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Ever since the first cat café launched in 1998, the trend has been catching on. People who love cats will support any cause that helps create better, happier lives for them and helps to find them loving homes. A cat café is a great place to go and be with cats, even if you do not own one yourself.
You are not allowed to bring your cat to a cat café, but you can go there and socialize with other cats. A cat café was designed to give people access to cats, with a good cup of coffee thrown into the mix. There is nothing better than cats and coffee.
There are many different types of cat cafes all over the world. There are a plethora of cat cafes dedicated to making sure these fur babies have a fighting chance. Look at this article to find out why you cannot bring your cat to a cat café and cat cafes in general.
What Exactly is a Cat Café?
A place where people can come to drink coffee or eat lunch, and cats are in the café for you to pet and play with is a Cat Cafe. Quite often, local rescue groups are responsible for the cats, and many are looking for homes.
Sometimes the cats may also live at the café, and that is their home. People are encouraged to come in with books or laptops and work while enjoying the unique, laid-back atmosphere. There is a cover charge, which goes toward cat food, litter, and vet bills most of the time.
There has been debate over whether a cat café is good for cats, and overall, the answer is that it is. Even though cat cafes are concerned with making money, they are doing it ethically.
Everyone who works there is a cat lover, and they like to make sure cats are safe and happy. There are typically places cats can go to be alone when they have had enough interaction.
The first café opened in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1998. It was called Cat Flower Garden. They became popular in Japan, where many people live in cities, and most apartments have a no pet allowed policy. It was a good idea for those who wanted to bond with cats without owning one.
In 2014, the first café was launched in San Francisco, California, in the United States. It is called Kit Tea. (see video).
Can I Bring My Cat, and if Not, Why?
You may be interested in bringing your cat to a cat café to socialize with the other cats; however, there are rules against it. There are significant safety and health concerns.
It is mainly for the safety of the cats there and any cats you may have at home. Cats can have feline diseases that they can pass onto your cats.
You should ensure that the cat café you choose to go to has only healthy, fully vaccinated cats. That is not to discriminate, as kitties with disabilities and specific issues should be allowed to be part of the cat café.
Another reason you are not allowed to bring your cat is because cats are very territorial, and it may stress them to be introduced to a new cat that is not part of the group. The last thing that those running the cat café want is to make the kitties already there uncomfortable.
The cats who reside at a cat café are searching for their forever homes. It would not be appropriate to bring your cat and throw them into the mix with those trying to get adopted. It takes the spotlight off them.
It is important to remember that cat cafes are for people to come and interact with the cats, not for your cats to interact with other cats or humans. If you were to bring your cat to a cat café, they might not get along with other cats, which can make things uncomfortable for humans and kitties.
What Types of Cat Cafes Are There?
The idea that there are numerous different types of cat cafes might surprise you. No one specific cat café is like another, as they are all different. The following explains the various types of cat cafes there are:
Pedigreed Cats Who Live at Café as Permanent Rescues
There are cat cafes where cats live. The cats enjoy life as permanent residents, and they are looked after and admired by the people who come to the café. This cat cafe features specialty breeds, such as:
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Persians
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Norwegian Forest Cats
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Ragdolls
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Bengals
These particular cat cafes are called “posh” cat cafes. Typically, if they are a special breed or purebred, they live in the café. These cat cafes are popular in Europe, but they are rarely seen in the United States.
Rescue Cats as Permanent Residents
This place is the most widespread cat café where cats have been rescued from shelters or the streets. They were the cats most needed to find loving forever homes, and they found it in this unique type of café.
Rescue Cats Up for Adoption
These cat cafes are popular in the United States and Europe. These cafes work with rescue groups and shelters to kitties’ forever homes. The cats become appropriately socialized by being the center of attention in the cat café.
Pedigree/Rescue Combinations
These pampered pusses may be a specialty breed, but they also need to find good homes. They are a triple threat because they are:
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Gorgeous
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Pampered
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In need
It needs to be said that even though these cats are extra special, they are no more special than the stray or shelter kitty who is desperate for a home. Whichever type of cat café you prefer, know that there may be an opportunity for you to change the life of an animal in need.
Where Can I Find a Cat Café?
Cat cafes are hard to find, as many have been closing due to COVID. However, there is still demand for them. Below is a chart with a sample of a few cat cafes in the US.
| CAFÉ NAME | WHERE IT IS |
| St. Louis, MO. | |
| Denver, CO. | |
| Dayton, OH. | |
| Berkeley Springs, WV | |
| Brooklyn, NY. |
If you ever have the opportunity, check out one of these cafes. Cat cafes stand for a worthy cause, as they help find homes for cats innovatively and creatively.
Conclusion
Cat cafes are becoming a popular place for cat lovers to go and enjoy a cup of coffee and maybe some lunch while they are in the company of adorable kitties.
It is so much fun to play with cats and interact with them. Cats can provide an unlimited amount of entertainment, and if you get lucky, a particularly affectionate feline may just let you cuddle with them.
While you cannot bring your cat to a cat café, these are the ‘purrfect places you can be a part of the socialization process for a cat looking to find a loving home.
Also read: How Do Cat Cafes Pass Health Inspections?
Sources:
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- https://www.catcafebk.com/
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- https://mauhauscafe.com/
- https://www.gemcitycatfe.com/
- https://www.denvercatco.com/
- https://www.givepurrsachance.org/
- https://www.mashed.com/118733/dirty-truth-cat-cafes/
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- https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/animal-cafes-in-tokyo-alternatives/
- https://catcafesd.com/about/
- https://catcafesd.com/about/.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aak1ARFmvc
- https://www.theneighborscat.com/blog/2017/11/20/what-is-a-cat-cafe.
- https://livability.com/mo/st-louis/experiences-adventures/where-to-find-the-5-best-cat-cafes-in-america.
- https://catcafesd.com/benefit-to-cats/
