To make sure that the cat population remains chilled and unflustered there is a ‘no dogs’ rule. I’m not sure what they would do to a dog if it did rock up on the shores of Tashirojima, but let’s just say it wouldn’t be welcomed with open paws.

If you’re thinking of having a trip out there it might be a bit pricey but it’s definitely doable. But, from my understanding, the earthquake and following tsunami of 2011 messed up the infrastructure so passage there may not be as easy as it used to be. Thankfully no humans were killed in the disaster, but unfortunately there were a number of feline victims. Anyhow, here’s a rough guide if you fancy a crack.

First you’ll have to fly to Tokyo, I found some flights from Heathrow for £344 which is pretty amazing. Once you’ve got your head around Tokyo’s slightly bewildering transport system you’ll need to get yourself to Ishinomaki which takes around seven hours by bus and costs about £20 which is a bargain. From there you catch a twice daily ferry over to Tashirojima which only takes about 40 minutes. It sounds like a bit of a mission, but if you like cats it’s well worth the trip I reckon.

Personally speaking, I’m allergic to cats.

☛ More Moggies: Big Cats In Sussex — Look Out