Cat lovers arrive at Taiwan’s coal mining town turned tourist attraction

In this May 24, 2013 image, two of the hundred or so resident cats rest on a wall in the small town of Houtong, Taiwan. Cat lovers arrive by the dozens to fondle and photograph the felines of Houtong, one of Taiwan’s former coal mining communities. Local residents welcome the unexpected rise in tourism due to the large feline population by building feeding points, lounging pedestals and have gone as far as constructing an elevated bridge for cats and visitors to roam across the passing railroad tracks.

In this May 24, 2013 photo, tourists stop to view one of the hundred or so resident cats resting on a wall in the small town of Houtong, Taiwan. <AP Photo/Wally Santana>