays still yearn for freedom and refuse to huddle together. The cage doors are only reopened during the day.

▲ To protect the cats, wire fencing was later added to the cat houses, allowing them to stay inside until dawn each evening. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou Ma)

Xiao Xian said the owner’s wife loves these cats dearly and always looks at them with kind eyes. Every cat has been neutered and vaccinated. One female cat, who often curls up in her arms, was abandoned while pregnant. She later gave birth to five kittens and is currently nursing them. Another calico cat was a rescued abuse victim brought back by the owner’s son—several of her front claws had been cruelly torn off, leaving only one claw to scratch with. But since coming here, their “cat lives” have changed completely.

▲The landlady dotes on these cats—each has been neutered and vaccinated. Thanks to her, their “cat lives” have been forever changed. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou’s Mom)

The biggest highlight of this homestay is its castle-like design, standing amidst a bamboo forest and enveloped in mountain mist, adding to its romantic and serene atmosphere. Walking into this bamboo grove feels as cool as stepping into an air-conditioned room, making it an ideal summer retreat. The cats love chasing and playing here, and even nap on the “hammocks.” Sometimes when the landlady goes to work in the woods, the cats follow her around, playing nearby without disturbing her yet keeping her company, which warms her heart.

▲The cats accompany the landlady into the woods, playing on their own while quietly keeping her company as she works. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou’s Mom)

▲Besides the cats, the local natural ingredient dishes are another highlight that captivates visitors. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou’s Mom)

In addition to the cats, the local natural ingredient dishes are a delight for visitors—you can reserve the signature eggplant chicken, as well as tofu seasoned with wasabi, and enjoy a pot of Alishan high mountain tea after meals. The landlady, who loves cats, is also a true literati and artist, crafting unique ceramic cups and plates by firing leaves herself, each one one-of-a-kind. She also grows a garden full of “air plants” as art installations.

▲Hand-fired ceramic cups and plates using leaves, each uniquely crafted; also grows a garden of “air plants” as art installations. (Photo /Xiao Xian Dou Dou’s Mom)

Xiao Xian believes that although the cats are a highlight of the homestay, visitors should also respect life and the owner, rather than treating them as playthings. She suggests: since the natural lighting here is even, there’s no need to use a flash when taking photos of the cats to avoid startling them. Also, it’s best not to bring cat teasers that have been used elsewhere, as this “army of cats” is naturally lively and adorable, offering endless photo opportunities without any tools or external interference—and it also helps prevent indirect transmission of germs through shared cat toys.

▲Xiao Xian reminds visitors to respect both the owner and the cats, and advises against excessive interference in the cats’ lives. (Photo / Xiao Xian Dou Dou’s Mom)

   Related Information

※ Xiao Xian Dou Dou’s Mom’s Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/kinghand.wang

※ Longyinshan Garden Homestay: No. 0-5-1, Gongtian Village, Fanlu Township, Chiayi County (located at the 58.1K mark on Alishan Highway), Website:http://longyinshan.okgo.tw

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