Dubbed the "Mysterious Cat Island," Penghu's Husi Islet Gains International Fame as Cats Outnumber Humans
Reporter Lin Yuling / Comprehensive Report
Not only does Japan have a "cat island," but Taiwan’s Penghu also has a Husi Islet that can be called a "cat paradise." The reason? The number of cats here is almost catching up to the human population. Stray cats lounge around, nap, and sunbathe, looking incredibly carefree—so much so that the island has gained international attention. Hong Kong media even dubbed it a "Taiwan hidden gem" and the "Taiwan cat island."
Most residents of Husi Islet make a living from fishing. It is the seventh-largest offshore island in the Penghu archipelago. At its peak, it had over 3,000 people, but now only about 300 remain. The island’s only elementary school, Husi Elementary, has just five students, and the number of cats is almost greater than the human population. According to Hong Kong travel media"Taiwan-based T? Jie/strong>"the cats here seem particularly laid-back. They usually sunbathe, stretch, and stroll along the beach, and"are not very afraid of people, sometimes even acting quite affectionate." In the past, cats on Husi Islet once suffered from allergies, resulting in wounds and infections. However, netizens mistakenly spread rumors that locals were abusing the cats, even launching a campaign to "boycott travel to Penghu." Although it was later proven to be a misunderstanding, it still hurt the local residents. At the time, a veterinarian who examined the photos said the cats likely had skin conditions that caused them to scratch and injure themselves, and may have also had upper respiratory infections. However, their overall body condition appeared normal. "If they were abused, they would likely be very afraid of people and wouldn’t calmly let themselves be photographed." At the time, relevant government agencies in Penghu County also stated,the power of online rumors is strong, and we hope everyone will clarify the facts before criticizing.The Penghu County Livestock Disease Control Center subsequently dispatched additional personnel to Husi Islet to treat the cats and prevent further spread of disease. In fact, there are new cat-themed attractions around the world that attract cat lovers. But whether it’s a cat island or a hidden cat spot, ETNEWS News Cloud also reminds travelers not to disturb the cats’ daily routines—for example, waking them up just to play or take photos is unacceptable. Also, try not to use cat toys or other tools to play with them, as diseases could spread through these intermediaries. If you want to feed them, remember the “no littering” principle: take away any cans or trash after the cats have eaten to keep the environment clean. *Photo sources from Facebook:Taiwan-based T? Jie/a> *To visit Husi Islet, there are only two boat trips daily between Magong and Husi Islet. Departures from Magong are at 09:30 and 15:30; departures from Husi are at 06:00 and 11:30.
▲ Penghu’s Husi Islet gains international fame, dubbed the "Taiwan Cat Island." (Photo / Fan Page)Reported by Taiwan-based T? Jie/strong>Provided / Please do not reproduce without permission)
▲ The cats here aren’t easily startled by people and sometimes act coquettishly. (Photo / Taiwan-based T? Jie/strong>)
▲ The cats of Husi Islet are extremely laid-back. (Photo / Taiwan-based T? Jie/strong>)
▲ With more cats than people, their carefree charm attracts cat lovers. (Photo / Taiwan-based T? Jie/strong>)
▲ Scenery of Husi Islet. (Photo / Taiwan-based T? Jie/strong>)
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