Cat from Leiden {Netherlands}

Just like Amsterdam, Leiden in the Netherlands features a large number of small canals. It's mainly known as a university city and is one of Europe's most prominent scientific research centers. This gives Leiden a bustling and international feel.

Many famous people live or have lived there, including Carice van Houten (Melisandre in Game of Thrones), Albert Einstein, and Rembrandt. However, Leiden's most discussed inhabitant is... a cat.

Jacco aka Buurtpoes Bledder was the adopted pet of one of the residents of a student house in Leiden. As soon as he was allowed outside, he started roaming the neighborhood around the Nieuwe Rijn, looking for company. He particularly loved the cafés, shops, bars and offices in the historic central district. Many of the managers and customers started posting his adventures on Facebook, and that's how he became a local celebrity. 

Photos: Marjolein Goes