RCW Rachel's Catwalk

Zhudong, Hsinchu County · 0.1 mi / 0.1 km

街貓喫茶所 is a tiny Japanese-style kissaten in a renovated old house tucked down a narrow lane off Kangning Street in Zhudong Township, Hsinchu County. The owner opened it in a neighbourhood where street cats roam, and a few of those cats have made the cafe their home: around three resident cats doze on chairs, wander between tables and generally set a relaxed pace. Some are shy while others, especially newcomers, are very affectionate. Seating is spread over two floors and includes tatami and Japanese-style rooms, with cat books to browse. The menu centres on matcha drinks, Japanese baked sweets and pudding, including a Showa-style pudding, plus Basque cheesecake, seasonal quiche and matcha ice cream. It opens only on Fridays, weekends and public holidays in the afternoon. There is no parking in the lane, so park on the main street and walk in; payment is mainly cash.

Hsinchu City · 4.9 mi / 7.9 km

遇見胖喵咖啡 (Meet the Fat Cat Cafe) is a cosy, pet-friendly brunch cafe on a lane off Guangfu Road Section 1 in East District, Hsinchu City, near the Hsinchu Science Park. Two friendly resident cats roam the cafe and happily keep diners company, though they come and go, so a sighting is not guaranteed on every visit. The relaxed room is popular with locals and park workers for weekend brunch and afternoon tea. Plates are generous and good value, with brunch platters of fresh salad, fried fish with tartar sauce, chicken, burgers and karaage, plus coffee and other drinks. Food is made to order, so expect a wait when it is busy. The cafe has short weekday hours and irregular closing days, which are posted on its Facebook page, so check there before making a special trip.

Zhubei, Hsinchu County · 6.0 mi / 9.6 km

聊夏貓旅x咖啡 (Le Chat) is a pet-friendly cafe on Gaotie 1st Road in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, a short walk from Hsinchu HSR station. It combines a licensed cat grooming and boarding business with a relaxed cafe where resident animals mingle with guests: a laid-back orange-and-white cat acts as shop manager, a cheerful golden retriever called Pudding is his deputy, and several other friendly cats share the room. The cafe also fosters rescue cats and kittens awaiting adoption. Seating includes comfy sofas and hammocks, and visitors can buy small treats to feed the animals. Food is good value, with set meals, waffles, pudding, lemon tarts and coffee, and there is no strict time limit, which makes it popular for killing time before a train. Lighting is dim and the dog can be boisterous, so it suits people happy around both cats and dogs.

• Adoptable cats

Zhubei, Hsinchu County · 7 mi / 11 km

踏踏咖啡 x 養憩動物血液中心 is a coffee roastery and cat cafe on Jiaxing Road in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, run together with an animal blood centre. The owner is a vet, and the resident cats are blood donors whose donations help injured and sick cats, so a visit here quietly supports pet medicine. The cats roam freely through the calm, comfortable cafe and treat it as their home and playground. Guests are welcome to stroke them but should not chase or pick them up, and bringing your own pets is not allowed. The minimum spend is one drink per person. Alongside house-roasted coffee, the menu includes milk tea, Earl Grey drinks, smoothies, pudding and cinnamon rolls. Payment is cash only, and opening days are announced on the cafe's Instagram and Facebook pages.

Emei, Hsinchu County · 7 mi / 11 km

愛君堡咖啡 is a weekend cat cafe and hotpot restaurant on Zhongyi Street in Emei Township, Hsinchu County, a few steps from the well-known Da Gu Gu fried tofu shop and a handy stop on the way to Nanzhuang. The ground floor is a dining room serving hotpot and simple set meals, each with side dishes and a drink, with unlimited rice and noodles. The fourth floor is given over to the cats: a large play space where many friendly cats roam and guests can enjoy afternoon tea, either on its own or after eating downstairs, with no time limit. Desserts include waffles with ice cream, douhua and taro balls. Picking up the cats or rough play is not allowed, and visitors may not bring their own pets to the cat floor. It opens on Saturdays and Sundays, with last entry before 5 PM; groups can call ahead.

Zhubei, Hsinchu County · 8 mi / 13 km

Queena Cat is a reservation-only cat lounge on Zhongshan Road in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, run alongside a licensed Ragdoll cattery that breeds kittens. Around 20 resident cats share the bright, spacious room, most of them blue-eyed Ragdolls along with several Maine Coons, and they are known for being exceptionally affectionate: sit on the floor and they tend to come over for strokes and cuddles. Visits are booked in advance through the lounge's online booking page and run as 45-minute sessions. Staff explain how to handle the cats before you start, and the room is kept clean and comfortable. There is no food menu, but drinks are included with the visit. It is a popular outing for families with children who want close contact with gentle, fluffy cats, and a good stop for anyone curious about the Ragdoll breed.

• Booking required