Wenzhou’s First Cat Café Welcomes 13 Resident Cats

When a new café in Wenzhou’s Chunhui Road started trending online, it wasn’t for its coffee menu or desserts—but for its thirteen resident cats. Visitors weren’t just there for caffeine; they were there to cuddle. This unique setup blends casual dining with hands-on feline interaction, offering a new reason to visit your local coffee spot.

Yes, you can sip coffee and hang out with thirteen different pet cats—including purebreds like British Shorthairs, Bengals, and Siamese—at Wenzhou’s first cat café, Zhāocái Jū , which opened earlier this month. The average spend per person is around ¥50, and yes, the cats stay, but you don’t buy them.

What Makes Zhāocái Jū Different?

Zhāocái Jū is a two-storey cat café located in Wenzhou. The ground floor operates like a typical Western-style café, with food displays and seating for coffee and Western pastries. The second floor is where the magic happens: customers can relax on chairs and sofas while being joined by resident cats. According to on-site reports, the cats—some lounging lazily, others strolling gracefully—were comfortable around people, often closing their eyes when petted.

Who Are the Cats—and How Are They Managed?

The café is home to thirteen cats of various breeds, including British Shorthair, Bengal, and Siamese. These are purebred animals, with some commanding high prices—the most expensive being a Bengal worth ¥50,000. Due to differing temperaments, the cats are introduced to customers in batches to prevent conflicts. A dedicated staff member cares for the cats’ well-being. All have received vaccinations and regular grooming, including nail trimming and bathing. The owner, Ms. Zhao Tiantian—a millennial originally planning a pet shop—opened the café to help Wenzhou residents, who reportedly favour dogs, learn more about cats. She took inspiration from similar ventures in Beijing and Shanghai.

Why People Visit Cat Cafés

Many visitors find emotional benefits in these spaces. Ms. Ye, a customer, noted that playing with the cats improved her mood. Psychologists note that interactions with pets can ease loneliness and reduce stress—an idea that originated in Taiwan and became popular in Japan, where such cafés are common. Ms. Zhao cited this mental health angle as part of her motivation. Even those without strong affection for cats, like Ms. Xia, appreciated the cozy atmosphere created by having felines nearby while sipping coffee.

Are There Health and Safety Concerns?

Some customers worry about potential risks. Concerns include possible cat bites or scratches, hygiene issues related to fur or bacteria, and allergic reactions. The Wenzhou Health Supervision Bureau stated that while public space regulations don’t ban pets in cafés, they do monitor general cleanliness, air quality, and shared equipment—but not the animals themselves. Industry experts advise caution: pets may bite or scratch if startled, especially during mating seasons. Zhang Jiuyu, a pet shop manager, urged guests to be gentle and take protective measures. Local disease control officials added that while many cat owners vaccinate their pets preventively, anyone scratched or bitten should clean the wound with alcohol. If pain occurs, a rabies vaccine is needed; for deeper wounds, immediate medical treatment including rabies immunoglobulin is required. Also, cat dander—which carries a protein found in their saliva, urine, and skin glands—is a known allergen. This can trigger reactions ranging from sneezing to asthma, sometimes worsened in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cats live at Zhāocái Jū and what breeds are they?

Zhāocái Jū houses thirteen cats, including British Shorthairs, Bengal cats, and Siamese. The Bengal is the most expensive, valued at ¥50,000. The cats are purebred and have distinct personalities, so they are rotated in groups to avoid fights.

What is the average cost for a visit to the cat café?

The average cost per person is around ¥50, similar to other standard cafés in the area. This covers coffee, desserts, and access to the cat interaction area.

Do I get to buy or adopt the cats at the café?

No, the cats are not for sale. They are resident pets meant for companionship while you enjoy your coffee and snacks.

Are the cats vaccinated and groomed regularly?

Yes, all thirteen cats have been vaccinated and receive regular grooming, including nail trimming and bathing, to ensure cleanliness and safety.

What are the risks of visiting a cat café?

Potential risks include cat bites or scratches, exposure to bacteria or fur, and allergic reactions. Some people may also be allergic to proteins in cat dander, saliva, or urine, which can cause reactions from sneezing to asthma attacks.

What should I do if I’m bitten or scratched by a cat?

Clean the wound with alcohol. If there’s no bleeding but slight pain, monitor it. If there’s any stinging, get a rabies vaccine. For deep or bleeding wounds, clean the injury, apply rabies immunoglobulin or serum, and then get a rabies vaccine immediately.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Café Vibes

Pair your cat café experience with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—known for its jasmine and bergamot brightness, perfect for lively feline company. For something richer, try the PWN Golden Mandheling with its deep chocolate and fig notes, ideal for curling up with a cat and a book. Or go light and sweet with the Kenya Little Tomato, offering tart berry tones that match playful moments. All three beans highlight specialty-grade clarity and balance. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.