Drinking Tea in the Company of Cats: Japan’s Cat Cafés

October 27, 2017
Japan Cat Cafes

If you’re a cat owner, the concept of drinking tea with your cat present probably isn’t anything out of the ordinary—but did you know there are people that pay money to drink tea with cats? ‘Cat cafés’ in Japan offer customers the opportunity to enjoy tea and snacks in the presence of kitty companions. The cats, sometimes numbering upwards of twenty, are free to lounge around, play, and interact with you as they wish. Think that’s bizarre? That’s just the tip of the iceberg! Appointments with these feline friends can range anywhere from $5 to $20 an hour, and any kind of refreshments cost extra.

The trend of cat cafés popped up when people realized they could get all the benefits that come from interacting with a cat, without needing to go so far as to owning one. Spending time with pets is a stress-reliever, and the Japanese are renowned for working long hours of overtime. Naturally, swinging by the cat café after work has become a popular way to relieve some work-related anxiety. Patrons can order oolong tea and cakes, then request a visit with their favorite feline companion. While some cat cafés section off the eating area from the cat area, many are combined into one unit (careful that you don’t chow down on a hairball!).

Cat cafés proved so successful with patrons that some of the cats enjoy celebrity status. Merchandise such as t-shirts and coffee mugs emblazoned with photographic prints of kitten faces are lined up outside of the entrance of well-known cafés. Promotional photographs of the cats are often sold, accompanied by kitty ‘autographs’ designed by the café staff. The cats also enjoy having specialty drinks and dishes named after them. Clients always have a favorite cat out of the bunch, and will often pay money to their café host to buy their cat special toys and treats… essentially treating it like their own pet!

Because of their uniqueness and absurdity, the popularity of cat cafés exploded far beyond their intended audience. Japan’s cat cafés now feature as a popular tourist attraction, and they’ve even inspired cat cafés to open up in foreign countries. Cat cafés have extended their claws into South Korea, China, and—more recently—California. The appeal might be lost on some, but we think getting one-time fill of kitty love without ever having to touch a litter box might not be a bad idea.

If you’re looking for odd places to grab a cup of tea, this should definitely be on your list!