Unlicensed Cat Cafés Found in Zhenjiang Apartment Complex

In Zhenjiang’s Wanda Apartments, cat cafés have become a popular novelty—offering coffee alongside feline companionship. But after a complaint, market regulators discovered that not all such businesses are running legally. One café was fully compliant, while another lacked basic permits, raising serious questions about food safety and public health.

Quick answer: Out of two inspected cat cafés in Wanda Apartments, one had all required licenses—including business permit, food hygiene certificate, and pet vaccination records—while the other had none, making it an unlicensed operation subject to corrective action.

What the Inspectors Found on the Fourth Floor

Regulators from Runzhou District Market Supervision Administration visited two cat cafés inside Wanda Apartments following a tip-off. On the fourth floor, they found a café operating legally. This venue displayed its business license and food service permit prominently. Staff health certificates and pet vaccination records, including regular rabies and other immunizations, were also in order.

The café housed 12 cats. It enforced strict hygiene protocols: customers were required to change shoes and use disinfectant mats upon entry. The food preparation area was completely separated from the cat zone. Kitchen and storage rooms were fitted with manual slide doors to prevent pets from entering. This model addressed public concerns over cleanliness and safety.

What Went Wrong on the Twelfth Floor

On the twelfth floor, however, the situation was different. That café also kept eight cats but failed to separate them adequately from the food service area. The environment was noisy with customers playing board games, contributing to a chaotic atmosphere.

Investigators confirmed this location had neither a business license nor a food hygiene permit. As a result, it was operating illegally. Officers issued a formal notice to rectify the violations, listing the necessary documentation and steps needed to apply for proper licensing.

Public Concerns About Health and Safety

Local residents voiced various concerns. Some, like Ms. Ma from Xuefu Road, appreciated the concept of combining coffee with kitten interaction, especially for families, but worried about hygiene despite assurances that the cats were vaccinated.

Ms. Zhang, an office worker, questioned whether it was fair to keep cats in a high-traffic social environment, stressing potential risks if a cat became agitated and scratched someone. Mr. Zhou raised broader fears about diseases like toxoplasmosis, asking how food safety could be ensured in such settings.

What the Law Says About Pet Cafés

Market regulators explained that there is currently no specific national law banning pets in dining establishments. However, the Hygiene Standards for the Catering Industry and Collective Meal Delivery Units offers some relevant guidelines, though it lacks enforceable legal power.

Officials clarified that while no law explicitly prevents pet cafés from obtaining business licenses, all such venues must adhere to basic hygiene and operational standards. That includes protecting food from contamination, maintaining clean and separated environments, ensuring pets are regularly vaccinated, dewormed, and groomed, and taking steps to prevent zoonotic disease transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cat cafés allowed to operate in China?

Yes, cat cafés are not explicitly banned under current Chinese law. As long as they meet general business registration and health requirements, they can apply for and receive the necessary licenses to operate legally. However, there is no special legislation tailored specifically for pet-themed food service venues.

What licenses do cat cafés need to operate legally?

Cat cafés must obtain a standard business license and a food hygiene permit if serving food or drinks. They should also maintain valid staff health certificates and provide documentation proving that all resident animals are vaccinated, regularly treated for parasites, and in good health. Proper separation between food prep areas and pet zones is also required.

Why was one café in the Wanda Apartments shut down?

One café on the twelfth floor was operating without a business license or food hygiene permit, and it failed to properly separate its food service area from the cat activity zone. These violations led inspectors to classify it as an unlicensed business, prompting a formal demand for compliance and corrective measures.

How are pets managed in legal cat cafés?

In permitted cafés, pets must be regularly vaccinated and medically certified. The facilities enforce hygiene controls such as shoe changing, disinfection, and physical barriers to keep pets out of food prep and storage areas. Nails are trimmed, and cats are bathed and dewormed routinely to minimize health risks to customers.

What are the risks of unlicensed cat cafés?

Unlicensed operations may lack proper health certifications, fail to meet food safety standards, and do not ensure appropriate separation between animals and food. This increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, food contamination, and potential injuries from improperly managed pets.

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