Cat cafes combine coffee and cats while promoting feline welfare. eshetnikov_art / Shutterstock.com
Few things rival my love for all things feline, but a good cup of coffee comes close. Cat cafes are one part cat sanctuary and one part coffee joint. For a small entry fee, you can visit with cats for an hour or so while hanging out with like-minded cat lovers.
Outside of Asia, this enchanting phenomenon was initially slow to take off. Today, hundreds of cat cafes have sprung up across the globe. Some have extensive food & drink menus; others host events like cat yoga and bingo. One thing they all have in common: a chance to cuddle with all the floofs and loafs to your cat-loving heart’s content.
While cat cafes are novel and beguiling for us humans, questions of ethics often arise. Are these charming locales more about human entertainment—or do they benefit the cats living there, too? What’s in it for the cats? The good news is that most cat cafes prioritize the well-being of their feline residents. In this article, you’ll discover how cat cafes got their start and how they can positively impact cats. We’ll also introduce you to 10 exceptional cat cafes that promote feline welfare.
The Rise of Cat Cafes
Cat cafes originated in Asia. Thankfully, the rest of the world has finally caught on. Boyloso / Shutterstock.com
We have the OG of cat cafes—Taiwan’s Cat Flower Cafe—to thank for the spread of this trend. After opening its doors 25 years ago, local patrons and tourists were hooked. Japan, in particular, embraced the concept with gusto. In 2004, Japan opened its first cat cafe in Osaka, called Neko no Jikan (which translates to “Cat’s Time”).
From there, cat cafes took Japan by storm. With a culture steeped in catlore, it’s little wonder they still hold the record for the country with the most cat cafes (150 at last count). There’s also the challenge of owning a pet in Japan that drives the popularity of these establishments. Much of the population resides in small living quarters with strict rental agreements. Cat cafes provide a welcome solution for feline fanciers who can’t enjoy the benefits of cats in their own homes.
The trend took a bit longer to reach other continents, but Europe finally took note. In 2011, a cat cafe opened in Saint Petersburg, Russia, with a second following shortly in Vienna, Austria. North America got on board in 2014 when Montreal opened “Le Café des Chats.” A few months later, the first cat cafe hit the States: Cat Town Cafe in Oakland, California.
In the U.S., a new approach to cat cafes emerged. Whereas most of the original cat cafes aimed to provide a public space for folks unable to own cats, American cafes focus mainly on cat adoptions. Nearly all of the cats you’ll find in a cafe stateside are rescued from local shelters, and visitors can interact with and potentially adopt them. This helps free up space at shelters and enables cats to socialize with humans, improving their chances of finding a forever home.
Cat Adoption and Animal Welfare
Today’s cat cafes seek to improve the lives of cats while offering a new way to look at pet adoption. PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock.com
Cat cafes have become more than just hip spots where people can enjoy a cuppa while getting their cuddle on. These days, the focus has shifted to improving the lives of cats and raising awareness on cat welfare issues, such as the plight of abandoned and stray kitties.
Many cat cafes offer educational resources to promote Trap-Neuter-Release programs. Many also partner with local rescues to temporarily shelter homeless cats while facilitating their adoption. These cats receive veterinary care, shelter, and, of course, love and affection. Some cafes even focus on cats that might need extra help getting adopted, such as cats with special needs, older cats, and surrendered cats. Even if you’re not able to adopt, visiting a cat cafe is a great way to support feline welfare initiatives. A goal we can all get behind.
It’s worth noting that while most cat cafes provide a safe and comfortable space for rescues, a few operate as gimmicky tourist traps with little regard for animal welfare. For instance, some Asian cafes focus on specific themes, showcasing purebred or all-black cats. Some cafes even house other wild animals like hedgehogs, owls, pigs, and reptiles. These types of cafes are not humane as these animals should be in their natural habitats rather than being handled by humans for the sake of entertainment.
What’s more, such cafes actually increase the number of stray cats on the streets. Before visiting a cat cafe on vacation or in your hometown, we recommend checking their website and reading reviews to confirm that they’re committed to ethical practices. Thankfully, most of them are!
How To Tell if a Cat Cafe Is Ethically Run
Before your next visit, look for these signs that a cafe is managed properly.
The cafe has rules in place to protect cats and eliminate stress. For instance, they may discourage flash photography, loud/disruptive behavior, or waking sleeping cats. Many also adhere to minimum age requirements and limit the number of patrons.
The cafe has a cat-friendly design. Cats should have plenty of areas to climb and hide when they need a break from social interaction.
Cats are vaccinated and neutered. They should also have preventative deworming treatment.
The cafe has an adoption program or works closely with a local rescue organization to find forever homes for their cats.
A dirty cat cafe is a definite red flag. The cafe should be clean and well-maintained. Litter boxes should be separate but easily accessible to cats. Hair and litter scatter should be cleaned regularly.
The staff should be knowledgeable. A good cafe will hire employees who love cats and know how to care for them. They should be able to answer your cat-related questions and comfortably interact with the cats.
10 Incredible Cat Cafes Around the World
In this lineup, we’ve only included cafes that prioritize the welfare of cats through adoption or education. We’ve also highlighted cafes that stand out in terms of their aesthetics, activities, and food and drink menus. Here are ten dynamic cat cafes from across the globe that are a must-see when you’re in town.
Lady Dinah’s is about as British as it gets. Established in 2013, this whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed tearoom was London’s first cat cafe. Cats roam freely, with access to high shelves, cat trees, and hidden areas when they need people-free downtime (can relate). Guests can enjoy a classic tea time among the company of cats, complete with a cat-shaped scone, a pot of jam, indulgent clotted cream, and a standard hot (or cold) drink.
Apart from being a charming attraction, Lady Dinah’s also serves as a cat shelter with a mission to provide a secure and comfortable landing place for cats until they find their forever homes. The cafe employs a team of trained animal welfare professionals called “Cat Careers,” who monitor the cats’ behavior to determine when they’re ready for adoption.
If you’re looking for something new to do, the cafe also hosts offbeat events like trivia nights, “Pinot & Pawtraits,” and Pet First Aid training courses. The entrance fee of £11 helps with the cats’ food, toys, and medication. Reservations can be made online.
Cost: Prices start at £11 per person for 1 hour. The 90-minute classic tea time is £28.
Reservations: Required
Policy on children: Minimum age of 12; guests 12-17 must have a chaperone over 18
Adoptable cats: Yes
Wildflower Studio combines two relaxing interests: art and cats. As one part cat cafe and one part art studio, this unique establishment lets guests explore their creative side while vibing with an assortment of kitties. The cafe has both permanent feline residents and several cats available for adoption. Collaborating with rescue groups, the studio nurses cats back to health, socializes them, and gives them visibility through their unique Art Jamming platform.
Guests can participate in semi-guided painting sessions while hanging out with cats. Or they can freestyle it, painting whatever their creative heart desires. Children must be five years or older. However, the cafe also offers a Tots and Cats program for children aged 3-7.
Cost: Guided Session is $48 for 2.5 hrs; Unguided Session is $20 for the first hour & an additional $8/$10 (weekdays/weekends) every 30 mins after that
Reservations: Yes
Policy on children: Minimum age of 5; Children under 10 require adult supervision
Adoptable cats: Yes
3. Kopjes: Amsterdam, Netherlands
The first cat cafe in the Netherlands opened in 2015 after a successful crowdfunding campaign. Unlike the first two cafes on our list, Kopjes does not host adoptable cats. Instead, they provide a permanent and stable home for rescue cats. The cafe’s owners carefully select the cats based on their socialization and temperament to ensure they’ll thrive in this environment.
To minimize stress, there is a separate “cats only” area. The cafe also limits the number of guests to about ten people, so there’s no overcrowding. Additionally, Kopjes raises awareness about shelter cats by providing visitors with information and referring those interested in adoption to the shelters they work with.
Cost: €4 for 1.5 hours
Reservations: Yes
Policy on children: Minimum age of 12
Adoptable cats: No
New Zealand’s longest-running cat cafe is a permanent sanctuary to a special clowder of rescues. Each cat requires more TLC because of their age or special needs. Accordingly, Purrs & Beans limits guest capacity and observes a minimum age policy (10 and up). The cat area is purposefully designed to be tranquil and calm for both cats and visitors.
You can hang out with the resident cats, or if you’re looking to adopt, you can visit the cafe’s dedicated adoption room. While walk-ins are accepted, the cafe encourages guests to book a slot beforehand to avoid disappointment if they’re at capacity. Booking ahead of time also saves you $2 on admission.
Cost: $16.50 per hour for online bookings; $18.50 for walk-ins
Reservations: Not required, but highly recommended
Policy on children: Minimum age of 10; 10-14 year-olds must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
Adoptable cats: Yes
5. Alley Cat Cafe: Stratford, Ontario, Canada
One of the newer cafes in our round-up, Alley Cat Cafe opened in 2019. This socially conscious establishment has partnered with a couple of rescue groups to increase the number of cat adoptions in Canada.
The site is split into two separate spaces linked by a glass wall. On one side is the cafe; across the way is a kitty lounge where cats meet with prospective adoptive families. The cafe has a fairly extensive food and drink menu that includes coffee and espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, soup, salads, wraps, and an impressive variety of grilled cheese sandwiches (I’ve got my eye on their dill pickle sammie).
If you’re not in a place to adopt and still want to help, the cafe accepts donated items like clumping litter, Feliway spray, and cleaning products (they even have an Amazon wishlist).
Cost: $10.50 for adults; $6 for children (up to 13 years)
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Policy on children: Kids are welcome, but anyone 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per 3 children)
Adoptable cats: Yes
This well-known Denver establishment has been rescuing cats from high-kill shelters in underfunded states since the beginning of the cat cafe trend in America. Over the years, the Denver Cat Company has successfully facilitated over 3,000 adoptions.
This cafe provides an inviting space where visitors can interact with rescues available for adoption. Additionally, they have a collection of books and board games that guests can enjoy during their visit. There’s also a gift shop with a range of cat-themed items to browse through, and the cafe serves beverages and light snacks.
Cost: $12 for online bookings; $13 for walk-ins; $2 discount for students, seniors, and military
Reservations: Not required but encouraged on weekends and school breaks
Policy on children: All ages welcome; visitors under ten are limited to one hour
Adoptable cats: Yes
This West Coast cafe aims to inspire visitors to adopt or donate to needy cats. They collaborate with a local shelter and provide temporary housing for cats while they await adoption. They also have nine resident cats who call the cafe their permanent home.
Seattle Meowtropolitan has a full-service coffee shop (we’re in Seattle, after all). They also have an online store. Proceeds help create an enriching environment for the cats, and a portion of every sale is donated to charitable organizations that work towards the betterment of cats and other animals. The cafe also hosts special events like “Cat-O-Lantern Pumpkin Carving with Cats” and cat yoga.
Cost: $15 per hour
Reservations: Not required, but strongly encouraged since space is limited
Policy on children: Minimum age of 6; adults must supervise children at all times
Adoptable cats: Yes
8. Cat Heaven: Cape Town, South Africa
Africa’s first cat cafe, Cat Heaven, is a non-profit focused on raising awareness for shelter cats. This cafe aspires to eliminate pet homelessness by shining a light on adoption, rescue, and spay & neuter services. When it comes to adoption, they take a different approach. Instead of bringing cats home, adopters sponsor their care, and the cats stay at the cafe.
This type of “in-house” adoption will appeal to cat lovers who, for whatever reason, cannot have a cat in their home, whether it’s due to a strict lease, a pet dog who dislikes cats, or a partner with allergies. “Pawrents” pay monthly to help cover their adoptee’s food and medical care. They can visit their adopted cat as often as they wish without paying an entry fee. They’ll also receive weekly text messages and selfies from their cat.
Cost: R25 per hour; No entry fee for cat sponsors
Reservations: Not required, but recommended
Policy on children: Minimum age of 10
Adoptable cats: In-house adoptions/sponsorships allowed
Located in the heart of Madrid, this cat cafe serves as the physical headquarters of ABRIGA: a non-profit organization focused on cats with disabilities, chronic health problems, and behavioral challenges. Once a cat comes into their care, they patiently work to improve their physical and emotional health until they’re ready for adoption. La Gatoteca also seeks to offer education and awareness about cat ownership, responsible adoption, and abuse and abandonment issues.
Cost: €8 per hour, with a complimentary drink included
Reservations: Required
Policy on children: All ages welcome, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (max of two children per adult)
Adoptable cats: Yes
India’s first cat cafe opened in 2015 and hosts between 30 and 40 cats at any time. All the adoptable cats at the Cat Cafe Studio are seniors or special needs rescues. With low seating perfect for visiting with the cats, the cafe also offers books, board games, and free WiFi. They even host fun events like speed dating and stand-up comedy.
Cost: ₹200 with no time limit
Reservations: Not required
Policy on children: Guests under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
Adoptable cats: Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries have cat cafes?
Cat cafes have spread across the globe over the last couple of decades. In Asia, you can find cat cafes in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. Europe has them in Austria, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, England, Ukraine, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Italy, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Scotland. You can also find cat cafes in Canada, The United States, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and South America.
Are cat cafes stressful for cats?
Most cat cafes (the good ones, at least) put rules in place to minimize stress and create a cat-friendly environment. For example, guests are usually prohibited from picking up cats, using flash photography, or disturbing sleeping cats. In addition, cats should have plenty of hiding spots and elevated perches for retreating when they need a break. Typically, a limited guest capacity and age restrictions prevent a rowdy scene.
Are cat cafes hygienic?
They should be! Cat cafes must adhere to local health codes, which vary depending on where you are. To keep things sanitary, kitchen areas are usually separated from cat areas. Litter boxes are also kept in an area only accessible to cats and staff and should be cleaned frequently.
