On October 10, 2025, the Palace Museum in Beijing will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Forbidden City, a royal palace with over 600 years of history, has witnessed changes in dynasties and shifts in the throne. Today, the palace no longer has its royal inhabitants; instead, the popular "Forbidden City cats" have become a connection between the history of the Forbidden City and the present.
The tradition of keeping cats in the Forbidden City dates back to the Ming Dynasty. To care for these feline residents, the imperial court even established a dedicated department called the "cat chamber." Today, among the hundreds of "Forbidden City cats" residing within the Forbidden City, some are descendants of those original imperial felines. Across the centuries, the charm of "Forbidden City cats" remains undiminished, attracting "cat lovers" eager to visit and observe them. Since 2017, a new figure has appeared in the Forbidden City—pet photographer Kacha, who continually roams every corner, capturing classic and adorable moments of the "Forbidden City cats" through his lens.
Kacha graduated from China University of Geosciences and began pursuing photography during his university years. Later, due to a career change, he transitioned to the pet photography industry in 2017. Speaking of his connection with the "Forbidden City cats", Kacha said, "I joined a volunteer team in Beijing responsible for documenting and promoting stray cats in various districts. I heard that there were cats in the Forbidden City, so I went with three team members to photograph them." This initial shoot has turned into a nearly decade-long commitment.
Observing the cats through his viewfinder, Kacha has become intimately familiar with their habits and personalities. While walking through the Forbidden City with him, he can identify which cat frequents each location. "Since 2017, I've documented dozens of cats. Cats prefer quiet, shady spots. In the summer or when there are many tourists, they like to hide in the nooks and crannies of the courtyards," Kacha explains. He recounts the stories of individual "Forbidden City cats". "There was Er Suizi, a long-haired black and white cat, who was said to be seen all over the Forbidden City. Another 'internet celebrity' cat named Ao Bai, also known as San Suizi, was reportedly named for his resemblance to Er Suizi. Sadly, it passed away earlier this year. In the area of the Eighteen Scholar Trees, there's an orange and white cat named Cai Cai, who often appears on the grass in the spring or winter mornings, stretching and limbering up before sunbathing. And then there's food enthusiast Pa Pa, who's both chubby and timid. He's particularly mischievous, often poking his head out of the drainage channel openings, peering around with a sneaky look, and then scurrying away after eating..."
Each cat at Forbidden City has a distinct personality, but they all share a common trait: a relaxed and unhurried demeanor. Kacha tells us that while typical stray cats are often wary and cautious, the "Forbidden City cats" are different. "It's as if the Forbidden City is their home," Kacha explains. "The first cat I photographed was named Bai Dian'er. It was winter, and it was sleeping at a doorway. When tourists came over to gently stroke its head, it didn't shy away at all, which was very interesting."
The cats' peaceful lives are supported by caring individuals. Thanks to the care provided by the Palace Museum staff and the assistance of animal welfare organizations, the "Forbidden City cats" are generally in good health. Kacha mentions, "In the past, the Palace Museum collaborated with 'Ta Foundation,' which provided a mobile medical unit every three months to examine and sterilize the cats, until the activities were temporarily suspended due to the pandemic." Now, each sterilized "Forbidden City cat" has a clear mark on its ear.
Over the years of photographing, Kacha published a book titled Meeting Meow in the Forbidden City: A Treasure Hunt Map for Imperial Cats, featuring a cat Sergeant from the Treasure Gallery as the first-person perspective, telling the stories of the "Forbidden City cats". "Photographing cats depends entirely on fate. I see myself as a recorder and won't force the shots," Kacha said. "In my eyes, these cats are neither traditional pets nor purely stray animals. Their unique presence in the Forbidden City adds vitality to this historical architecture. Whether it's a fleeting encounter or ongoing tracking, their way of life is fascinating. Combining photography as a profession with a hobby is the ideal state I pursue."
Today, the cats live contentedly in the Forbidden City—breeding, dispersing, and being replenished, continuing their lives as cats, and allowing the vitality of the Forbidden City to continue.
(Reporter: Ella, Iris; Camerapeople: Sammi, Yuge; Editor: Yuge; English editor: Rachel, Kiki; English translator: Rachel)
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