When it comes to Hong Kong, as always, my first impression remains the concrete jungle of towering buildings. However, after traveling the world, we discovered the exquisite nature of Hong Kong: small yet complete. Hong Kong has everything to offer. The designer from OH You Made My Day is taking us all the way to Tai O, which is the western part of Lantau Island. What awaits us are the community cats that the designer often spoke about. In just an hour-ish driving, the view outside the window has transformed from skyscrapers to the original landscape of Hong Kong, a fishing village.
Index
- Village with Cats
- The Love in the Neighborhood
- Cats Love Freedom
- Adhering to rules is the only way to protect the freedom of cats
- Dos & Donâts
- [Attachment] Tai O Visiting Guide
Village with Cats
âCan we feed the cats when we arrive in Tai O?â visitors may wonder. Well, hold on. Tai O is a charming fishing village with waterways that rival the beauty of Venice, Italy. Under the setting sun, the scenery takes on a gentle yellow hue. But where did the cats come from? GERMAN, Aboriginal organization âTai O Fei Mao Liâ Â (also known as the âCat Womanâ), shares the heartbreaking history.Â
Looking back over a decade ago, Tai O was plagued by a rat infestation. Residents came up with the idea of using cats to control the problem. However, at that time, people lacked proper knowledge about responsible cat care. They were unaware of the importance of spaying and neutering for community cats.Â
As a result, the cat population in Tai O multiplied exponentially, while official feeding stations on the streets remained insufficient. Cats resorted to begging for food at peopleâs doors, causing frustration among the residents. At the same time, visitors fed the cats randomly, even leaving food on the streets, resulting in foul odors as no one cleaned up. While the rat problem was addressed, it led to hygiene and overpopulation issues with the cats, creating more conflicts in Tai O.
The Love in the Neighborhood
With the determination of compassionate individuals, GERMAN and a team of dedicated volunteers launched a cat sterilization program. Drawing inspiration from successful cases worldwide, they aimed to reduce the cat population in the long run through spaying and neutering surgeries. As expected, the program showed initial success. Volunteers provided regular feeding and supported sterilization efforts, resulting in a controlled cat population and improved appearance of the town.
Gradually, residents also changed their perspective. They no longer saw cats as mere pest controllers but as valued members of the community. Residents became knowledgeable about the habits and characteristics of the feline residents. If they ever bump into cats, they will warmly introduce the cats to visitors, sharing their names, habits, and personalities.
The relationship between the cats, volunteers, and residents is not a one-way street. If a neighbor needs a helping hand on the street, GERMAN is always willing to assist. This close-knit bond is built upon years of mutual understanding and support. In the future, âTai O Fei Mao Liâ plans to organize half-day tours and workshops, allowing visitors to explore here and learn how to create a harmonious community where humans and cats coexist, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Cats Love Freedom
In Tai O, many shop owners adopt a semi-free-roaming approach, allowing the cats to move about freely. Itâs quite remarkable how the cats adapt their activities to the rhythm of the sunrise and sunset. Their job is to indulge in the captivating scenery of the fishing village throughout the day, gracefully strolling through the streets, and returning home as dusk falls. Understanding the unique personalities of each community cat can enhance effective communication with them.
Before embarking on your visit, itâs a good idea to check out the cat map so you donât miss out on encountering any of these charming feline residents during your immersive exploration.
Here is a guide to getting up close and personal with the community cats.
Tai O Fei Mao Li
JunJun: Docile, likes to be touched and patted PAT PAT, often wandering around the shops on Kat Hing Street. It is deeply loved by shop owners and tourists.
Langlang: Looks handsome, hence the name. Same docile, but more individual, preferring to walk alone. Served as a friendly ambassador for âTai O Fei Mao Liâ.
FÄi lĂn: The cat was found in Tai O Market Street in June 2015. The cat was about two months old at the time. He has a domineering personality and is independent but loves to pose for photos, so he is born to be a star.
Shadow: It has a temper yet it is still a foodie.
Tokyo Store
Jinzai and Doudou: The mother of these two kitties was named Wu Pei. She fell ill and passed away around seven or eight years ago, leaving behind two cats, brother and sister. Neither brother nor sister is very cat-friendly. They are getting along with humans more than cats. Currently working part-time as store managers of Tokyo Store. The shop owner, Sister Lan, is one of the Tai O cat volunteers and always does her duty to help feed the community cats.
Dahuang: Approachable, patient and fond of humans. He loves to wander around Tai O and is deeply loved by shop owners and residents. If you want to find Dahuang, try your luck at the Tokyo Store!
Tai O Post Office
HuĂĄnghĂČu: Â It has a docile personality and loves to be patted. Part-time cat shop manager at Kojima Studio.
TiÄn lĂŹ: Freedom is everything to it. If you ever get closer, TiÄn lĂŹ will take the initiative to come close and let you touch it. Sometimes it does have a temper. If TiÄn lĂŹ wants to leave, never try to keep it.
L GI: Tender and loving. It often visits the islet Studio, and everyone is welcome to participate in the studioâs activities. You can learn to make handcrafts while taking photos and patting it.
Tai O Market Street
XiĂłng mÄo and Ikkyu: These two cat brothers are docile, playful and domineering. Initially, they were raised at a food market in Tai O, but later they chose to live a homeless life and eventually became cats in the community. Every morning, XiĂłng mÄo is like a strict dean, supervising the students of Tai O Primary School. During the rest of the day, he would go to the Tai O Tea Shop at every night, waiting for the owner Mrs. Zheng to finish work and stay overnight.
Tintin: Approachable, playful and a little tempered. He likes to catch mudskippers in the sea mud to enhance his skill set.
Dongdong: Fond of humans, as long as someone is standing aside, it will take the initiative to approach.
Warm reminder:
Since cats are naturally afraid of heat, they will gradually appear after about 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to visit cats in different spots. But remember not to enter residential buildings, so as not to affect the daily life of local residents.
Adhering to rules is the only way to protect the freedom of cats
Dos & Donâts
- Please avoid cat meal times when feeding: morning and night, volunteers will prepare sufficient food for community cats.
- If you prepare your own treats, do not feed them with chocolate, onions, garlic, avocados and other human food.
- If the cats you meet donât want to eat, donât force them.
- Please put the cat food on a plate and remember to clean the place after feeding.
- When photographing cats, avoid using flashlights, which can be harmful to their vision. Conversely, you can adjust the aperture of the shutter to capture every moment of the cats.
- Do not actively chase or disturb resting cats.
- Please respect the shop ownerâs considerations, pay attention to relevant notices posted in the shop or community, and abide by their regulations.
Donât forget to buy the Journey to the Cat Tai O T-shirt here, and happily meet your cat-loving soulmate on the street! Purchase now to receive a HK$30 Tai O consumption voucher to boost Tai Oâs economy and support locals with the fund for cans of cat food!
The Journey to the Cat Tai O T-shirt
Rather than choosing a specific date, why not seize the day? Put on a stylish t-shirt and head to Tai O immediately to indulge in delicious village cuisine. While appreciating the creativity of local cat lovers, enjoy tea, community cats, and gain cat-related experiences with the shop owners. Welcome everyone to use the Tai O consumption vouchers to enjoy hidden culinary delights and purchase unique souvenirs. Here is the purchasing link. During the Pinkoi Asian Treasure Hunt event, Hong Kong and Macau orders successfully placed at the OH You Made My Day Design House for a total of $300 or more can enjoy free shipping.
[Attachment] Tai O Visiting Guide
Note: OH YOU MADE MY DAY is not a local merchant or food supplier, so it does not hold accountable for food quality. Food shops reserve the right to change their business hours without prior notice. If the store is closed, please go to other designated stores to use the Tai O consumption vouchers.
Merchant 1 (Left) â Authentic Yun Goo Cha Gwor | Address: Ground Floor, 11 Wing On Street, Tai O, at Tai O Good Luck SeafoodÂ
A large sign hanging on Wing On Street is the renowned âAuthentic Yun Goo Cha Gworâ shop. It is a long-established traditional snack shop in Tai O, known for selling handmade Cha Gwor for years. The shop was originally operated by an elderly lady named âYun Goo,â who passed it on to her family after retirement. They continue to serve sweet and savory cakes made from glutinous rice and rattan grass as the main ingredients.
Merchant 2 (Right) â Venice Seafood Restaurant | Address: Ground Floor, 16 Wing On Street, Tai OÂ
When you visit Tai O, you must not miss the delicious and chewy fish balls. We also recommend the Grilled Squid with Shrimp Paste. The restaurant generously coats the squid with a thick layer of shrimp paste before grilling it. Once cooked, it is cut into bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment. The squid is not marinated but relies on the flavorful shrimp paste coating for its savory taste.
Merchant 3 (left) Bubble Tai O | Address: G/F, 32 Wing On Street, Tai O
âBubble Tai O Hand Craft Sparkling Teaâ offers a variety of popular drinks. The top one of the list is the explosive lemon tea. The drink is made from Ceylon black tea soaked with perfumed lemon, which is definitely a good choice to quench your thirst naturally. There are also butterfly pea flower lemon honey and hibiscus oolong tea, etc., which are thirst-quenching and healthy!
Merchant 4 (right) Wah Lee Store | Address: G/F, 17 Market Street, Tai OÂ
A must-try when you come to Tai O is the Wah Lee Restaurantâs wooden barrel tofu pudding! The taste is smoother and tender, what a mouthful taste of bean! If you are craving for bite-sized food, donât miss the extra-large fish ball, sand-popped fish maw, and more. There are also natural delicacies such as homemade summer-relieving drinks, especially purple bean sprouts tea and mountain water soy milk!
Shop owner cat story sharing: âI have lived in Tai O for four years and have been attracted by the landscape, human kindness and love for cats. There are the most cats here in the evening. After closing time, I will go and visit every person and old cat friends.â
Merchant 5 (left) The General Store | Address: G/F, 60 Kit Hing Street, Tai O
Purely natural and additive-free Taiwanese farmhouse imported food store The General Store. It specializes in pure natural organic aloe vera noodles. Aloe vera Noodles has won the honor of being one of the top ten noodles in Tainan, and even Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen praised it. It has a smooth and tender taste and is made in a natural way, so you can enjoy your food at ease. The organic aloe vera drink with lemon flavour is slightly sour, sweet and refreshing. Insert the straw directly into the jelly cup and you can have the taste of diced aloe vera while sipping. It will taste better after being frozen.
Merchant 6 (right) Tai O Fei Mao Li | Address: G/F, 67 Kit Hing Street, Tai OÂ
It is an art creation group that combines local and urban art in Tai O. We highly recommend the âJourney to the Cat Tai O Half-day Tour & Workshopâ, an activity that combines an in-depth tour and a workshop. Visitors can follow expert guides to explore kitty spots and learn about catsâ stories and cultural significance. During the workshop, participants can use edible paints to draw their favorite cats on bagels while learning about animal care. In addition to artistic and cultural activities, they also have home-made healthy drinks, such as Purple Geranium Soda, which is good for lungs, improves eyesight, promotes body fluids and quenches thirst.
Merchant 7 (left) islet Studio | Address: No. 61B, Shek Po Tsai Street, Tai O (diagonally opposite the Post Office)
The owner, Remmi, is a traveler and the shop owner who is constantly searching for crafts and accessories from all over the world. This selection shop combines elements of travel, art and animals to create a unique atmosphere. In the store, you will discover a variety of unique handicrafts around the globe, and you can also enjoy the company of the part-time cat store manager while participating in workshops.
Shop owner cat story sharing: âI am a dog slave myself. After opening a shop here, the community cats L Gi, Tian Li and HuĂĄnghĂČu always come to visit the shop! They want me to play with them.â
Merchant 8 (right) Tai O Tea Shop | Address: No. 111 B, Shek Po Tsai Street, Tai O (diagonally opposite the public toilet)
The ice brick frozen lemon tea made by the owner, Mrs. Zheng. Drinks are made freshly every day and have a unique taste. It is definitely a significant drink. Tea eggs are not just for everyone. They are formulated by Mrs. Zheng based on the tea therapy and health-preserving methods. They are suitable for people of all ages.
Shop owner cat story sharing: âYou know what? Every day at six oâclock in the evening, Yi Xiu will wait for me at the door obediently. It seems to be telling me that, hey, you are about to finish work, meow, I am going to check in and stay overnight.â The shop floor is its cat hotel after six oâclock.
Shop now OH YOU MADE MY DAY x Tai O Fei Mao Li Tai O Journey to the Cat Tai OT-shirt (Black/White)Â
Free Tai O consumption voucher worth HK$30
- The promotional period of this coupon is effective immediately till 23:59 December 31, 2024.
- During the promotion, with a purchase of designated design store products, you can enjoy free shipping if you spend HK$300 or more in the entire store (A valid purchase is exceeding the spending threshold in a single purchase, referring to the payable amount excluding any store discount, free shipping promotion or cash flow processing fees).
The offer is subjected to terms and conditions. For details, please refer to the link here.
