What is a Cat Cafe?
Imagine stepping into a cozy café, where the rich scent of coffee blends with the sweetness of fresh pastries. But there’s something special in the air, an extra energy that gives the place a unique vibe. As your eyes adjust, you spot cats sprawled across plush cushions, perched on high shelves, or sauntering between tables. One might brush against your leg, demanding a scratch, while another stretches lazily in a sunbeam. It’s a scene that’s equal parts comforting and enchanting, a café without the edge of a traditional coffee shop, softened by the gentle presence of cats.
Cat Cafe Mocha in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan
Welcome to the world of cat cafés, unique spaces where caffeine meets feline charm. These aren’t your average coffee shops; they’re havens where you can sip a latte, nibble a treat, and enjoy the company of resident cats. Some visitors come to unwind, others to play, and a few even leave with a new furry companion. As a cat café enthusiast with a passport full of stamps from exploring these spots worldwide, I’ve witnessed the universal delight they bring. So, when someone asks, “What are cat cafés?” I can’t help but share the magic of these curious little retreats, and trust me, there’s plenty to tell.
What is a Cat Cafe?
A cat cafe is a type of themed cafe where customers can enjoy food and drinks while interacting with resident cats. Some cat cafes also serve as extensions of adoption centers, partnering with local shelters to offer opportunities for customers to adopt the cats that live there. Others simply offer a relaxing space for people to enjoy a cup of coffee and the company of cats.
Where did it all start?
The concept of cat cafes began in 1998 with the opening of Cat Flower Garden (now Cafe Cats & Dogs) in Taipei, Taiwan. It gained traction in Japan, where Neko no Jikan opened in Osaka in 2004, followed by Tokyo’s first cat cafe in 2005. The trend spread rapidly across Asia, with over 400 cat cafes now operating in countries like Japan, Taiwan, and China.
Neko no Jikan in Osaka, Japan
In Europe, the first cat cafe, Cafe Neko, debuted in Vienna in 2012, and London’s Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium opened in 2014, often fully booked due to its popularity. Europe now has over 100 cat cafes.
North America joined later, with Cat Town in Oakland, California, launching in 2014. Today, over 300 cat cafes exist across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with more emerging. As of writing this, Cat Cafe Map has nearly 600 cat cafes listed, and we’re finding more every week.
How do cat cafes work?
Cat cafes range from small, cozy spaces that typically aren’t very busy to large, organized businesses with multiple floors and locations. While some popular cat cafes may require online reservations, most welcome walk-in visitors.
Many cat cafes charge an hourly cover fee, which supports the cats’ care, including veterinary expenses. In regions like South Korea and Japan, this fee often includes a complimentary beverage. In contrast, cafes in the UK and USA typically charge for drinks separately. Across Europe, in countries like France and Germany, entrance is usually free, but food and drink prices may be higher to offset operational costs.
Cat cafes generally offer a range of food and beverages, from simple cakes and pastries to more extensive menus featuring sandwiches, soups, salads, and pasta. Some cafes also sell cat food or treats, helping visitors grab the attention of the cats.
Koneko in New York City, USA
Hygiene is a top priority in cat cafes. Food preparation areas are strictly separated from the cat zones, and many cafes prepare food off-premises to ensure cleanliness. Visitors are typically required to wash their hands or use antibacterial gel before entering. Some locations also provide plastic booties or slippers to maintain a sanitary environment and protect the cats from outside germs.
Cat cafes are designed for people to visit and enjoy the company of the resident cats, not for bringing personal pets. The number of cats varies by cafe, typically ranging from 8 to 12, creating a lively yet comfortable atmosphere for both cats and visitors.
Types of Cat Cafes
Cat cafes vary based on the cats they house, with each type offering unique experiences depending on their goals.
Rescues as Permanent Residents
Kissakahvila Purnauskis in Helsinki, Finland
This type features cats rescued from the wild or local streets that live permanently at the cafe. It’s the most widespread model in Europe, moderately common in North America, and less prevalent in Asia. You’ll find that these cafes are often pretty relaxed and give off a more homey, and casual vibe.
Rescues Available for Adoption
Mini Cat Town in Santa Rosa, California
These cat cafes partner with shelters and rescue organizations to socialize cats and prepare them for adoption. This setup is especially popular in North America and parts of Europe, such as France, but remains uncommon in Asia. It’s a nice way to socialize with cats and see which ones you gravitate towards before committing to adoption.
Pedigreed Cats as Permanent Residents
Sphynx purebreds from Cats’ Playground in Seoul, South Korea
These cafes focus on purebred cats, such as Persians, Exotics, Birmans, Sphynxes, Bengals, or American Shorthairs with distinctive markings. Some may specialize in specific breeds, like Norwegian Forest Cats or Siberians. This type is most common in Asia, with occasional examples in Europe, though it’s rare in North America. These cafes are often more formal and give off a more upscale, commercial vibe. Most chains and large cat cafes fall into this category.
Pedigree/Rescue Combination
Some cat cafes blend purebred cats with rescued ones, often starting with pedigrees and later incorporating rescues to diversify their feline residents.
Which type is the best? It all comes down to the cats, and their overall vibe and mood.
While pedigreed cat cafes often impress with their beautiful interiors and strikingly beautiful kitties, some feel impersonal when the cats get weary from excessive human attention. In contrast, I’ve found rescue cats to be more affectionate, and I prioritize the quality of interaction with the cats over the cafe’s physical setting. A good meal and a decent cup of coffee can make me overlook minor flaws like clutter or a hint of pet odor.
What do you do at a cat cafe?
Cat cafes are incredibly diverse, ranging from chic, thoughtfully curated spaces to dingy, smelly environments. Fortunately, most strike a welcoming balance, and coffee lovers will find satisfaction in a reliable brew, with a handful of cafes actually serving an exceptional cup of joe.
Mocha Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan
Engaging with the cats, however, isn’t a sure thing; they often doze through the day or keep to themselves, and cafes prioritize their well-being with clear guidelines like no chasing, lifting, waking them, or taking flash photos. Owners tend to select cats suited for social settings, ensuring that the cats are happy and comfortable in the cafe environment.
Many cafes double as adoption hubs, spotlighting cats that might otherwise be overlooked, giving them a chance to shine in a laid-back space that highlights their charm for potential adopters, while staff keep a watchful eye to ensure every cat thrives. Even without adoption plans, visitors can enjoy the kitties however they choose, tossing toys, offering a snuggle, snapping pictures, or simply hanging back and soaking in the scene.
You don’t even need to be a cat person to appreciate the vibe, though a subtle nudge from a curious kitty might just spark an unexpected fondness as you step back into the world beyond the cafe doors.