Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity. They have been speaking out about how a life confined to a busy, ever-changing environment filled with strangers is a feline nightmare. Furthermore, there is an argument to suggest that keeping cats enclosed where they are constantly petted by loud children is not fair. Although Japan is very well known for its cat cafés, that’s not the country in which these themed cafés originated. The goal in North America is to help get cats adopted by partnering with local cat rescues. Even at $7 per person, 10 visitors can generate $70 revenue in an hour. We have to hope cafes ensure cats are safe, happy, and not stressed. Being the attraction as they are in a cat cafe is different. Like any restaurant, a café can fail inspection, requiring changes or risk fines. Not tummy, back, base of tail. Many cafes help cats by making them available for adoption. Prices vary, but visits aren’t cheap: 900 yen for an hour plus 200 yen for drinks.
Potential Issues with Cat Cafés
Anyone asked to name a social, loving animal who revels in having attention showered on them 24/7 is probably not going to name cats as one of those animals, and that’s at the heart of the problem with cat cafes. Cats need their alone time, and sharing close quarters with a dozen others isn’t ideal. Cats who do live in small groups still rely on stability and familiarity with the other cats to get along, and cat cafés who act as sort of free-range adoption centers don’t give them the opportunity to build up relationships before the dynamic — and the cats — change.
Cat cafés can be bad for cats depending on the conditions the animals are kept in. For instance, in Japan, cat cafés must pass the country’s Animal Treatment and Protection Law, which ensures proper cat care.
Business Aspects and Health Concerns
The coffee shop is a great first date venue because it’s casual, affordable, entertaining — and provides a way to judge if a person is cat parent material.
Are cat cafés sanitary? Cat cafés still must meet health inspection standards, but those standards are different compared to a regular café due to the presence of animals.
Interacting with Cats Properly
As a general guide, most friendly cats enjoy being touched around facial glands, base of ears, under chin, cheeks. These places are usually preferred over tummy, back, tail’s base.
The first cat café instance was in late 1990s Taipei but later took off reaching Japan early 2000s. Since then, cafés have popped up in countries around the world. Whether good or bad for cats is debatable.
Cat Café Operations
Cat cafés have been spreading across North America since 2014. The goal generally is to help get cats adopted by partnering with local rescues.
When located in a popular area, a business can bring in significant revenue.
Cats must be healthy, vaccinated, spayed/neutered.
Do you pay to get into Café?
Most food and drinks served also themed, with frothy cat lattes and kitty-shaped treats. A cover charge is usually required.
Some owners will request not to interrupt sleeping, pick them, chase them, or use flash photography.
Adoption and Welfare
Japan’s popularity can be attributed to apartments forbidding pets, with cats providing relaxing companionship in what may otherwise be stressful, lonesome urban life.
What is a cat café? It is an establishment that serves food and drink, with some cats roaming freely. The number of visitors is monitored to ensure it’s not too busy for the cats’ welfare.
Moreover, individual cat cafe policies and practices can also affect how well cats are treated. It’s important to research each cafe’s policies and practices before visiting or supporting them. Opening a cafe is not challenging as it’s a new concept.
Cafes are growing in popularity as people love the idea of enjoying food and drinks while cuddling with cats. Before starting, ensure it’s compliant with health regulations and zoning laws.
Most cafes charge an hourly rate to enter and interact with cats. Cats appear healthy, well-groomed and happy to play.
The first café opened in 1998 in Taipei, Taiwan. Whether good or bad for cats is debatable. Let’s discuss.