The Real Problem with Cat Cafés and Their Hygiene

Imagine settling in for a cozy coffee, only to find cat hair in your cup or the lingering smell of litter boxes overpowering your drink. For many, cat cafés promise a relaxing escape shared with friendly felines. But others report a far less pleasant experience—messy spaces where sanitation takes a backseat to atmosphere.

The core issue? Some cat cafés fail basic hygiene standards. In the UK, one café received a score of just 1 out of 5 during a health inspection, leading to its temporary closure.

Where Cat Cafés Came From

Cat cafés originated in Taiwan in the late 1990s. The concept quickly spread globally—from London to Australia—as people sought a place to enjoy coffee alongside cats. The blend of caffeine and cuddles proved popular, but not every café maintains the same level of care.

What Went Wrong in Leicester

In Leicester, UK, a well-known cat café faced major backlash after a local health inspection. Inspectors gave the café a hygiene rating of 1—the lowest possible score—and urged immediate improvements. Reports mentioned overwhelming odours and unsatisfactory cleanliness.

Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University, tweeted about his negative experience, citing a strong smell of faeces inside the café. Despite the closure, owner Lisa Rivers defended the café’s standards, claiming the low score was due to missing paperwork rather than actual hygiene failures. She also cited personal health issues as the reason for shutting down.

Customer Experiences Vary Widely

Feedback from visitors tells a mixed story. While some patrons enjoyed their time with the cats and found the café comfortable, others were deeply disappointed—especially when comparing it to other cat cafés in the UK. Complaints often centred around cleanliness, odour, and the presence of cat hair in food and drinks.

Animal Welfare Concerns

Animal rights groups have also raised alarms. Mimi Bekhechi, UK Director of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), warned that these cafés can be harmful to animals. She argued that mixing animals with crowded, profit-driven café environments risks neglect or worse. Many cats in such settings may be unwell or poorly treated, raising serious ethical questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Leicester cat café get such a low hygiene score?

The café received a score of 1 out of 5 after a health inspection found significant hygiene failings. Inspectors reported strong odours and unsanitary conditions, prompting immediate corrective action.

Was the poor score due to actual dirtiness or just missing paperwork?

Café owner Lisa Rivers claimed the low score was due to missing documentation during the inspection, not the café’s actual cleanliness. However, inspectors and independent visitors reported clear hygiene and odour issues.

What did health inspectors find in the Leicester café?

Inspectors found the café environment unsanitary, with a strong smell of faeces and other hygiene concerns. This led to the café being given the lowest possible hygiene rating of 1.

Have customers complained about cat hair in their drinks?

Yes, some customers have reported finding cat hair in their coffee, which has contributed to the negative reputation of certain cat cafés.

Are cat cafés generally safe for the animals?

According to animal welfare organisations like PETA, many cat cafés may not provide adequate care for the animals, potentially exposing them to stress, illness, or neglect.

How do customer experiences differ from one cat café to another?

Experiences vary widely. Some visitors enjoy clean, comfortable spaces with friendly cats, while others encounter dirty environments, odours, and unwanted animal hair in their food and drinks.