Kuching Cat Museum (Muzium Kucing) Guide & Review
The first time I went to Kuching, I didn’t even know the Kuching Cat Museum existed. It was only after I got back home that I stumbled across it on someone else’s post, and as a cat lover, I was practically hitting myself in the head. I mean, I had literally been in “Cat City” and missed the world’s first cat museum just because I didn’t do enough research.
So I made a promise to myself: the next time I returned, the Cat Museum would be at the top of my list. And true enough, on my second trip to Kuching, I finally made it there.
The idea was championed by Sarawak’s then Chief Minister, Abdul Taib Mahmud, and his wife, Laila Taib. Artifacts originally displayed in Kuala Lumpur’s National Museum were brought to Kuching in 1988 and initially exhibited at the Putra World Trade Centre’s Dewan Tun Abdul Razak.
When DBKU (Kuching North City Hall) completed its new headquarters in 1992, the collection found a permanent home, officially opening as the Cat Museum around 1993.
“Kuching” means “cat” in Malay, so having a museum dedicated to cats here feels like the most logical and fitting decision.
What to expect at Kuching Cat Museum
The main entrance is shaped like a giant cat face, so when you step in, it feels like you’re entering the cat itself.
It’s cute, but I couldn’t help thinking they missed an opportunity right there. Imagine if the cat had its mouth open instead. It would’ve looked like we were walking straight into a gaping cat’s mouth, which would have been funnier, I think.
The museum is divided into four main galleries, covering everything from culture to science to pop culture. Walking through, it feels like a mix between a quirky personal collection and a serious cultural archive.
The first gallery introduces you to cats in the local context. You’ll learn about the different stories of how Kuching got its name, and see how cats show up in Malay, Chinese, and indigenous tribes’ traditions.
If you’ve always seen and wondered about those white cat figurines in Asian shops beckoning you with their raised paws, you’ll find all the answers here.
There were also some wonderful pieces of local artwork, including paintings by Malaysian artists. It set the tone well: this wasn’t going to be just about pet cats, but about cats as cultural icons.
The next gallery takes you on a much wider journey. Here, cats are seen through the lens of history, art, and belief systems. I remember stopping in front of a replica of an ancient Egyptian cat mummy, realizing how far back humans have adored and sometimes worshipped these creatures (we still do).
On the walls, you’ll find medieval paintings of cats, European postage stamps, and even more modern artworks featuring those graceful creatures.
There’s even a special section dedicated entirely to black cats. We usually grow up hearing that they’re a bad omen, but here you’ll see how different societies view them in very different ways. In some cultures, black cats are actually considered good luck or symbols of prosperity.
By the time you get to the third gallery, the tone shifts again. This section is more scientific, with displays on cat anatomy, breeds, and behavior.
One corner is dedicated to a small cat cemetery exhibit, which was actually quite touching. It acknowledged that for many people, cats aren’t just animals. They’re family members, and their passing is mourned like any other loved one.
The fourth and final gallery is the most playful, and probably the most Instagrammed. It’s where you’ll find pop culture cats like Hello Kitty, Garfield, and Felix the Cat, as well as the preserved Bay Cat (Felis badia), a small wild cat native to Borneo. It’s one of the least studied and most elusive cats in the world.
Overall, the museum flows in such a way that you never quite know what to expect in the next room. And by the end of it, I was sad that it was already 4:30pm and I was being asked to leave.
How to get to Kuching Cat Museum
The Cat Museum is located on the ground floor of Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) at Bukit Siol, Petra Jaya. The building sits about 60 meters above city level, so you’ll also get panoramic views of Kuching once you’re there.
- By car / taxi: This is the easiest way to get there, taking only about 10–20 minutes from Kuching city center. Grab and taxis are readily available; I relied on Grab most of the time, and never had to wait more than 7 minutes even for the “Saver” option.
- By bus: Kuching Metro bus 103 runs from central Kuching to DBKU, but service can be infrequent.
Kuching Cat Museum opening hours
The Cat Museum is open daily, with the exception of major public holidays.
- Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Last entry usually 30 minutes before closing.
Kuching Cat Museum entrance fees
The museum is run by the city council, so it’s very affordable:
- Adults: RM 3 (Malaysians) / RM 10 (Non-Malaysians)
- Children (7-12 y.o.) / Students (with student ID): RM 2 (Malaysians) / RM 5 (Non-Malaysians)
- Children (below 7 y.o.): Free
- OKU (people with disabilities) + 1 escort: Free
Additional tips for visiting Kuching Cat Museum
How long to spend: Around 1–2 hours should be enough to explore all four galleries without rushing. Cats are my favorite animals, so I can happily spend more than that to read all the captions and admire the artwork.
Good for families: Even though this museum lacks interactive features, there are plenty of images, posters, and other exhibits that can keep children entertained, especially if they’re cat lovers too.
Bring cash: Entrance fees and souvenir purchases are paid in cash only.
Combine with nearby spots: Since it’s a bit outside the city center, pair your visit with other Petra Jaya attractions like the Sarawak State Mosque and Sarawak Botanical Gardens if those suit your fancy.
Final thoughts
For the price you’re paying, I was actually surprised by how educational and comprehensive the museum is. You can tell real effort was put into curating the galleries and keeping them engaging.
That’s not always the case with government-funded museums in Malaysia. Sometimes you walk in and it’s just a big building with a lot of empty space and a few scattered exhibits, like it exists just for the sake of having a museum.
The Cat Museum feels different — thoughtfully arranged, with enough artifacts and stories to keep you genuinely interested.
It keeps a balance between lighthearted fun with genuine cultural insight. One moment, you’re face-to-face with a mummified Egyptian cat and the story behind it; the next, you’re giggling at a row of Hello Kitty memorabilia.
Whether you’re a hardcore cat person or just curious, you’ll probably leave with a new appreciation for how cats have found their way into almost every corner of human life.
If you’re planning a trip, I’ve also written a Kuching travel guide where you’ll find more suggestions on things to do, places to eat, and how to make the most of your time in Sarawak’s capital.
Want to know where else cats have their own museums? Explore this guide to cat museums around the world.
