(I wrote this blog entry in 2017 to promote a pet accessories business - Bored Paws - to engage their audience)
Bored Paws investigates the phenomenon of the Cat Café that is sweeping the globe! Purr-ruse both its history and culture, then hear our exclusive interview with a Stateside Cat Cafe below.
What are Cat Cafés?
It's lunch time, and you've leapt into a quirky little eatery during your break. As you sip a warm cup of coffee and bite into a tasty pastry, you hear a meow coming from beside you. A furry cat leaps onto the empty chair by you to introduce itself. As you stroke him behind the ears, he purrs contently, distracting you from a tough day you had juggling excel spreadsheets. To your right, there’s a Siamese kitten playing with a Persian in the corner. On your left, you spot a Maine Coon making new friends with nearby customers.
This is quite the norm at a cat café. Cat Cafés you say?
We’re not feline completely crazy. Cat Cafés have become a global phenomenon and are growing in the UK, giving cat lovers the opportunity to dine with an array of very cute cats, who are free to roam around as they please and socialise with you. Some cafés even have scrumptious treats you can buy to feed these very friendly felines.
What is the hiss-tory of the cat café phenomenon?
The very first cat café, “貓花園”, pawed open its doors in Taiwan in 1998. Known to us as the ‘Cat Flower Garden,’ it was populated by 15 adorable kitties. It attracted a flurry of interest and curiosity from both the local media and some very excited tourists. Japan clawed on to this idea and established its own branches of cafés in Tokyo and beyond. This has led to an astonishing 150 Cat Cafés in Japan alone.
Interestingly, scientific studies have proven that spending time in the company of cats can reduce stress levels. However, Japan has very strict regulations on pets, meaning a lot of rental apartments in metropolitan areas prohibit cats.
Relaxing with cats appeals to tense Japanese workers, and is a divine distraction after a hectic day at work. Hanging out with some whiskered friends provides a uniquely therapeutic experience. It also allows lonely patrons companionship, as well as some great interaction with some very furry felines. Since then, cat cafés have expanded internationally, with many of them operating after crowdfunding. Germany, Budapest, China, England and the United States are just some of the countries that love to have a bagel with a Bengal!
Exclusive Interview
The Orlando Cat Café in Florida opened in 2016, complete with adoptable cats for company. It gives the chance for potential cat adopters to meet tomcats and tabbies who need a permanent home!
Bored Paws has gone Stateside and interviewed Sandy Cagan, owner of The Orlando Cat Café. We find out what inspired her to open a cat café, what happens behind the scenes and what response the café has had since it opened.
What gave you the idea to run a cat café?
Sandy: I was watching a news story about a cat café that opened in New York. I was approaching 50 back in 2015 and looking for something to do that would make a difference in the world. People often talk about following their passion – I can’t solve the crisis in Syria, nor can I do anything about Global Warming. Yet with 20 years of property management and development experience, as well as a lifelong love of cats, I felt this was something amazing that I could do. It took 22 months from the conception until we opened our doors.
Where do the cats come from and how are they looked after?
Sandy: We have a tremendous partner in The Animal League – a no kill shelter that enjoys a tremendous reputation in America. They supply us with our cats, who are all neutered and microchipped. In addition, they make sure all cats have had recent vaccinations. The shelter decides which cats occupy the café. They have two employees and a host of volunteers who care for them. This includes daily wellness checks to make sure our cats are in good health and are following the correct diet. They also handle the entire adoption process for the cats who are awaiting their forever home.
What sort of response have you had from the public about the cat café?
Sandy: Tremendous. To date we have had 60 kitty adoptions and close to 10,000 visitors.
These cafés are growing on a global scale. Why do you think it appeals to people?
Sandy: I think the world today is very fast paced and we are constantly being bombarded with screens- phones, tablets and computers. There is something very comforting to have a cup of coffee and just enjoy playing with or even just petting a sleeping cat. And, people really love cats! The most watched YouTube videos are those with cats. We find the café appeals most to people who can’t have a cat – they may have an allergy for example or perhaps they aren’t able to care full-time for a kitty. A cat café gives people an opportunity to connect with a feline, even for a short time and that is very comforting. Even current cat owners love the cafés. When they travel and miss their own cats, visiting the café gives them a little feline fix until they are reunited.
How have people felt about the Orlando Cat Café experience?
Sandy: Our customers love it – the cats are fun to play with or just to watch. It also makes people feel good. Our returning customers are amazed at just how many cats have been adopted.
Many thanks to Sandy!
Have you had been to a cat café yet? Leave you comments below to share your experience.
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