Whiskers and Wonders: A Feline Fiesta at Kuching Cat Museum

Introduction

In the heart of Borneo lies a city that proudly wears its feline fascination on its sleeve - Kuching, the Cat City. Tucked away amidst its charming streets is a purrfectly delightful haven for all cat enthusiasts - the Kuching Cat Museum. As a travel lover, one cannot help but be drawn into the whimsical world of whiskers, and here, the journey begins.

Stats and Sources

The DBKU Cat Museum is the first museum of its kind in the world. It is managed by Kuching North City Hall and has a collection of cat artifacts acquired from the National Museum, which displayed them in one of its galleries in Kuala Lumpur. These collections were brought to Kuching City by the Sarawak Museum and displayed for the first time on 1st August 1988 at the Dewan Tun Abdul Razak.

The idea to set up the ‘Cat Museum’ in Kuching, which is Malay for the cat, was first mooted by none other than the Honourable Chief Minister of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Hj. Abdul Taib Mahmud, and his wife Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr. Hajah Laila Taib. The collections were officially handed over to Kuching North City Hall upon the completion of DBKU Headquarters building in 1992, in which the museum is situated.

Location

The museum is housed on the Lobby Floor of Kuching North City Hall Headquarters on the top of Bukit Siol (Siol Hill) at Jalan Semariang, Petra Jaya, Kuching. It stands 60 meters above sea level, overlooking the picturesque view of Kuching City. (Kuching Cat Museum Location)

The Cat Museum covers an area of 1,035 sq. meters comprising four galleries with over 4,000 artifacts, including paintings and memorabilia.

Opening Hours

Monday - Sunday: 9.00am - 5.00pm (Except Public Holiday)

Entrance Charges

Adult @ Above 13 Years Old - RM 3.00

Children @ 3 – 12 Years Old - RM 2.00

Disabled Person & Children @ 1 – 2 Years Old - Free of Charge

The Fun Things to See at the Cat Museum

Once you step through the doors of the Cat Museum, you're greeted by a whimsical world of cat-themed exhibits. From historical artifacts showcasing the role of cats in various cultures to quirky cat-themed art installations, the museum offers a delightful journey through the ages. Don't miss the Hall of Fame, where you can find tributes to famous cats throughout history, immortalized in quirky exhibits and heartwarming tales.

As you wander through the museum's curated halls, keep an eye out for the largest cat collection in the world, a testament to the city's deep-rooted love for these furry companions. The museum is not merely a static display of artifacts; it's a vibrant celebration of the bond between humans and cats.

The Great Cat Collection

image source from DBKU sarawak

Gallery A

• Santubong (The First Capital of Sarawak)
• How Kuching City got its Name?
• Kuching City Gallery VIP Gallery Uptown
• Cat Contemporary Exhibition Kuching festival Mascot
• Introduction About Cats Cats in Malay Community
• Cats in Chinese Community
• Cats in Orang Ulu Community
• Cats in Iban Community Maneki-Neko (Beckoning Cats)
• Cats in Japanese Community
• Satoru Tsuda’s Cat Pictures Collection
• Cat Photograph Kiosk
• Cat Souvenirs Kisok

Gallery B

• Arched-Back Cats
• Cats Fight
• Cats in Ancient Egypt
• Cat Walk
• Cat Na
• Cats at Play Thomas Stearns Elliot
• Catfish
• Nakahoma Minoru’s Cat Painting
• Cats in Orient Art
• Cats in Modern Western Art
• Cats in Stamp
• Cats in Medieval Art
• Jane Yap Jian Yi’s Collection
• Black Cat
• Cat and Fox 

Gallery C

• Five Age of Cat
• Cat’s Cemetery
• Lifting and Carrying
• Cat in Action
• Cats Whiskers
• Cats’ Eye
• Cats in Cards
• Cats in Theatre
• Various Types of the Breeds
• Veterinary Care
• Cat cave
• Stray Cats
• Souvenirs from The Cat Lovers
• Malaysian Cats
• Cats in Music
• Cats in Advertising
• The Malay Proverbs In Relation To The Cat Family
• Cats in Medieval Period

Gallery D

• Dr. Betty Jamie Ching,s Cat Collection    
• Garfield Goods Collection
• Cat In Comic
• Hello Kitt’s Collection
• Children’s Corner
• Cat as Companion
• 3D Cat Pictures Collection
• Sarawak Cat and Wild Cat of Borneo Gallery
• Uptown Cat Contemporary Exhibition
• Gifts from Cat Lovers

Conclusion

In the midst of Kuching's cat-inspired charm, the Cat Museum stands tall as a testament to the city's love affair with its feline friends. As a travel lover, there's no greater joy than immersing oneself in the quirky, the historic, and the downright delightful. So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a whimsical escape, let Kuching be your guide.

As the sun sets on our feline escapade, one cannot help but wonder: What other enchanting discoveries await just around the corner?