Marrakech – Cats in Morocco don’t just live in households — they reign over them. If you’ve ever walked into a Moroccan home, chances are you’ve seen a cat sprawled out on the best seat in the house, completely unbothered. 

Some families even have specific spots reserved for their feline companions, as if the cat pays rent (spoiler: it doesn’t).

But here’s the thing — Moroccan hospitality isn’t just for humans. 

Even street cats get the royal treatment. It’s common to see food and water bowls placed outside homes and shops, making some neighborhoods feel like an all-you-can-eat buffet for felines. 

These lucky strays have their unofficial guardians, from the baker who sneaks them a piece of bread to the café owner who lets them nap under tables.

Beyond just being adorable, cats hold a special place in Moroccan culture. 

In Islam, they’re considered clean animals, and many families believe they bring baraka (blessings) into the home. 

Maybe that’s why your grandmother refuses to shoo away the cat, even when it insists on jumping onto the table mid-meal.

Speaking of sacred spaces, step into a mosque courtyard, and you’ll likely find a cat curled up for a peaceful nap. 

Worshippers don’t mind — in fact, many see them as part of the mosque’s charm. 

It’s as if the cats themselves know they’re welcome, gracefully weaving between visitors or claiming a sunny spot by the entrance.

Now, if there’s one thing Moroccan cats have mastered, it’s the art of sneaky snacking. 

Leave a steaming tagine unattended, and you might come back to find a little paw swiping a bite. 

It’s a skill passed down through generations of feline food thieves. 

And let’s be honest — have you even lived in Morocco if you haven’t caught a cat mid-heist?

But beyond their mischievous ways, cats have a practical purpose too. 

Many Moroccan households keep them around not just for company but as natural pest control. 

Forget fancy traps or exterminators — a good hunter in the house means mice and insects don’t stand a chance. 

It’s a win-win: the cat gets a home, and the house stays rodent-free.

What makes Moroccan cats even more fascinating is their ability to exist in both worlds. 

Some live the high life indoors, lounging on silk cushions like mini sultans, while others roam the streets, equally loved but fiercely independent. 

Yet, whether they belong to a family or an entire neighborhood, one thing is certain: Moroccans have a deep cultural appreciation for their furry friends.