Whiskers, Wanderlust & the World’s Street Cats

Welcome back to The Chapter Café, where stories are always on the menu and comfort is served by the chapter. I’m your host, Kristen, and today we’re curling up with a book that’s part travelogue, part love letter, and entirely purr-worthy. On today’s menu? Street Cats & Where to Find Them by Jeff Bogle—a photographic journey through the world’s most feline-friendly cities, told with warmth, wit, and a deep appreciation for the cats who roam them.

So pour yourself a cup of something cozy—maybe a London Fog or a café au lait—and let’s turn the page together.

This isn’t your typical travel guide. Street Cats & Where to Find Them is a globe-trotting celebration of the cats who call the streets, rooftops, and alleyways of the world their home. From the sun-drenched ruins of Athens to the misty corners of Edinburgh, from the bustling markets of Cairo to the quiet courtyards of Rome, Jeff Bogle captures the spirit of each place through the eyes—and paws—of its feline residents.

Here’s what’s on our appetizer plate:

Setting: 20 cities across the globe, including Lima, Istanbul, Tokyo, and New Orleans.

Themes: Curiosity, compassion, cultural connection, and the quiet magic of everyday encounters.

Format: A blend of travel writing, photography, and practical tips for cat lovers on the move.

Vibes: Think cobblestone streets, curling tails, and the universal language of a slow blink.

Jeff Bogle didn’t set out to write a book about cats. But as he traveled the world for work and pleasure, he kept encountering them—lounging on windowsills, weaving through market stalls, sunbathing on ancient stones. And somewhere between snapping photos and sharing stories, he realized he was documenting something bigger: the way cats quietly shape the character of a place.

What makes this book so special is its blend of wanderlust and warmth. Bogle’s writing is approachable and affectionate, filled with anecdotes about the cats he meets and the people who care for them. He’s not just observing—he’s connecting. Whether it’s a café owner in Tokyo who leaves out food for a neighborhood tabby, or a local in Rome who knows every cat by name, these stories remind us that kindness transcends language.

The photography is stunning—intimate, candid, and full of personality. Each cat is a character, each city a backdrop. And for those who want to follow in Bogle’s pawprints, the book includes travel tips, safety notes, and even suggestions for cat cafés and museums.

Perfect for:

Cat lovers with a case of wanderlust.

Travelers who seek out the quiet, quirky corners of a city.

Readers who enjoy photo-rich nonfiction with heart.

And anyone who believes that the best souvenirs are stories.

If Street Cats & Where to Find Them left you purring with delight, here are a few literary desserts to keep the mood going:

The Cat Who Went to Paris by Peter Gethers – A memoir about a man, his Scottish Fold cat, and their adventures abroad.

A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen – A heartwarming true story of a man and the cat who changed his life.

Travels with My Cat by Caroline Paul – A whimsical, illustrated journey through feline-fueled wanderings.

The Art of Purring by David Michie – A philosophical exploration of happiness, told through the eyes of a Tibetan temple cat.

Each of these books offers a different flavor of what Bogle captures so beautifully: connection, curiosity, and the joy of noticing the small things.

That’s it for today’s episode of The Chapter Café. Whether you’re curled up with your own feline companion or dreaming of far-off alleyways and sunlit plazas, may your stories be rich, your travels meaningful, and your heart always open to a little wonder.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with a fellow cat lover. And if you’ve got a favorite travel memoir or feline tale, send it our way—we’re always hungry for more.

Until next time, I’m Kristen, and this has been The Chapter Café. Keep reading, and keep cozy.