What is a Cat Cafe?

If you’ve never been to a cat cafe before, I highly recommend it. Even though I don’t have cats of my own, I love spending time with them, and cat cafes are an awesome opportunity to do so. They’re a somewhat new concept, but they’re quickly rising in popularity. So, what is a cat cafe? And why are they so awesome?

What is a Cat Cafe?

A cat cafe is exactly what it sounds like: a coffee shop with cats. You can buy beverages and hang out with the cats while you enjoy your drink. Some have food, but that’s less common since the cats need to be in a separate area from the food for safety reasons.

Every cat cafe operates differently, but today, most of them host adoptable cats. In some cases, the felines could be the owner’s personal pets, but most of the ones I’ve seen have partnered with a local rescue or shelter. So, while you’re sipping your coffee, you might also meet your new best friend.

Are There Dog Cafes?

While not as popular as cat cafes, dog cafes exist. However, since dogs are less independent than cats, they require more care, making it harder for cafes to house them. 

With any animal cafe, make sure you check where they source the animals from and how well they take care of them. If the location is focusing on profit more than caring for the animals and finding them homes, then it’s best to find a different place to support.

History of Cat Cafes

According to Cat & Craft, the first cat cafe was Cat Flower Garden (Neko no Jikan), which opened in 1998 in Taipei, Taiwan. In 2004, the first Japanese cat cafe opened in Tokyo, but these coffee shops didn’t become more widespread until the late 2000s.

Europe began to see cat cafes around 2012 while North America didn’t open them until 2014. Since then, they’ve begun spreading like crazy. In high school, I drove over an hour to visit a cat cafe, but now there’s one in my city.

These cafes thrive because so many of them focus on helping cats in need while offering great drink menus. I have a feeling they’ll only continue to grow in popularity.

Adopting a Cat from a Cat Cafe

If you’re interested in adopting a cat, a cat cafe is a great way to meet a bunch of adoptable cats at once. I recommend keeping the following steps in mind if you’re hoping to adopt a companion from one of these places.

1. Make Sure You’re Ready for a Cat

This should go without saying, but you should make sure you’re ready for a new pet before starting your search. It’s easy to get swept up by the cuteness of cats, but adopting a pet is a huge decision. You’re adding a living thing to your family, so it shouldn’t be a decision that’s made on a whim.

Make sure you have the time, money, and energy to care for a cat. Also, make sure all the humans and animals currently living in your home will be okay with a cat. If you’re confident you can give a cat an amazing life after considering all the logistics, then feel free to start searching for your new furry friend.

2. Spend Time with as Many Cats as Possible

When you visit a cat cafe, hang out with as many cats as you can. Every cat has a unique personality, so it’s important to find a cat that fits your lifestyle. Sometimes, the best cat for you is one that you would’ve never picked solely based on looks. 

Also, don’t forget to give the shy ones a chance. Sometimes, they’re nervous in the crowded environment but really come out of their shells when they find their human. If you’re able to open your home to more than one cat, consider a bonded pair.

3. Find Out the Organization’s Adoption Requirements

Once you have your heart set on a cat, figure out how the organization’s adoption requirements work. Some shelters have a quick process that lets you take the cat home right away while others have a longer approval process to ensure you’re the right fit. Once you know how to apply, get that process started so you can adopt your new furry friend.

Keep in mind that some cats might get more than one application, so applying doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get a cat. While it can be disappointing to not adopt the cat you had your eye on, there will be other wonderful cats out there that are a great match for you.

How to Find a Cat Cafe Near You

Simply searching “cat cafe near me” is a great way to see if there are any in the area. If nothing comes up, you may have to travel to visit one until one opens closer. Here’s a list of cat cafes in North America to help you figure out where to go on your next road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cat Cafes Legal in the US?

Yes, cat cafes are legal in the US, but you must follow strict safety regulations in order to operate one. Local regulations may also come into play.

How Do You Open a Cat Cafe?

Opening a cat cafe is no easy task. You need to create a business plan, acquire funding, find a location, and partner with a rescue or shelter all while following regulations. 

Are Cat Cafes Profitable?

Yes, cat cafes can be profitable if you run them correctly. Since the cats are usually adoptable, you aren’t making a profit in that regard. However, you can make money off beverages, entrance fees, and merchandise.

Is There a Cat Cafe in Boston?

Yes, A Sanctuary Cafe is Boston’s cat cafe. The cats that live there were adopted as permanent residents rather than being up for adoption.

Is There a Cat Cafe in NYC?

Yes, New York City has several cat cafes including Kokoro Cat Café, Koneko, and Espurresso Cat Cafe. There are lots of options in that area, so check out as many as you can.

Visit Your Local Cat Cafe!

Now that you know what a cafe cafe is, you’re probably dying to visit one. Even if you’re not looking to adopt a cat, these places are great for hanging out and meeting lots of amazing felines. Everyone should visit a cat cafe at least once. It’s an un-fur-gettable experience!