Cat Lounge &PAW

Ishigaki, Okinawa · 4.5 mi / 7.3 km

Catcafe Chura-neko is a small cat cafe in Miyara on Ishigaki Island, on the road between the town centre and New Ishigaki Airport, about 10 minutes by car from the airport, which makes it a common stop before a flight. It calls itself the southernmost cat cafe in Japan. The cats are calm and spend much of their time napping or sunbathing, and the owner explains each cat's character to visitors. Visits are charged per 30, 45 or 60 minutes, then in 15-minute extensions, with lower rates for preschool children aged four and over, and a bottled drink is included. Lint rollers are provided on the way out. The owner also runs a cat hotel and pet sitting, so the cafe sometimes closes on irregular days; checking Instagram or calling ahead is advisable. For car navigation, set the destination to Miyara 97-106.

Ishigaki, Okinawa · 9 mi / 14 km

Nyanko no Shippo is a gallery and cat goods shop in a house in the north of Ishigaki Island, run single-handedly by a woman who rescues abandoned cats on the island. More than 30 rescued cats live in the house and wander freely among visitors, greeting them and climbing onto laps; some are blind or have walking difficulties. There is no entry fee. The shop sells cat-themed goods and shows life-size tole paintings of cats, and the proceeds, along with a donation box, pay for the cats' veterinary treatment and rescue work. Several cats are available for adoption, and the shop also takes part in local adoption events. Look for the large sign at the entrance; the shop is in the detached house just past it, up a short slope.

• Adoptable cats

Miyakojima, Okinawa · 77 mi / 124 km

Terunekoya, also called Healing Cat Room, is a small rescue cat cafe in a detached house in the Shimoji area of Miyako Island, and the only cafe of its kind on the island. The owner rescues local cats, and the cats in the house are affectionate and used to visitors, with families wanted for them every day; adoption conditions are explained on Instagram. Visits are by reservation through an Instagram message, which keeps numbers small and gives visitors time with the cats, and treats can be given. Opening days vary and are posted in the cafe's Instagram highlights together with the rules and fees. It is a popular stop for travellers on rainy days.

• Adoptable cats
• Booking required

Wujie Township, Yilan County · 149 mi / 239 km

擼らら Sweets is a cat cafe run by the Lu Wu hotel group, set in a pink stand-alone cabin beside the ticket office of the Lu Wu Japanese-style theme park in Wujie Township, Yilan, with its own car park. A large group of well-groomed cats share the bright, clean lounge, and staff introduce each cat's personality and favourite places to be stroked. Visits are booked in 90-minute sessions of up to 30 people. There is no entry fee, but the minimum spend is NT$300 per adult and NT$250 for children aged 12 and under, plus a 10% service charge. Disposable shoe covers are provided; outside food, feeding the cats, flash photography and visiting pets are not allowed, and the cats must not be chased or forcibly held. The menu includes macarons, layer cakes, quiche, cream pasta, coffee and juices.

Luodong Township, Yilan County · 151 mi / 244 km

短腿貓咖啡 is a small cat cafe on Anping Road in Luodong Township, about five minutes from Luodong Night Market and Luodong Station, which makes it a handy stop before an evening at the market. Every cat in the shop is a short-legged Munchkin, four at recent count, and they are gentle and affectionate, often coming over on their own or squeezing in between guests. The cafe is run alongside the owners' pet grooming and boarding business next door. Food covers simple meals such as curry, Thai basil pork, pasta, pizza and fried snacks, plus desserts, coffee and teas such as brown sugar and red date tea. There is a minimum spend per person, the space suits families with children, and anyone planning to come after 5 pm should phone ahead to book. Keep an eye on your plate, as the cats may try to share your food.

• Booking recommended

Luodong Township, Yilan County · 152 mi / 244 km

Cats' Day is a cozy cat cafe in Luodong Township, Yilan County, Taiwan, a short walk from Luodong Station and the night market. More than ten resident cats share the comfortable interior, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to watch, pet, and relax alongside them. A dedicated upstairs interaction area and large cat climbing structures give the cats room to explore while guests settle in at their own pace. The cafe serves drinks, handmade desserts, and light food, including playful cat-shaped items that carry the feline theme onto the table. With its quiet atmosphere and an adjoining cat-themed lodging experience, Cats' Day offers travelers and local cat lovers an inviting place to slow down over refreshments and feline company.