Introduction to Cat Island
Cat Island is located in the central Bahamas and is part of the Bahamas’ District of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador. It is one of the country’s northernmost islands. Cat Island has a population of around 1,500 people and measures 48 miles long and 1 to 4 miles wide, covering an area of 150 square miles.
The island was named San Salvador by Christopher Columbus in 1492. It was later renamed Cat Island, allegedly because the island was once home to a large population of feral cats. Throughout its history, Cat Island played an important role in the Lucayan, cotton plantation and pirate eras of the Bahamas.
Today, Cat Island is best known for its miles of secluded beaches, blue holes, caves and untouched nature. Major attractions include Mt. Alvernia, the highest point in the Bahamas at 206 feet above sea level, the Hermitage monastery built by Father Jerome in 1938, and the feral cats that still roam the island today.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_Island,_Bahamas
https://www.fernandezbayvillage.com/cat-island/
The Feral Cat Population
Cat Island is known for its large population of feral cats, estimated to number in the thousands. According to local folklore, a ship wrecked off the coast of Cat Island in the 1700s and released a cargo of cats onto the island. With no natural predators and abundant food sources, the cats were able to thrive and reproduce in the wild.
The feral cats of Cat Island survive by hunting small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects. They are able to find fresh water from natural springs and inland watering holes. The cats have adapted well to the island’s ecology and carved out an environmental niche.
The cats tend to avoid human populated areas and interactions with humans are rare. However, some local residents put out food and water for the cats. There are also volunteer groups that work to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the feral cats in order to control the population. Overall the cats and humans seem to peacefully co-exist on Cat Island.
Some key facts about the feral cat population on Cat Island:
- Current population estimated between 6,000 – 10,000 cats
- Believed to be descended from cats aboard a shipwrecked vessel in the 1700s
- Able to survive by hunting small prey and finding natural freshwater sources
- Generally avoid human populated areas and interactions are rare
- Some residents provide food, water, and care for the cats
- Volunteer groups work to spay, neuter, and vaccinate the cats
The unusually large feral cat population has become one of the defining characteristics of Cat Island. Tourists come from all over the world to see the “Cat Island cats” and many cat lovers are drawn to volunteer to help care for the felines. The cats have become an integral part of the island’s ecology and local culture.
Local Culture and Economy
Cat Island has a rich culture and economy deeply rooted in fishing, agriculture, and shipbuilding traditions. Fishing is a major part of everyday life, with locals relying on the bountiful marine life for sustenance and livelihoods. Common catches include grouper, snapper, and spiny lobster which are sold to restaurants and markets on Cat Island as well as exported abroad.
The island’s calm bays and inland waterways have also made it an ideal location for building boats for centuries. Master shipbuilders continue these traditions today by hand-crafting sloops, schooners, and other vessels in locally-run shipyards. This cottage industry not only provides jobs but also enables inter-island transportation and fishing.
Beyond fishing and shipbuilding, Cat Islanders live a simple lifestyle focused on faith, family, and enjoying the island’s natural splendor. They take pride in their unique history and culture which is deeply influenced by West African traditions. From generations of oral storytelling to festivals showcasing traditional music and dance, Cat Islanders have preserved their heritage despite outside cultural influences.
While the economy remains small-scale and localized, many entrepreneurs are focused on sustainable development through cultural tourism and small businesses. Protecting the island’s ecosystems and way of life continues being a priority for locals. Overall, Cat Island maintains a rich culture centered around fishing, boat-building, and celebrating generations of tradition.
Ecotourism
Cat Island is an ideal destination for ecotourism, offering pristine natural environments and opportunities to experience the local culture (Bahamas Tourism Center). The island’s beaches, inland blue holes, diverse bird life, and fishing make it a haven for nature lovers. Popular activities include:
– Snorkeling and diving the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island.
– Visiting secluded beaches like Hawk’s Nest Beach.
– Exploring inland blue holes like Mermaid’s Lair.
– Deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, wahoo and other gamefish.
– Birdwatching – the island is home to West Indian flamingos, white-crowned pigeons and other species.
– Visiting historical sites like the Hermitage, an 18th century monastery.
– Experiencing bush medicine, storytelling, and other aspects of Cat Island culture and heritage.
Ecotourism provides economic incentives for locals to preserve the island’s natural beauty. Visitors should adhere to sustainable practices and support local communities during their stay.
The Hermitage
The Hermitage is a notable historic site located on the highest point of Cat Island in the Bahamas. It was built in 1939 by Father Jerome, an Anglican priest who moved from England seeking solitude. As described by Caribbean Castaways, the Hermitage consists of a small stone monastery, chapel, living quarters, and lighthouse.
Father Jerome hand built the Hermitage using local stone and modeled it after Mount Athos in Greece. He lived an ascetic lifestyle there devoted to prayer and meditation. The Hermitage offered him peace, simplicity, and picturesque views of the ocean and landscape. Father Jerome resided at the Hermitage until his passing in 1956.
Today, the Hermitage remains an important historical site on Cat Island that offers tourists scenic overlooks and tranquility. As noted by My Guide Bahamas, its remote hilltop location provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters. The Hermitage serves as both a serene retreat and tribute to Father Jerome’s legacy.
Notable Residents
Cat Island has been home to several notable Bahamian residents over the years. Some of the most famous include:
Exuma (musician) – Cat Island native Exuma was a popular Bahamian musician who pioneered junkanoo music. He was known for his unique sound that mixed junkanoo, reggae, and calypso. Exuma released several albums in the 1970s before his death in 1997. [1]
Patricia Glinton-Meicholas – A prominent Bahamian historian, Glinton-Meicholas was born in Old Bight, Cat Island in 1946. She served as Director of Archives from 1987 to 2009 and has authored several books on Bahamian history and culture. [1]
Philip Davis – The current Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Davis was born in Cat Island in 1963. He represented the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador district as an MP from 2002 to 2021 before becoming Prime Minister. [2]
Geology and Geography
Cat Island is located in the central Bahamas and is one of the country’s larger islands at approximately 48 miles long and 4 miles wide. The island features varied landscapes including limestone ridges, wetlands, mangroves, lagoons and caves. Much of the island is covered in pine and scrub forest. The highest point on Cat Island is Mount Alvernia at 206 feet above sea level.
The beaches along the eastern shore facing the Exuma Sound tend to have pink and white sand, while the western beaches facing the shallow waters of the Great Bahama Bank feature white powdery sand. Popular beaches include Hawk’s Nest Beach, Orange Creek Beach and Bennett’s Harbour Beach.
The climate of Cat Island is tropical with warm temperatures year-round. The weather tends to be drier from November to May and wetter from June to October. The average high temperature is around 86°F while the average low is 72°F. Hurricanes are a risk during the wet season.
Cat Island has a rich diversity of wildlife including wild pigs, herons, ospreys and rock iguanas. Hawksbill sea turtles nest on the beaches. The island’s saltwater flats and mangroves provide excellent habitat for bonefish.
Infrastructure
Cat Island’s infrastructure is relatively limited compared to more developed islands in the Bahamas. The island has just one paved main road running along the length of the island for around 60-70 miles, with roadworks projects underway to improve and expand it (Our News BS). Smaller side roads branching off the main road are often dirt or gravel. The island relies primarily on rainwater catchment for drinking water rather than centralized utilities. Housing on Cat Island consists largely of small villages and scattered private residences rather than major developments or apartment buildings.
Electricity is provided by the Bahamas Power and Light Company via above-ground power lines running alongside the main road, but reliability can be an issue during storms. There is limited mobile phone and internet connectivity on parts of the island, provided by Aliv and other carriers. While basic infrastructure exists, upgrades would be needed to support large-scale residential or tourism expansion on Cat Island.
Preserving the Island
With rugged natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Cat Island has become a prime ecotourism destination. However there are concerns over protecting the environment and achieving sustainability. Environmental groups like Cat Island United are working to establish Marine Protected Areas around the island in partnership with the Bahamas National Trust. They have proposed 6 Marine Protected Areas so far to help preserve marine ecosystems.
There is also a push for more sustainable development, as some are worried about the environmental impact of major projects like Disney’s Lighthouse Point resort in Eleuthera. As noted by the Cat Island Conservation Institute, more comprehensive environmental assessments may be needed for such large-scale developments, ensuring preservation of the natural beauty that draws so many to the Bahamas.
The Future of Cat Island
The future of Cat Island looks bright as there are currently several major development plans in the works. The island has long been considered an untouched paradise, but investors and developers are starting to recognize its potential as an attractive destination.
One of the most significant projects happening on Cat Island is the development of a luxury marina and resort community called Hawk’s Nest (Flying Magazine). This 256-acre property features over 3 miles of beachfront and has approval for the construction of a world-class marina with slips for up to 50 yachts. The long-term vision is to create an exclusive community with luxury villas and high-end amenities to attract yacht owners and seasonal visitors.
Additionally, several large tracts of land have been acquired by developers for future resort projects. For example, 118 acres of beachfront land was purchased in 2022 for $8.85 million with plans to construct luxury estates and potentially hotels (Future Properties & Investments). As Cat Island becomes more discovered, investors are eagerly buying up properties for development.
While development is rapidly increasing, efforts are also being made to preserve the natural eco-systems and local culture of Cat Island through sustainable practices. The hope is that any new projects will provide jobs and economic growth for residents, while maintaining the island’s laidback charm.