A sensation only just now gracing our United States shorelines, cat cafes have been widely popular in Japan for many years. The world’s first cafe actually opened in Taiwan in 1998, but the concept was quickly adopted by the feline-loving, pet-deprived, Japanese culture. Because of its popularity, the idea is commonly attributed to the latter (After all, they even have entire islands dedicated to the fuzz balls (a must on our return bucket list)!
Thus, upon deciding to go to Japan, first on my list of activities was a visit to a cat cafe or two.
What is a Cat Cafe?
The premise is simple: pay a cover to enter the establishment and play with, pet, snuggle, or just admire (read: photograph) the cats for your allotted time block. Some cafes additionally offer food and drink; some require you purchase a minimum in addition to the entry fee. Many also have cat treats for sale.
Catnip mice and feather fishing toys abound, and the furry creatures are all too eager to have you entertain them. It’s wonderfully therapeutic, and for some, it’s their only means of getting a little furball healing.
Cat Cafes in Japan
We visited two cat cafes while in Japan, and I was surprised to find them vastly different.
Asakusa-Nekoen
The first was Cat Cafe Asakusa-Nekoen, a small room on the sixth floor, within view of Tokyo Tower and with the feel of a personally-owned business. This one was all about their 18 cats – no food or beverage – and the proprietor spoke English very well. Most of the visitors likewise spoke English, and we passed the time petting kitties and chatting with two gals from just north of Sydney. I set my lens case down on a chair, and Rin-chan was quick to fall in love with it; I was sad to have to take it away from her when we left.
Many of the cats had bent or much-shortened tails. I had never seen tails like this before; they looked so sad, but the cats appeared quite content. I feared this batch had been abused in some way (I hoped not while at the cafe), but my post-trip research revealed this is apparently a common genetic defect in Asian feral cats. They certainly seemed well-loved in that little room. I have since (virtually) met Ros the Traveling Cat, and this little guy has a tail just like the ones we saw (and he’s quite spoiled).
Neko Jalala
Our second cafe, Neko Jalala in Akihabara, felt more like a proper business, and the cats seemed happier. I loved the proud Abyssinian chilling in the basket guarding the beverage counter! Most of the patrons were Japanese, which was a good sign, and the many cats were playful and friendly. We spent a fair amount of time simply admiring the huge cats who dominated the love seat. They were pretty placid but stunningly beautiful.
I preferred this second one to the first; it felt a bit less like we were walking into someone’s apartment. But all cats were happy and lovey, and we loved both visits.
Other Cafes Around the World
If you couldn’t tell, I kind of have a thing for cats. So we tend to seek them out wherever we go.
Seattle
Aaron surprised me with a trip to Seattle for my birthday a couple years back, and he was smart enough to include a trip to the local cat cafe, Meowtropolitan.
We were just in time for the last session of the day. The cats were a little tired from the long day, but some were still playful.
The highlight of the trip was certainly our lattes – of course decorated cat-style!
Bristol
Hitting up a fur paradise was also our first stop upon visiting Bristol, UK. Our visit to You & Meow was a polar opposite visit to our last one in Seattle, as we arrived just in time for feeding – which they let the patrons do! These hungry kitties were ALL OVER US; it was amazing.
We also had a blast playing with them in the massive cat hamster wheel. Our time was over before we knew it.
Portland
But I think I enjoy our own local cat cafe, Purringtons, best! Perhaps it’s the meowmosas, the adoptable cats (over 500 of which have found furever homes), or the simple lack of language barrier, but I just feel at home surrounded by those kitties.
We have visited several times, from the week before they officially opened (as part of a Kickstarter promo) to a party with friends to celebrate the life of my beautiful departed Zoe. Now, they have changed owners and undergone renovations, but their values remain the same. Between our travels, the building updates, and it now being temporarily closed due to the pandemic, we haven’t visited in quite a while. However, we’re itching to go back as soon as we can!
We have other ways of getting our cat fix on in cities without cafes, but if they have one to offer, you’re sure to find us there!
Have you ever visited a cat cafe? What was your experience like? Are you fortunate to have one near you?
Psst… do you love reading about cats? You might also enjoy these:
- The Top 6 Cat Hotspots in the World
- A Glimpse of Cat-Sitting in a Stone House in Montenegro
- Okonjima Nature Reserve – The African Cat Experience
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