This place has more names than a cat has lives. Call it the Cat Conservatory, the Thai Cat Center, Ban Maeo Thai, along with the misspellings of Baan Meow Thai, Baan Mew Thai, and plenty of other permutations. No matter what you call it, the purpose and the reason to visit are the same — supporting the conservation of cats in Thailand as a Thai national treasure. That, and you’re surrounded by dozens of really cute cuts — perfect for you cat photographers.
These aren’t just regular strays being protected or rehabilitated. These are genuine Siamese cats, conserved and bred here. There was no breeding to be seen during this visit, nor could I honestly tell you to expect such either.
Getting there is half the battle (see the directions at the bottom of the post), but once you arrive you’re welcomed by both the humans and the cats. Well, that is, the cats that were awake — being the middle of the afternoon means virtually all of them were sleeping. One of the volunteers plucked a leafy stem from nearby and began teasing the cats a bit — that woke some of them up.
No Photoshop here — this little guy really does have two differently colored eyes. He (she?) isn’t in the front area, presumably where the stars of the show live, but he’s right in the front of the back area.
As is typical for trying to shoot through metal bars, a bit of manual focus is needed. This little guy decided to rest in the bowl for some reason…
“Please, no pictures! This is my bad side!” Among the several dozens of cats, most were sleeping or weren’t easily woken up.
A lonely bird looks like they could hold their own, while a lonely dog (not pictured) rested in the shade. Neither seemed especially frustrated by the cats being in cages.
The souvenir shop, if you like, had an ample array of cat items, along with a few beverages.
As one of a few things to see in Samut Songkhram, or while you’re near the Amphawa Floating Market, it’s well worth the visit. There’s a surprising amount of information in English (as well as some in French and Japanese). Bring your camera — and a small donation.
Name: Cat Conservatory AKA the Thai Cat Center AKA Ban Maeo Thai AKA Baan Maeo Thai (บ้านแมวไทยโบราณ)
Address: 2/1 Moo 7 Tambon Om Kwai, Amphawa, Thailand (GPS: 13.432022,99.947348)
Directions: It should go without saying that a taxi or tuk-tuk can likely get you all the way there, albeit at an inflated price. Travel like the Thais, though!
From the Amphawa Floating Market, make your way to the Amphawa Tourism Authority Office. On Prachaset road, turn down Phuangsomboon road, walking away from a Top Charoen Optical and towards the river. The building you’re looking for is the same building as the Thai Desset / Sweetmeat Museum. For now, jump on the ferry that crosses the river (a 3 baht fee, paid when you get off). You should see a temple in front of you. Turn right, follow the road to the wat’s entrance. Cross the road and wait for a songthauw to take you the rest of the way (about 3 kilometers). Look for the sign on the right. Walk along the side road for about 350–400 meters, and you’ll see it on your left.
Hours: 8am-5pm
Admission: Free, although donations accepted
Phone: 0 3473 3284 or 08 4003 4194
