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Simplified Chinese Japanese English Korean Cat Island is located about 16 km southwest of Wangan Island in Penghu, comprising two islands. Because their shapes resemble two crouching cats, they are called Da Cat Island (Big Cat Island) and Xiao Cat Island (Little Cat Island). The islands are composed of basalt and cover an area of approximately 10 hectares. Xiao Cat Island lies to the east of Da Cat Island and, during low tide, a trench connects the two islands. Da Cat Island’s highest point is 70 meters, making it the tallest point in the Penghu archipelago. At the north end, a massive sea-eroded arch spans the island; its opening is located on a western sea cave that emerges only at low tide. Cat Island falls under the jurisdiction of Wangan Township, Penghu County, and is uninhabited. It consists of the two islands and surrounding reef, situated about 16 km southwest of Wangan Island. From afar it looks like two cats lying on the sea surface, which explains its name. Its elevation ranges from about 70–79 meters, making it the highest peak of the Penghu islands. Historical records indicate military and fishing activities in the area. In 1991, the Penghu County Government declared Da and Xiao Cat Islands a bird sanctuary under the Wild Animal Protection Act, making it Taiwan’s first wildlife protection area. Apart from the ~10 hectares of land, the sanctuary also includes a 100 meter extension of surrounding sea, bringing the total area to 36.2 hectares. Cat Island is the largest breeding ground for the great crested terns in Asia, and other species such as the white-crested tern, the Pacific black‑winged tern, and the brown noddy also breed on the islands. Although the sanctuary strictly prohibits unauthorized landings, visitors can still take boats around the surrounding waters during the summer breeding season to observe. Da and Xiao Cat Islands together cover about 10 hectares of land, with steep cliffs on all sides. Da Cat Island is a massive outcrop of basaltic rock, rising sharply above the sea. Xiao Cat Island is located to the east of Da Cat Island and, during low tide, a roughly 10‑meter‑wide trench separates them. One side features a sea‑eroded platform, and the surrounding reef and turbulent currents make it difficult for ships to approach or pass. The upper layers of the region’s strata are composed of basalt with curved columnar jointing; the lower layers consist of volcanic breccia, creating striking volcanic geological landscapes. In 1991, the area was designated as the "Penghu County Cat Island Seabird Sanctuary," and it was revised in 1997. Because it is listed as a "Seabird Sanctuary," many bird species inhabit the islands; records show over 20 families and 45–55 species, with great crested terns and white‑crested terns comprising about 90 % of the total. Every breeding season from March to September, thousands of seabirds gather here to breed and feed, creating a breathtaking spectacle. As part of the "Seabird Sanctuary," ordinary tourists are prohibited from landing on the island and may only cruise around the surrounding waters. Any disturbance of seabirds or environmental damage is forbidden; to land on the island, one must apply for permission and obtain approval for research or survey work.