Best Cat Cafés in Shanghai for Families and Coffee Lovers

If your child loves cats but you can’t have pets at home, the longing looks at furry photos can be hard to ignore. Weekends at the pet store aren’t always enough. What if you could spend quality time with adoptable-feeling felines—while also enjoying a coffee—in a relaxed, welcoming space?

Shanghai has several well-reviewed cat cafés where both kids and adults can sip drinks, play with cats, and even cuddle resident felines. Here are four top picks to visit with your family.

What Is a Cat Café?

A cat café is a coffee shop that keeps resident cats for customers to interact with. These cafés offer a space where people can relax, socialize, and enjoy coffee while being around cats. For cat lovers, they’re a chance to cuddle, play, and even meet potential pets. Many also serve as community hubs for feline enthusiasts.

1. Cat&Jazz

This jazz-themed cat café in Changning District combines live or recorded jazz music with a chill vibe. Upon entering, you’ll hear the tinkle of a cat-shaped doorbell. Among the notable residents are “Wang Cai,” a sleek black cat who keeps to himself, and “Xiang Zi,” a shy, sleepy kitty who prefers her cozy bed. Large windows fill the space with natural light, making it great for people-watching or playing with more sociable cats. There’s also a private room with cat-themed décor like calendars, menus, and cushions. The café is located at Room 301, Building 3, No. 79, Masai Garden, Ronghua East Road, close to Gubei Road.

2. (Ningjing Mingmao Shenghuo Guan / Tranquil Famous Cats Life House)

Run by a proprietor named “Jing” , this cat café in Baoshan District is designed with a peaceful, nature-inspired aesthetic. The entire space is painted in green tones to promote calm, and the setup is cat-friendly: low furniture, thick carpets, multiple cat beds, towers, and even a dedicated litter area. The cats here—some rescues, some boarders, some permanent residents—are treated equally. Popular cats include “Nini Wawa” the Garfield-like cat, “Fuge” and “Fumei” the Scottish Folds. The café serves simple drinks like lattes and fruit teas. It’s on the second floor; the first floor has cat supplies. Address: 275 Dahu’er Road, near Dahu Tesco.

3. Cat-cafebliss

Tucked away in a Xuhui District residential building near Fenyang Road, this homey cat café has a small courtyard and requires you to change shoes upon entry. Inside, soft carpets and cushions make it an inviting spot to lounge while playful cats roam. Highlights include “Lala,” a striking white cat described as adorably aloof, and “Zhuo Sai,” a playful tabby who leaps dramatically onto curtains and shelves. “Lin,” a black cat, is known for sleeping and eating. The café respects each cat’s personality—some may ignore you, and that’s okay. Owner Jiu Meizi believes cats should act freely. No fixed address info beyond: 2nd floor, No. 1, Lane 8, Taiyuan Road.

Why These Cat Cafés Work for Families

Unlike standard cafés, these spots invite interaction with resident animals, giving children a tactile, joyful experience without the commitment of pet ownership. The cafés balance coffee culture with pet therapy—each offers a unique atmosphere, from jazz and low-lit lounges to homey hideaways and nature-inspired calm. They’re especially valuable for urban families without access to pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these cat cafés suitable for young children?

Yes, all three cafés welcome families and children. However, kids should be gently supervised to ensure they interact respectfully with the cats—no chasing or grabbing. The cafés aim for calm environments where both cats and visitors feel safe.

Do I need to pay extra to interact with the cats?

Most cat cafés in Shanghai include cat interaction in the price of drinks, but always check the latest policy. Some may have a small cover or minimum spend. Drinks typically start around 25–40 RMB.

Can I adopt cats from these cafés?

While these are not official shelters, some cats may be available for adoption or fostering. It’s best to speak directly with the café staff, as adoption policies vary by location.

Is there a minimum age for entry?

There’s usually no strict minimum age, but very young children or babies may not be ideal due to noise and hygiene concerns. Check each café’s policy when booking or arriving.

Do these cafés serve good coffee?

The focus is primarily on the cat experience, but most serve basic coffee and tea options like lattes, fruit tea, and espresso. They’re not specialty coffee bars, but the drinks are serviceable alongside the main attraction—the cats.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Café Lattes

For a great cup to sip while petting cats, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui – a bright Ethiopian single origin with notes of jasmine and citrus, perfect for pour-over or AeroPress. For milk drinks, their Yirgacheffe offers floral sweetness and smooth body, ideal for lattes. The Classic Blend is a balanced everyday roast with nut and chocolate hints, great for espresso-based drinks. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.