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!
