ADVERTISEMENT

If you have a cat, you probably have millions of photos of your baby on your camera roll. However, countless photogenic cats roam city streets without ever being photographed. To record their presence, Marcel Heijnen focuses his camera exclusively on these street beauties and shares the moments he captures on his Instagram account, @chinesewhiskers.

Though Marcel primarily photographs the cats of Hong Kong, he has also documented the cats of Istanbul in a separate project. His photos beautifully capture how cats have adapted to urban life and how deeply intertwined they have become with human culture.

More info: Instagram | marcelheijnen.com

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Gray cat sitting on ornate urban pavement, showcasing the beauty of cats in cities.

chinesewhiskers Report

Final score:
46points
POST
maggiefulton avatar
Maggie Fulton
Maggie Fulton
Community Member
1 year ago

Someone’s dinner is late.

4
4points
reply
RELATED:
    #2

    Cat in a vibrant city shop window surrounded by colorful traditional decorations and lanterns.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    46points
    POST
    kristiflanigan avatar
    LizzieBoredom
    LizzieBoredom
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    If I match, I klatch.

    5
    5points
    reply
    View more comments
    #3

    Elderly woman with a cat in a cozy urban shop setting, surrounded by ceramic bowls and pots.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    45points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    What a pretty colour!

    15
    15points
    reply
    View more comments
    #4

    Person in a bookstore petting a cat on a shelf with many books in a city setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    44points
    POST
    gezgin avatar
    Janissary35680
    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    This picture was taken in Turkey. I can tell from the book titles. I may even have been in this bookshop at one time.

    13
    13points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #5

    Cat sitting on cardboard boxes in an urban setting, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    41points
    POST
    tauceti3 avatar
    Spark
    Spark
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    And every empty box must be returned to me. 😼

    12
    12points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    City cats lounging on a cardboard box, one cleaning the other, captured in a cozy urban setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    41points
    POST
    katehallberg avatar
    Panda Cat
    Panda Cat
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    My Siamese love grooming. It can be cats, dogs, humans, human’s beards. I feel like I can get another Ragdoll since I’ll have help with their coat this time- and I won’t adopt another abandoned declawed one. Probably.

    3
    3points
    reply
    View more comments
    #7

    Fluffy gray cat sitting on a wooden table in front of a shelf, capturing an urban moment in the city.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    40points
    POST
    tobiasofia avatar
    Sofia Alexandra
    Sofia Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Fluffy!

    1
    1point
    reply
    View more comments
    #8

    Gray cat with bright eyes sitting on a weathered wooden table in a cozy urban setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    40points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Love the colouring!

    10
    10points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Cat with fluffy fur standing on a paved street, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    40points
    POST
    jacquelinewilliams avatar
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Awww take her home and love her

    8
    8points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Cat sitting in a cozy shop in a city with an elderly shopkeeper, surrounded by various goods and jars.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    39points
    POST
    jacquelinewilliams avatar
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I want to go to this candy shop

    11
    11points
    reply
    View more comments
    #11

    People working in a room while a cat sits by a wooden door, captured in a city scene by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    38points
    POST
    carynccrespo avatar
    Caryn C Crespo
    Caryn C Crespo
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Took me longer than it should have to spot them! Kitty, is your name Waldo?!

    16
    16points
    reply
    View more comments
    #12

    Street cat standing by a cart wheel, captured in a city scene by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    37points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Wow - so pretty . . . .

    9
    9points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Tortoiseshell kitten sitting on sandy ground, eyes wide open, in a city captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    37points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Oh, that tortie face!

    14
    14points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Cat lounging on a shop scale with colorful drawings in the background, illustrating urban feline life.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    36points
    POST
    cpt_robertchristian avatar
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "I am just catibrating this scale."

    6
    6points
    reply
    View more comments
    #15

    Cat lounging on a counter in a city shop, surrounded by jars, with a blurred worker in the background.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    35points
    POST
    cpt_robertchristian avatar
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "Shoplift, and I will end you."

    7
    7points
    reply
    View more comments

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    City cat in a warehouse sitting on boxes, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    34points
    POST
    cpt_robertchristian avatar
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "May I help you human?" "If you ain't here for business, go away."

    0
    0points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    City cat standing on a cardboard box in an urban setting, surrounded by barrels and rustic décor.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    34points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Cats and boxes transcend all cultures.

    12
    12points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    City cat with blue eyes sitting on a cardboard box, surrounded by blurred urban store background.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    33points
    POST
    amybeckler avatar
    AmyBcat
    AmyBcat
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Sky eyes...

    0
    0points
    reply
    View more comments
    #19

    Cat in a city shop surrounded by jars and a lucky cat figurine, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    33points
    POST
    aprilpickett_3846 avatar
    April Pickett
    April Pickett
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The undercover cat is watching you.

    4
    4points
    reply
    View more comments
    #20

    Cat sitting on a counter in an office with people working, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    32points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #21

    Cat sitting beside pillows with animal prints near books and rugs in an urban setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    32points
    POST
    jacquelinewilliams avatar
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Cats have such interesting faces

    4
    4points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #22

    Woman in a red hoodie packing herbs in a shop with a white cat resting nearby. Cats in cities theme.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    30points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Royal robes.

    10
    10points
    reply
    View more comments
    #23

    Cat nestled in a shop desk in the city, alongside an elderly man and vintage electronics, capturing urban charm.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    30points
    POST
    cpt_robertchristian avatar
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "You owe my human money. Now pay up, so I can get some tuna."

    4
    4points
    reply
    #24

    Man crouching beside a cat in a city alley, with boxes and dim lighting in the background.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    30points
    POST
    estellegiles-monroe avatar
    Estelle
    Estelle
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    cutie pie!

    2
    2points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    Urban cats in a city scene, captured by Marcel Heijnen, with a grey wall and drying rack in the background.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    30points
    POST
    cpt_robertchristian avatar
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "Nothing to see here human, move along."

    4
    4points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #26

    Cat sitting on a metal canister in a city shop, surrounded by tea tins and pottery.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    29points
    POST
    aureliakitchens avatar
    OzymandiasTheManokit They/Them
    OzymandiasTheManokit They/Them
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    CLANG CLANG

    1
    1point
    reply
    View more comments
    #27

    City cat lounging on a patterned vintage chair, captured in a serene moment by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    29points
    POST
    cpt_robertchristian avatar
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "This is my chair. Do not even think of sitting here. Human."

    4
    4points
    reply
    View more comments
    #28

    Cat sitting among market goods, captured by Marcel Heijnen in an urban setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    29points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Now that is one seriously beautiful cat.

    11
    11points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #29

    City cat with striking eyes sits on patterned pavement, photographed by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    28points
    POST
    sharistory4 avatar
    Shari Story
    Shari Story
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Beautiful! The bricks complement his eyes!

    2
    2points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #30

    Black cat on a scooter seat in an urban setting, captured in a city environment.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    27points
    POST
    martyturley avatar
    Marty Turley
    Marty Turley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    going for a ride

    0
    0points
    reply
    #31

    City cat sitting on a stone ledge with red stools in the background, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    26points
    POST
    judyrr21 avatar
    Judy Reynolds
    Judy Reynolds
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Unexpected face!!

    1
    1point
    reply
    #32

    A cat sits on colorful city tiles, showcasing a charming urban moment captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    26points
    POST
    martyturley avatar
    Marty Turley
    Marty Turley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Did I do a good job on the floor?

    0
    0points
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    Cat on textured floor in a city, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    26points
    POST
    doc_2 avatar
    Doc
    Doc
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    What's up

    1
    1point
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    Wall graffiti of cat faces above a real cat sitting on the ground in a city setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    25points
    POST
    cpt_robertchristian avatar
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    "Wasn't me. And even if it was, you can't prove it."

    5
    5points
    reply
    View more comments
    #35

    Cats cuddling on packaged goods in a city shop, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    25points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    I love this.

    2
    2points
    reply
    View more comments
    #36

    Urban cat sitting on a metal container in a shop, surrounded by colorful boxes.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    24points
    POST
    estellegiles-monroe avatar
    Estelle
    Estelle
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Keeper of the Warehouse

    3
    3points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #37

    Cat standing at the entrance of a city shop with colorful signs and goods displayed around.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    24points
    POST
    maggiefulton avatar
    Maggie Fulton
    Maggie Fulton
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Welcome to my store.

    3
    3points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #38

    Cat perched on a high shelf in an urban setting, surrounded by boxes, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST
    jacquelinewilliams avatar
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Guardian of the packages

    3
    3points
    reply
    #39

    Boy playing near gas cylinders with a cat exploring the area in a city setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST
    judyrr21 avatar
    Judy Reynolds
    Judy Reynolds
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Gonna get that string!!

    3
    3points
    reply
    #40

    Gray cat peering from behind a Christmas tree outside a flower shop in a city, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    jacquelinewilliams avatar
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    O Christmas tree o Christmas tree o how I love a kitty o Christmas tree o Christmas tree she is much more pretty

    4
    4points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    City cat sitting on a package in an urban warehouse setting.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    martyturley avatar
    Marty Turley
    Marty Turley
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Back off! This is MY package

    0
    0points
    reply
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #42

    Cat sitting by a window in a city, captured by Marcel Heijnen, with colorful reflections creating a cozy urban atmosphere.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    estellegiles-monroe avatar
    Estelle
    Estelle
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    fluffy security guard

    2
    2points
    reply
    #43

    Three men eating near a store, with a cat in the city sitting beside them, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    tobiasofia avatar
    Sofia Alexandra
    Sofia Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Waiting for lunch.

    5
    5points
    reply
    #44

    Woman and child sit on steps next to a cat in a city scene, captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    Indoor city scene with a man working beside blue buckets; urban life captured by Marcel Heijnen.

    chinesewhiskers Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    jacquelinewilliams avatar
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Find the tabby cat

    1
    1point
    reply
    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    Add us on Google