Thursday 8 December 2016

Cat Cafés in the UK

The rise in popularity of cat cafés has been steadily growing in the UK – we now have nine cafés dotted around, with more set to open in 2017!


The first cat café, ‘Cat Flower Garden’ opened in Taipei, Taiwan in 1998 and became so popular with Japanese tourists that they then took the idea back to Japan. (Japan now has over 150 cat cafés – due to it being forbidden to keep pets in many apartments the popularity of the cafes has risen, as this allows the Japanese to relieve the stress of their busy lives).

With various studies now indicating that pet owners are happier and healthier, we feel that the opening of these cafés will help to improve the lives of those that visit!


 Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, Bethnal Green, London


Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium (named after the cat in ‘Alice in Wonderland’) was the first cat café to open in London, with the idea that people who live in rented properties could come and enjoy the company of cats.

The funds for Lady Dinah’s were raised through crowd funding on the internet and the café has been going strong ever since.

As well as the usual afternoon tea slots, they have now started offering cat yoga sessions, knitting with cats, ‘Catmas’ card night and pet first-aid courses – sign us up now!

Entry is £6.50 per person (this is a welfare charge for the cats).



Image source: Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium Facebook page.

 Cat Café, Northern Quarter, Manchester


The Cat Café in Manchester opened its doors in July 2016, with 11 furry residents, who have all previously been house cats.

This café features a ‘cat room’ where the furry animals can have some private time away from the public, and has an extensive wooden sky run and personalised bunk bed for each feline!

Not only can visitors sit and relax with a cuppa, the Cat Café offer film nights (blankets, popcorn and cat cuddles!), Kids & Cats (children can learn and play under supervision of their Cat Nanny), craft sessions (think knitting, crochet and colouring), mindfulness and cat yoga to name a few!

£12 per hour, per person (an hour of cat time and unlimited hot and cold drinks).




Image source: @Abicwood Instagram

 London Cat Village, Shoreditch


London Cat Village was set up as a place for animal lovers to visit a stress free environment surrounded by felines (spending time with animals can help ease the symptoms of depression and the stresses of daily life). London Cat Village allocates a table to every guest and encourage guests to allow the cats to come to you. They strongly enforce that they are ‘NOT a petting zoo’ and take great care of the cats and their well-being.

£5 entry charge, per person (added onto your final bill).



Image source: London Cat Village Facebook page.


 Maison de Moggy, Edinburgh, Scotland


Maison de Moggy are a traditional cat café, who focus their attention on their cats and the therapeutic qualities they can offer, therefore their menu is limited to teas, coffees and cakes.

£7 entrance fee, per person, per hour.



Image source: Maison de Moggy Facebook page

 Mog on the Tyne, Newcastle


Mog on the Tyne is Newcastle’s first cat café, all the cats live on the premises and have everything they need, including their very own personal, specially trained animal handler.

£5 admission fee, per person.



Image source: Mog on the Tyne Facebook Page.


Kitty Café, Nottingham


Kitty Café in Nottingham is a café like no other, it’s a cat rehoming centre. The café is a care facility for cats and kittens from various backgrounds – from stray cats, to rescue cats, the Kitty Café takes them in and looks after them until they find their forever home.

£5 per adult, £3 per child (welfare charge).



Image source: Kitty Café Facebook page.

As with all things great, these cafes get booked up weeks in advance, so if you’re planning a visit, check their availability online.

Have you visited a cat café, or have any recommendations of those not mentioned on this blog? Share them on our Facebook page, or visit our Twitter or Instagram account to be a part of the Paws & Claws community today!