Visiting a cat cafe can be a delightful and unique experience. Interacting with cats has been shown to have a calming effect on people. The presence of these furry friends can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even lower blood pressure. Cat cafes provide a tranquil and cozy environment where you can unwind, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and spend quality time with the resident cats. Petting, playing, or simply observing the cats’ playful antics can bring a sense of peace and relaxation.
Cats have a therapeutic effect on people, and their presence can provide emotional support. Spending time with cats in a welcoming and non-judgmental space can improve mood, uplift spirits, and alleviate feelings of loneliness or sadness. The gentle purring and comforting nature of cats can create a soothing and therapeutic atmosphere within the cat cafe.
Vienna has one sole Cat Café for the past 10 years, the Neko Café, and it has been our favorite go to when friends who love cats visit. And since I’ve heard that the resident cats are going to retire, it’s an appropriate time to say goodbye.
Perfect Meet Up Place
Cat cafes are not just about cats; they also provide an opportunity for social interaction with fellow cat lovers. In the coffee house, the cats “Luca”, “Moritz”, “Sonia”, “Thomas” and “Kurumi” have provided more life and loud purring. Sharing the common interest in cats can be a great icebreaker and conversation starter. It’s a place where you can meet like-minded individuals, exchange stories and experiences, and bond over your love for these adorable creatures. Cat cafes often foster a sense of community, where visitors can connect and form friendships.
When we visited, there was a little kid who seem to know the cats well, her mom said that they live near the area and would come by once in a while. We were also meeting up visiting friends who love cats – aside from having coffee, tea, and cakes, we had a good laugh about stories from many years ago.
Respecting Space
Cats are known for their playful and mischievous nature. Watching them chase toys, climb structures, or engage in friendly interactions with other visitors can be highly entertaining. Their unpredictable behavior and unique personalities often bring laughter and joy to those observing them. The playful atmosphere of a cat cafe offers a break from everyday routines and provides a lighthearted and enjoyable experience. It is also however a space that the cats know as home, that’s why it’s important for visitors to respect the cats in their surroundings.
Awareness
Cat cafes often promote responsible pet ownership and raise awareness about cat welfare. They may collaborate with local animal shelters or rescue organizations to provide a safe and temporary home for adoptable cats. Visitors can learn about cat care, behavior, and the importance of adoption. It can be a valuable educational experience, especially for those considering owning a cat or wanting to support animal welfare causes.
Memories with Cats
Visiting a cat cafe can create lasting memories and positive experiences. The moments spent interacting with the cats, capturing adorable photos, and enjoying the cozy ambiance can be cherished for years to come. The joy and happiness experienced during a visit to a cat cafe can leave a lasting impression and serve as a source of comfort and nostalgia. You might one day welcome the idea of adopting your own cat!
Looking for a Successor
But now the Café Neko will close, operator (owner) Takako Ishimitsu and her five cats are retiring. The well-known cat café is looking for new owners. She is looking for a successor who would also continue to run the Neko as a cat café. That was the basic condition of Ishimitsu’s. She wrote on Facebook: “Cafe Neko has grown big and stable enough that I can entrust it to another person without any worries. I think that many people can run the cafe better than I can.” The restaurant, which was one of the first cat cafés outside of Asia at the time, will remain so in the future. Prerequisites for interested parties are a pet owner exam and permissions for the catering trade.
Hopefully, they find someone soon (I would love to but I have no catering license, lol.) The joys of visiting a cat cafe include relaxation, stress relief, therapeutic benefits, social interaction, joyful entertainment, learning opportunities, and the creation of beautiful memories. It’s a unique and heartwarming experience that combines the love for cats with a cozy and welcoming environment, bringing happiness to both cat enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
