A New Orleans neighborhood that turns into a cat lovers' paradise at night (10 photos)
During the day, this New Orleans square is a pedestrian-only area, but at night it becomes a cat kingdom. 
During the day, Jackson Square in the French Quarter is a popular and bustling tourist spot, but when the sun goes down and the crowds disappear, it becomes a haven for feral cats. Their nightly gathering within the historic boundaries of this area is an incredible sight that evokes thoughts of mysticism and magic in the minds of onlookers. 
Jackson Square
Located between St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River in New Orleans' French Quarter, Jackson Square has been a place of reverence in the city since the 18th century. Renamed from Arms Square in honor of Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, Jackson Square is also home to the Pontalba Apartments. Dating back to 1850, they are often cited as the oldest of their kind in the country. 
Pontalba Apartments
Jackson Square's ideal location makes it a popular spot for locals during the day, and a prime spot for tourists to snap a photo with the towering equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson in the background. Visitors can hang out in the central square day or night, but at sunset, a portion of the square is closed off behind wrought-iron gates. At this time, impressive packs of the city's feral cats emerge from the shadows and gather in the darkness to roam, meow, and enjoy each other's company. 
Andrew Jackson Monument
Considering the area's history and New Orleans' long history of mystical beliefs, it's easy to feel like some supernatural force is bringing these cats together each night. Passersby can stop and look at them through the gates, and the numerous animals seem oblivious to people. They gather together each evening, almost religiously, to the delight and amazement of tourists and locals alike. 
While it's easy to believe that feral cats are drawn to Jackson Square by invisible forces, the explanation for these nighttime gatherings is actually more mundane. New Orleans has always been a place where street cats are a part of everyday life. Many people believe that the hot summers and mild winters are factors that make it comfortable for the animals to roam the streets year-round. In addition, New Orleans, as a city built around waterways, is a popular habitat for rodents. They may be uninvited guests in residential buildings, but for kitties in New Orleans, rats and mice are a welcome treat. 
The number of tourists in New Orleans has also grown in recent years to 20 million a year. Jackson Square is a daily hub for tourists, vendors, and performers. The square is surrounded by restaurants and is the center of annual festivals. The remnants of these daytime celebrations give feral cats plenty of reasons to return at night and indulge in a feast. It doesn't really matter what the cats in Jackson Square are united by - rodents, scraps, or mystical factors. Regardless of the reason, this event is worth seeing with your own eyes. 
