Cat cafes are places where customers enjoy coffee, snacks, and the company of cats. These establishments allow visitors to cozy up with felines while enjoying coffee shop amenities. There are several benefits and purposes behind these cafes.
Purposes and Benefits
The purpose of cat cafes is multifaceted. They provide a safe, social environment for shelter cats needing homes or human interaction. Customers, often students, enjoy the therapeutic effects of petting cats. Reports suggest some cat cafes are quite profitable, with revenues exceeding $1 million. Most cafes require visitors to be at least 5-7 years old and follow rules like no outside cats, washing hands, and not feeding the cats.
The first cat cafe opened in 1998 in Taipei, Taiwan. Japan opened its first cat cafe in 2004, and now over 130 exist just within Japan. Cafes contribute to the wellbeing of both humans and animals; they reduce strays and provide a quiet study space for students. These unique establishments allow for temporary ‘pet rental,’ providing socialization opportunities for rescue cats and a chance to find permanent families.
Global Spread and Popularity
Originating from Asia, cat cafes have become a global phenomenon, with locations popping up in major cities around the world. In Japan, where pet ownership can be difficult due to housing restrictions, cat cafes offer a welcome alternative for those seeking the companionship of cats.
Starting a Cat Cafe Business
If starting a cat cafe business is of interest, there are certain steps to follow:
- My Cup of Tea Maid Cafe in Anime USA is an example of a home-grown maid cafe which began in 2009, mimicking the experience found in Japanese maid cafes.
- Give Purrs a Chance in Berkley Springs, West Virginia, stands as the largest cat cafe in the United States. Within two years, it has facilitated the adoption of over 400 cats.