World’s First Cat Cafés: Where Coffee Meets Cats

If you’ve ever wanted to sip coffee while being gently head-butted by a curious tabby, you’re not alone. Cat cafés have become beloved fixtures in cities worldwide—not just for the caffeine, but for the purring companionship. But which were the very first? And what makes each one unique? Let’s uncover the real stories behind the planet’s pioneering feline-friendly coffee spots.

In short: The world’s first cat café was Taipei’s Cat Garden, which opened in 1998 near MRT Zhishan Station. Other early pioneers include Lady Dinah’s in London (UK’s first, opened around 2014), Le Café des Chats in Paris (opened 2013 with rescued strays), and Vienna’s feline-centric café (Europe’s first). The US got its first cat café in New York, while Canada’s first opened in Montreal. Japan’s Neko no Jikan in Osaka houses around 150 cats.

The World’s Very First Cat Café

When coffee lovers and cat fans ask ‘Where did it all begin?’, the answer points to Taipei. The Cat Garden , located near MRT Zhishan Station, opened in 1998. Though modest in appearance, it holds the distinction claimed by its owner: “Yes, everyone says this is the world’s first. But who knows?” That makes it the earliest known establishment to combine a café with resident cats, long before the trend went global.

Early Adopters in Asia and Europe

Shortly after Taipei’s pioneer, other cities began embracing the concept. In Japan, Osaka’s Neko no Jikan (translated as “Cat Time”) became notable for housing around 150 cats—more than any other single-location café. Their numbers weren’t just for show; the presence of so many cats reportedly helped deter overly rowdy or intoxicated customers. Meanwhile, in Thailand, Chiang Mai launched its own locally flavoured cat café featuring native black cats, becoming a highlight for visitors exploring the city.

Europe’s first cat café was Vienna’s feline-centric venue, which helped spark a wave of similar spots across the continent. Not long after, in 2013, Paris welcomed Le Café des Chats, where all the cats were rescued strays donated by local welfare organisations. These formerly abandoned pets quickly became the café’s main attraction.

Cat Cafés Across the English-Speaking World

North America’s first cat café opened in New York, drawing crowds eager for their first coffee-and-cat experience—some reportedly waited hours in line. Canada wasn’t far behind, with Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in London (UK) opening around 2014 as the country’s first. This popular afternoon tea and coffee spot is home to 11 resident cats that roam freely, often curling up beside customers or engaging in quiet conversations. The café even charges a £5 per person fee to support feline care.

Montreal also hosted the launch of what’s been called the first cat café in Canada—and allegedly, it later expanded to a branch in Tibet. While details on that location remain unclear, the Montreal original helped bring the concept to Francophone North America.

Why People Love Cat Cafés

More than just a gimmick, cat cafés tap into the universal appeal of combining two comforting experiences: enjoying quality coffee and connecting with animals. For many, it’s a chance to relax in a judgment-free zone, stroke a purring cat, and enjoy baked goods or light meals. The presence of cats often encourages slower, more mindful enjoyment of coffee—turning a simple cup into a moment of companionship.

These cafés also serve social and charitable purposes. Many, like Le Café des Chats and Lady Dinah’s, rescue and care for animals, incorporating a small customer fee or donation into their business model to ensure the cats are well looked after. The concept has proven so popular that it’s evolved into a global phenomenon with hundreds of locations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first cat café in the world?

The first cat café was Taipei’s Cat Garden, which opened in 1998 near MRT Zhishan Station. Its owner claims it’s the world’s first, and while no definitive global registry exists, it predates all others and popularised the concept of combining coffee with cats.

Where was the first cat café in the United States?

The first cat café in the United States opened in New York. It quickly gained attention for offering visitors the chance to enjoy coffee while interacting with cats, with some patrons reportedly waiting hours in line.

Which country had the first European cat café?

Austria’s Vienna was home to Europe’s first cat café, a feline-centric venue that helped inspire similar establishments across the continent. It paved the way for places like Paris’s Le Café des Chats, which opened in 2013.

How many cats live in Osaka’s cat café?

Osaka’s Neko no Jikan, or “Cat Time,” is reported to house approximately 150 cats. The large number of felines not only creates a unique atmosphere but also helps discourage disruptive behaviour from certain customers.

Do cat cafés charge extra for cat care?

Yes, many do. For example, London’s Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium adds a £5 per-person fee to help cover the costs of caring for its 11 resident cats, which are all rescues.

Are the cats in cat cafés strays or rescues?

Many are. Paris’s Le Café des Chats, for instance, only hosts cats that were rescued strays, donated by local animal welfare groups. Other cafés may also partner with shelters or maintain their own rescue programmes.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Lovers

If you’re indulging in coffee at a cat café—or just dreaming of one—try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its jasmine and bergamot brightness, perfect with a purring companion. Their PWN Golden Mandheling brings heavy body and sweet caramel, ideal for slow sipping alongside a cat on your lap. Or go light and fruity with Yirgacheffe, bursting with blueberry and citrus. All three are crowd-pleasers with smooth, approachable profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.