York Cat Trail

York city centre, United Kingdom

Friendly felines can be found asleep atop many of York's historic buildings as you wander around the city.

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A cat sculpture, part of the York Cat Trail, climbing a wall

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About York Cat Trail

There are numerous stories recalling the historical presence of cats in the city of York. Some legends suggest the cats have been there for more than 200 years, placed by concerned citizens to frighten away the local population of rats, mice and malevolent spirits, reportedly bringing good fortune to the owner. Other tales offer a more modest explanation, attributing the presence of the cat sculptures to 1920, when local architect Sir Stephen Aitcheson installed two cats on a building that he owned in Low Ousegate, with other residents and businesses following suit. Either way, the York Cat Trail provides both visitors and locals the opportunity to find and photograph the numerous statues of cats while exploring the centre of the Yorkshire capital and admiring the city's oldest buildings.

Today, the cat trail, which boasts more than 20 feline residents, is run and administered by a local glass business where you can pick-up a trail leaflet showing where to find the elusive creatures.

Family Independent Permanent Sculpture Urban

Practical Information


Artworks

22


Timing

2 hours


Difficulty

Moderate


Access

Good

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Added by: arttrailproject

Published: 20 January 2023

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