Everyone loves cats. Play with them, pet them, watch them sleep cutely, post them on Instagram, in the end. That is why the world’s first cat cafe, opened in Taipei in 1998, created a sensation and became the impetus for the opening of many similar places around the world. This format of relaxation is a kind of mental therapy; while traveling to a cat cafe, you can fully compensate for the craving for home comfort and moderate the longing for your pet, and maybe even find yourself a new friend and take him home!
CAT TOWN CAFE, Oakland, California
The first cat cafe in California opened three years ago on the basis of a charity organization for the rescue of homeless animals. During the cafe’s operation, more than six hundred cats have already found a new home. They serve delicious coffee and homemade cakes, and since a comfortable atmosphere for animals is a priority, the number of seats is limited: no more than 14 people are allowed into the cafe at a time, so it makes sense to book a table in advance.
MEOW PARLOUR, New York
New York’s first cat cafe operates like a regular themed coffee shop, where you can buy coffee, snacks and desserts to go, or eat inside in the company of friendly furry guests. Every day after lunch, the cafe hosts a special children’s hour, when kids can play with cats under the supervision of their parents. Four times a month, the cafe hosts cat yoga – classic asanas become twice as interesting when a cat rubs and purrs against your legs.
CAFE NEKO, Vienna, Austria
The cafe, named after the Japanese word for cat, is located on one of the small quiet streets in the center of Vienna. Its main feature and attraction is the giant Maine Coon cats. Adult animals grow to the size of a three or four year old child, so that the other cats living here look like kittens compared to them. For those who still need to eat, the cafe serves homemade cakes, tea and coffee.
LA GATOTECA, Madrid, Spain
The very place where you not only feel at home, but literally find yourself at home. The cafe looks like a large cozy living room with soft sofas, bookcases and, of course, well-groomed domestic cats. Hot drinks inside are served free of charge, and the pleasure is paid for over time – only a couple of euros per hour.
BAG OF NAILS PUB, Bristol, UK
If you think all cat cafes are about the same, check out this Bristol pub whose name literally translates to “bag of claws.” This is a classic English pub with strong alcohol and a large selection of different beers. In the middle of the evening, when you are already a little emotional, a cat will easily jump onto your lap and curl up. Perfect.
CATS AND PEOPLE, Moscow
In Moscow there is a whole chain of cat cafes with a very impressive list of pets, in each establishment there are from 20 to 40. The cost of visiting on a weekday is 360 rubles for the first hour, 180 for the next, but not more than 800 rubles, on weekends it’s a little more expensive, but no more than 1200 rubles. Inside you can take coffee, tea and cookies for free, and the owners don’t mind if you bring food with you. Cat houses, labyrinths and toys make the interior very homely and cozy. And if you have good hands and you especially like one of the cats, you can take him home from the cafe.
