Have you ever found yourself surrounded by a group of meowing cats at your feet, unable to resist playing with them or offering them some tasty treats? If you often fall for the charm of cats' cuteness, it might mean you need to cultivate more discipline. In Japan's Tochigi Prefecture, the head priest of Nasu Chōrakuji Temple has taken in six cats, each incredibly cute and friendly, unexpectedly turning the temple into a revered haven for cat lovers.
After being taken in by the priest, these six cats live a peaceful life within the temple grounds, spending their days eating, sleeping, and enjoying the affection they receive. Their favorite pastime, however, is playfully disturbing the priest during his breakfast.
For most people, it would be impossible to resist these cats' adorable antics, often leading to sneaking them some human food. But the priest, a seasoned ascetic, remains calm and composed even when surrounded by the six furry companions. He eats his breakfast serenely, undisturbed by the cats climbing on him, occasionally feeding them a bit of cat food.
住職の朝ごはん。 pic.twitter.com/fyslsTDK87
— 那須の長楽寺 (@nasu_chourakuji) March 3, 2023
住職の朝ごはん。 pic.twitter.com/4A67pLk5OQ
— 那須の長楽寺 (@nasu_chourakuji) March 4, 2023
住職の朝ごはん。 pic.twitter.com/TvwQXhJ1Cy
— 那須の長楽寺 (@nasu_chourakuji) March 5, 2023
住職の朝ごはん。 pic.twitter.com/x7tyVT6XiM
— 那須の長楽寺 (@nasu_chourakuji) March 2, 2023
Videos of these scenes posted on Twitter and YouTube have gone viral, attracting many visitors eager to pay homage to this "cat temple". The videos not only showcase the cats but also highlight the priest's remarkable self-control. The 61-year-old priest shared that he initially created the temple's Twitter account to promote the temple's cemetery services and share pictures of the cats, never expecting it to become so popular.
Although you may not witness the priest's breakfast "training" in person, visiting the temple offers a chance to see these beloved "guardian cats" patrolling the temple grounds, adding a unique charm to this spiritual place.
