Stepping into a building entirely dedicated to feline history sounds like a highly niche activity. However, this specific spot in northern Lithuania delivers a remarkably layered experience.
You encounter thousands of carefully curated artistic objects right before meeting the real, purring residents of the facility. The ticket also grants access to a surprisingly diverse exotic animal section located just down the hall.
- Location: Šiauliai, Lithuania
- Adult Ticket: 5.00 Eur
- Discount Ticket: 3.00 Eur
- Key Features: Over 10,000 feline exhibits, 6 live roaming cats, exotic animal mini-zoo
What to Expect at Lithuania's Famous Cat Museum
The facility operates on the second floor of a building that closely resembles a local kindergarten from the outside. You simply walk inside, take the stairs to the left, and follow the bright cat graffiti on the walls. The exhibition space is compact, spotless, and deeply personal.

The Vanda Kavaliauskienė Collection (10,000+ Exhibits)
Naturalist Vanda Kavaliauskienė started this massive collection in 1990. Today, the exhibition holds more than 10,000 individual items sourced from countries as far as Japan, Cuba, and Australia. You see everything from tiny amber figurines and stained glass windows to porcelain statues and vintage postage stamps.
The items cover the walls, shelves, and even hang from the ceiling in three dedicated rooms. Every single inch of the space reflects a lifelong dedication to feline artistry. Browsing through the intricate displays takes about 20 to 30 minutes if you examine the artistic details closely.
Meeting the Resident Cats
The true charm of the space lies in its six live resident cats. These animals roam freely among the porcelain and crystal exhibits, acting as the unofficial guides of the rooms. The standout host is a large, friendly cat known as the Director, who frequently poses for photographs.
Loud noises and running children easily scare these cats into hiding. Approaching them with slow, calm movements ensures they stay relaxed and open to being petted. You can even use the designated cat toys provided in the rooms to play with them.
The Exotic Animal Wildlife Garden (Mini-Zoo)
Your entrance fee includes access to an entirely different section located right next door. This mini-zoo houses a variety of reptiles, rodents, and exotic birds. The most memorable resident here is Flint the cockatoo, an incredibly sociable parrot known to greet people in Lithuanian.
The environment in this specific section requires a bit of realistic expectation management. The air ventilation is quite limited, making the room temperature uncomfortably high during busy days. Some animal enclosures are on the smaller side, and you might notice dried food in the bowls. While it provides an interesting contrast to the cat rooms, the primary reason to visit remains the feline collection.
Practical Information for Visitors
Planning your trip requires knowing a few specific logistical details. The museum operates on a relatively short daily schedule, closing by 16:00 on Saturdays.
Cat Museum Šiauliai Ticket Prices & Discounts
Purchasing your entry pass at the door is a straightforward process. The pricing structure for 2026 is highly affordable and covers both the main exhibitions and the exotic animal garden.
| Visitor Category | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | 5.00 Eur |
| Students, Seniors, PWD (30-35%) | 3.00 Eur |
| Children (Pre-school), PWD (0-25%) | Free |
Groups of up to 50 people can also book a guided tour for a flat fee of 10.00 Eur, making it an excellent option for large families or educational trips.
How to Get There & Visitor Tips
The entrance sits a bit off the main street, so keep an eye out for the vibrant, cat-themed signboards guiding you to the correct apartment block door. Parking is available directly along the street next to the building.
A critical health practice involves protecting the resident cats from outside pathogens. The facility does not provide disposable shoe covers, so bringing your own pair is a highly recommended step to keep the animals safe. Drop your covers in the bin after your visit and enjoy the rest of your time exploring Šiauliai.
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