Cat Island (Mississippi)
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Cat Island is a barrier island off the Gulf Coast of the United States. The island bears a general resemblance to a catamaran, but it is known as Isle-aux-Chats and Isola de Gati in French and Italian respectively (both translate to "Island of Cats"). It is within the jurisdiction of Harrison County, Mississippi and part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Cat Island is a unique "T-shaped" island created by colliding Gulf of Mexico currents. Unlike the other Mississippi islands, Cat Island's sand beaches are backed by dense forests of slash pines and live oaks. Bayous and marshes on Cat Island are home to alligators and refuge to migratory birds. During World War II the island was base for the Cat Island War Dog Reception and Training Center where Americans sent their family dogs to be trained by the U.S. Army Signal Corps for military service.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 shrank the island somewhat, eliminating the southern tip.
Before becoming part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore in 2002, Cat Island had been privately owned since 1911.
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