Just call me the Cat Man

I’m never going to win a prize for photography, but I choose the best subjects.

One of my goals in life is to find a way to travel the world photographing cats. That may sound quirky or oddly specific, but for me, it perfectly blends two of my passions: discovering new places and observing the quiet elegance of feline life.

I’ve always loved cats. Their mysterious nature, their self-assurance, their subtle affection captivates me. That said, I don’t own a cat myself. I’ve made a conscious decision not to, simply because I know I can’t give a pet the time, companionship and care it deserves. A cat deserves stability.

Although I’m permanently based in Brisbane, Australia, right now, I’ve spent many years exploring cities, countries and cultures. Each destination has left a unique impression on me, but one constant I’ve found almost everywhere is the presence of cats.

Whether it’s a sleepy alley cat basking in the afternoon sun in Istanbul or Athens, or a moggy in Malaga or Manilla, cats are a beautiful thread woven into the fabric of many of the world’s great destinations.

While I’ve met some wonderful pet cats in the homes of friends and family — of course, I grew up around them — I find myself particularly drawn to the street cats. These are animals living in reduced circumstances, often fending for themselves on the edges of human society.

And yet, they carry themselves with such remarkable poise and independence. I’m fascinated by their quiet dignity, their ability to survive and even thrive amid chaos.

There’s something poetic in the way these cats interact with people. They’re cautious but never subservient. Even when they approach us, it’s on their terms. I’ve watched them choose who to trust and when — a reminder that genuine connection isn’t something that can be demanded or bought. It’s earned.

These encounters humble us. The world turns upside down as we realise we’re the guests in their domain.

For many reasons, I have no immediate travel plans. One day I hope to capture more these fleeting, beautiful moments with a camera and share their stories with the world.

Perhaps there’s somebody out there who’d like to sponsor that journey, which I’d happily chronicle here and elsewhere on social media. Perhaps not.

In the meantime, enjoy the photos here, from a trip I made to the Philippines a few years ago, from my former backyard in Brisbane, and from my time spent in Abu Dhabi. See if you can guess where each cat belongs.

An earlier version of this post appeared in my now-defunct travel blog.

The Wrinkle is free to read, but if you like what I’m doing here, and/or
at Mister Brisbane and Radio Bert, you can choose to buy me a coffee.