Cat Island Introduction
Cat Islets are located 16 kilometers southwest of Wang-an and 8 kilometers south of Hua Islet, belonging to Hua Islet Village in Wang-an Township. They consist of Big Cat Islet and Little Cat Islet, along with surrounding reefs. Both islands are composed of basalt and are surrounded by steep cliffs, making them difficult to climb. Big Cat Islet is a giant rock formation that rises above the surface, with an elevation of about 70 to 79 meters, making it the highest point in the Penghu Islands. The sea erosion terrain of Big Cat Islet is well developed, with many sea caves surrounding it. The northern cliffs feature a large sea arch, while the east side reveals sea eroded platforms at low tide, which are home to several blowholes. Little Cat Islet is located east of Big Cat Islet and has an even steeper terrain, with a volcanic rock formation connecting the two islands at low tide. In local folklore in Penghu, there is a saying: "Bird Islet has no birds; Cat Islet has no cats." Cat Islet is named for its shape resembling two crouching cats, not because there are many cats; in fact, it is an uninhabited island. However, it is a habitat for many migratory birds. During the summer, terns choose the remote and rugged Cat Islets for breeding, primarily the Black-naped Tern and the Roseate Tern, with around 3,000 to 5,000 of them breeding here each year. To view Black-naped Terns in Penghu, Cat Islets are the main location, while sightings are rare in Northern Sea. In response, the Penghu County Government designated Big and Little Cat Islets as a "Cat Islets Sea Bird Sanctuary" in 1991, which includes land and extends 100 meters into the sea. Unauthorized landings are not allowed without special requirements, but visitors can choose to take a boat to admire the beautiful sight of terns flying around the islands.
