Japans “cat island” – known formally as Tashirojima – was found to be relatively intact after Marchs devasting 9-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami, according to Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support. The small island is home to at least 100 people – mostly elderly – and many more cats. The animals are valued by the residents for their beauty, companionship and ability to keep the rodent population down in this fishing area. Theres a shrine dedicated to cats in the middle of the island, which has become a favorite visiting spot for tourists and cat lovers worldwide. In fact, the residents are forbidden to keep dogs on the island because they are considered to be the natural enemies of cats.
