9 Pet-Friendly Cafés in Shanghai You Should Visit

Looking for a relaxing café in Shanghai where you can sip coffee while a friendly cat curls up beside you—or a curious parrot perches nearby? Whether you're a pet owner, animal lover, or just want a chill vibe with some four-legged company, Shanghai has a range of unique pet-inclusive cafés worth visiting. But with so many options, where should you start?

In Shanghai’s urban landscape, there are at least nine notable pet-friendly cafés offering everything from rescue cats and talkative parrots to playful dogs and bunny companions—all while serving coffee, cakes, and sometimes even pet supplies. These cafés combine laid-back atmospheres with the chance to unwind with animals.

Chill with Cats in Residential & Themed Cafés

For a classic cat café experience, head to Cup Cats , nestled in a quiet residential area. This cozy spot focuses on afternoon tea and chocolate treats, and despite the resident feline crew, the space remains tidy. Each cat has its own personality—some love cuddles, others prefer head scratches. The café asks for SMS reservations, likely to manage crowd size. Also worth a visit is Cat-café Bliss , a feline-themed space where owner Kumiko actively supports stray cats through a donation box. It’s a quiet spot for reading, sipping coffee, and enjoying kitty company.

Dog Lovers & Quirky Animal Companions

At Nuevo 66 Coffee in Coffee , you’ll find expertly hand-brewed coffee and daily pastries, plus the main attraction: a celebrity Pomeranian dog. It’s a compact family-run café where barista skills and canine charm go hand-in-hand. Over in Jing’an District, La Mer Café is set in an elegant European-style building with charming table lamps and resident cats. Their German potato soup is a menu highlight, and the literary atmosphere pairs well with feline company.

High-An brings greenery and outdoor seating to the mix, alongside two striking parrots, a large dog, and a distinctive black-and-white “snow-step” cat. Meanwhile, Wo is a hidden gem in a creative compound. Its romantic, lazy ambiance is enhanced by a chubby rabbit, a flock of cats, and a chatty parrot that might land on your shoulder.

Play, Caffeinate & Shop for Pets

March Coffee , tucked inside a creative park, is a bit tricky to find but worth the search. With retro decor and multiple cozy nooks, it hosts both playful cats and a people-friendly parrot. Not far away, Nuoxin Café isn’t listed here but similar venues combine coffee and creature comforts. For a more comprehensive pet experience, Ningjing Famous Cat Life Hall (Changshou Road Branch) is Shanghai’s first purebred cat lifestyle café. The first floor operates as a full pet shop offering grooming, bathing, and supplies. Upstairs, the café serves coffee, tea, and desserts with music and cat magazines—great for a leisurely afternoon. Bring your own cat along for services too.

Hutu Pet Café (Guoquan Road Branch) is another multi-level favorite. The ground floor is a clean, welcoming café, the second floor offers board games, and the third is dedicated to pets. Their tiramisu is especially popular, and the variety of animals—dogs, cats, and more—creates a lively environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these cafés really free to enter with pets?

No, these are pet-friendly cafés where you can enjoy coffee alongside the venue’s own animals—mostly cats and dogs, but also birds and rabbits. You typically don’t bring your own pet unless specified (like at Ningjing Famous Cat Life Hall). Most of these places have resident cats or dogs that customers can interact with during their visit.

Do I need to book ahead for any of these cafés?

Yes, Cup Cats requires reservations via SMS to manage the number of guests. Other cafés may not require bookings, but checking ahead—especially for smaller or residential-location spots like Cup Cats or March Coffee—is recommended to ensure a table.

What kinds of animals can I expect to find in these cafés?

The cafés feature a variety of animals including cats (the most common), dogs (Pomeranians, parrots, large dogs), birds (parrots that may interact with guests), and even rabbits (like the “pig-like” bunny at Wo). Some cafés like Ningjing Famous Cat Life Hall focus exclusively on cats, while others offer mixed animal company.

Can I buy pet supplies or get grooming done at these locations?

Yes, Ningjing Famous Cat Life Hall has a ground-floor pet shop offering grooming, bathing, pet supplies, and even accepts walk-ins for your own pet. Other cafés may sell basic pet-related items or accessories, but Ningjing is the most comprehensive in combining retail with coffee and animal interaction.

Are these cafés suitable for families or just animal lovers?

These cafés welcome all kinds of visitors, not just animal lovers. Families, couples, and solo coffee drinkers are all common. However, some locations may be more relaxed or niche, so checking the vibe ahead helps—particularly if visiting with young children or in search of a quiet reading nook.

Is there food besides coffee and pastries at these cafés?

Yes, most serve coffee, tea, and sweets like cakes, cookies, and tiramisu (like at Hutu Pet Café). A few go further with savories such as German potato soup (La Mer Café) or full dessert menus. The food menu varies but generally complements the coffee and lounging experience.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Pet-Friendly Cafés

Pair your time with Shanghai’s resident cats and dogs with a bag of FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera, known for its vibrant citrus and floral notes, or the balanced Brazil Queen Manor with its nutty sweetness and soft cocoa. For something richer, try the PWN Golden Mandheling with its deep body and herbal undertones. All three beans shine in pour-over or French press and complement the cozy, social vibe of pet cafés. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.