If you visit Morocco, you will notice animals everywhere. Cats are part of daily life in many cities, especially in old medinas and near markets. Dogs are less common in busy tourist areas, but you may see them in suburbs, rural roads, and mountain regions. This guide explains where you will see cats and dogs in Morocco, why they are there, and how to interact in a respectful and safe way.
Why Morocco has so Many Street Cats?
Cats have a long history in Morocco. In medinas, ports, and food markets, they help control rats and mice. Many locals tolerate them, and some people feed them regularly.
You will often see cats resting in sunny corners, near shops, and around restaurants. In coastal towns, they are often near fish stalls and harbors.
Where you will See Cats in Morocco
Cats appear in almost every city, but these places are especially known for them.
Essaouira
Essaouira is one of the top places to see cats. You will spot them near the fishing port, around the medina walls, and in small streets close to seafood grills.
If you like photography, early morning in the port area is usually calm and good for photos.
Marrakech
In Marrakech, you will often see cats in the Medina, around Jemaa el-Fnaa side streets, and near local food markets.
They usually stay close to shops and quiet alleys rather than the busiest square itself.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen’s blue streets are famous for photos, and cats are part of the scene. You will find them in the medina lanes, doorsteps, and small stairways.
Fes
Fes has many cats in the old medina, especially near souks and areas with food stalls. The medina is large and full of hidden corners, so you may see cats resting near doors and shops.
Casablanca and Rabat
In modern cities, cats are common in neighborhoods, parks, and near cafés. You may see fewer in the busiest boulevards, but more in quieter streets and residential areas.
Why you Might See Dogs in Morocco?
Dogs in Morocco are often working animals. In rural areas, they may guard farms, herds, or properties. In some towns, you might see street dogs, but it depends on the area.
However, in many tourist medinas, you will see far more cats than dogs.
Where you will See Dogs in Morocco?
Dogs are more common outside dense medinas and along travel routes.
Atlas Mountains (Imlil, Ourika Valley, Aït Ben Haddou route)
In mountain villages and rural roads, you may see shepherd dogs and guard dogs. They usually stay near homes, fields, or animals.
Desert regions (Draa Valley, Merzouga area)
Around desert villages and on the edges of small towns, you might see dogs near properties. In camps, dogs sometimes exist nearby as guard animals, but they are usually not part of the guest area.
Coastal outskirts (Agadir and Essaouira areas)
In suburbs and open spaces outside the center, you may see more dogs than inside the main tourist zones.
How to Interact with Cats and Dogs in Morocco Respectfully?
It is normal to want to pet animals, especially cats. In Morocco, it is better to be careful and gentle.
Good habits
- Look first, do not rush in.
- Let the animal come closer if it wants.
- Avoid touching animals that look sick, very thin, or injured.
- Wash hands after contact, especially before eating.
Feeding tips (if you choose to feed)
You do not have to feed street animals. If you do, keep it simple and avoid foods that can harm them.
Better options:
- Plain cooked meat or fish.
- Dry cat food if you have it.
Avoid:
- Chocolate, sweets, spicy food.
- Milk for adult cats (many do not handle it well).
Photography Tips for Cats and Dogs in Morocco
Morocco is great for street photography, but animals deserve space and calm.
Try this:
- Take photos from a small distance.
- Avoid flash at night.
- Do not chase animals for a shot.
- If an animal is resting, let it rest.
In markets and ports, be respectful with people too. Some shop owners do not like photos, so a quick smile and a polite gesture helps.
Safety and Health Basics for Travelers
Most of the time, you will have no problems if you keep distance and use common sense.
If you get scratched or bitten:
- Wash the area with soap and water right away.
- Tell your accommodation or driver so they can help you reach medical care quickly.
It is rare, but it is always better to treat scratches and bites seriously.
What this Means for your Morocco Itinerary
If you love cats, coastal cities and medinas are best. Essaouira and Chefchaouen are great choices for calm streets and easy photos.
If you are nervous around dogs, focus on major cities and guided routes. A private tour also helps because your driver can choose calmer stops and avoid areas where you feel uncomfortable.
Either ways, Touring in Morocco got your back, just get in touch with us and enjoy a life-time experience.
FAQS
Yes. In many Moroccan cities you will see street cats daily, especially in old medinas, markets, and near restaurants.
Cats help control rats and mice, and many locals tolerate them around markets and food areas. Some residents also feed them.
Popular places include Essaouira (port and medina), Chefchaouen (blue streets), Marrakech (medina side streets), and Fes (old medina).
Yes, but you usually see fewer dogs than cats in tourist medinas. Dogs are more common in suburbs, rural areas, and mountain regions.
You may see dogs more often in the Atlas Mountains, along rural roads, near farms, and around some desert villages outside the main tourist zones.
It is better to be careful. Avoid touching animals that look sick or stressed. If you pet an animal, wash your hands afterwards.
You do not have to. If you choose to feed them, do it gently and safely. Avoid giving sweets, spicy food, or milk to adult cats.
Yes. Take photos from a respectful distance and avoid flash. Do not chase animals for a shot.
Wash the area with soap and water right away. Then get medical advice as soon as possible, especially for bites.
For most travelers, no. Cats are common and usually calm. If you are nervous around dogs, a private tour route can help you avoid areas where dogs are more common.
Yes. Coastal cities like Essaouira often have many cats near fish stalls, harbors, and waterfront streets.
Some riads and guesthouses have resident cats, especially in medinas. If you have allergies or prefer not to be around cats, it is a good idea to ask before booking.
