Where to Find Cat Cafés Around the World

If you’ve ever craved the comfort of a purring cat during a lonely afternoon—or just want to sip coffee while being sniffed by curious felines—cat cafés offer the perfect solution. These cafés blend the experience of specialty coffee with feline companionship, attracting visitors for both caffeine and cuddles. But where can you find them around the world?

From London to Bangkok, there are at least six well-known cat cafés globally that serve coffee alongside resident cats—some rescues, some breeds, and some just incredibly chill. Whether you're seeking a permanent fur baby or just a moment of fuzzy connection, these cafés deliver.

What Is a Cat Café?

A cat café is a hybrid space where customers enjoy beverages and light snacks while interacting with resident cats. Originating as social experiments and animal welfare initiatives, many have evolved into beloved community hubs. The concept began as early as 1998 and has since spread worldwide, often supporting stray cat adoption or simply offering therapeutic whisker time.

Global Hotspots for Cat Lovers and Coffee Drinkers

United Kingdom: Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium

The United Kingdom’s first-ever cat café, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in London, opened its doors serving not just coffee and cake, but also 11 resident cats. Customers pay a £5 fee (in addition to food and drinks) that goes toward cat care. The felines roam freely, often curling up next to patrons or joining them at tables. It’s a pioneer in blending British tea-time culture with feline friendship.

Japan: Neko no Jikan (Cat Time) in Osaka

In Osaka, Neko no Jikan (translated as “Cat Time”) is home to around 150 cats. That’s not a typo—the café houses a small army of felines. Beyond attracting coffee fans, the sheer number of cats also reportedly discourages overly intoxicated patrons. It’s equal parts café, sanctuary, and feline metropolis.

Taiwan: Cat Garden near Taipei Main Station

Claiming to be the world’s first cat café, Cat Garden near MRT Zhishan Station in Taipei opened in 1998. Though its title is up for debate, the café remains a charming spot where customers can enjoy the company of cats. The owner humbly deflects the “world’s first” claim—but the café’s longevity speaks volumes.

China: 44 Number Courtyard Cat Café in Beijing

Located in Beijing’s Beiluoguxiang area, 44 Number Courtyard Cat Café serves as a rescue shelter and community space. Many visitors come to interact with the cats and hopefully adopt them. Tucked behind a small wooden door marked by a playful blackboard, the café invites guests to “come hug our cats.” Address: 44 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng District.

Thailand: Maewmoth in Chiang Mai

Maewmoth, located near Chiang Mai University, is Thailand’s first cat café and a hit with students. With 26 cats including Maine Coons, Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Bengals, Scottish Folds, and American Wirehairs, it offers one of the widest ranges of cat breeds in Southeast Asia. Families and students alike flock here on weekends. Address: Wuthueng Temple Alley, behind Chiang Mai University.

France: Parisian Cat Café in Le Marais

In the heart of Paris, a cat café in the Le Marais district lets urbanites enjoy espresso while snuggling with rescued cats. All felines come from shelters and are carefully selected for friendly temperaments. The café promotes “purr therapy,” believed to have wellness benefits. Most cats sleep much of the day—so no excessive petting, please.

Why People Love Cat Cafés

Whether it’s loneliness, a love for animals, or the simple joy of a purring companion while sipping a flat white, cat cafés tap into something deeply human. They’re not just places to drink coffee—they’re social spaces where the presence of cats adds warmth, spontaneity, and a little magic to your cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first cat café in the world?

Taiwan’s Cat Garden, near Taipei’s MRT Zhishan Station, claims to be the world’s first cat café, opening in 1998. The owner acknowledges the title is unofficial but widely recognised.

Which cat café has the most cats?

Japan’s Neko no Jikan in Osaka houses approximately 150 cats, making it the cat café with the highest feline population in the world.

Do you have to pay extra to enter a cat café?

Yes. For example, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in London charges an additional £5 per person (on top of food and drink) for cat care and maintenance.

Are the cats in cat cafés strays or rescues?

Many are. For instance, Beijing’s 44 Number Courtyard Cat Café functions as a rescue shelter, while Paris’s café sources cats exclusively from animal shelters. Others, like Osaka’s Neko no Jikan, may include both strays and purchased pets.

Can you adopt cats from these cafés?

Often yes. Cat cafés like 44 Number Courtyard in Beijing actively encourage adoptions. Always check the specific café’s policy before visiting.

Are there rules for interacting with the cats?

Definitely. Most cafés ask customers not to disturb sleeping cats or force interactions. Gentle petting and respecting the cats’ space is the golden rule.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Lovers

If you’re enjoying coffee with cats, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its jasmine and bergamot brightness—perfect for light, cheerful moments with feline friends. For a deeper vibe, their PWN Golden Mandheling brings sweet caramel and tobacco notes, ideal for slow afternoons. Or go fruity with Kenya Little Tomato, bursting with redcurrant and lime. All three pair beautifully with a purring companion. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.