Cat Cafés in Shanghai: Coffee With Feline Companions

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee while being gently nudged by a curious kitten or curled up next to a purring cat, Shanghai has quietly become a hub for just that experience. More than just places to grab a latte, certain cafés in the city offer something unexpected: live-in cats that help create a uniquely relaxing, even social, atmosphere.

As of the latest reports, Shanghai is home to at least three established cat cafés—two with roots as pet shops and one located in the bustling expat district of Gubei. These venues allow customers to unwind with coffee while interacting with resident cats, and some even serve as informal meet-ups for cat owners looking to arrange playdates—or even potential romances—for their pets.

What Is a Cat Café?

A cat café is a coffee shop designed around a feline theme, where live cats are kept on the premises and interact with guests. Unlike typical cafés, the presence of cats is central to the experience—not just decoration, but a core part of the ambiance. Customers can sip drinks, enjoy snacks, and spend time petting or playing with the resident animals.

Why Cat Cafés Are Popular in Shanghai

In fast-paced urban environments like Shanghai, cat cafés provide a calming escape. They cater not only to coffee drinkers but also to animal lovers seeking companionship. For many visitors, these cafés are therapeutic spaces where the gentle presence of cats helps reduce stress. They also serve as social hubs where people bond over their mutual affection for felines.

Where to Find Cat Cafés in Shanghai

According to local media, Shanghai currently hosts at least three cat cafés. One is located in Gubei, a well-known expatriate area. The other two began as pet shops before transitioning into cafés, and they’re situated in Baoshai District on Erma Road in Dahuacun, and in Putuo District on Changshou Road. Each location offers a slightly different setup, but all share the common thread of integrating live cats into the café environment.

What to Expect at a Shanghai Cat Café

When you visit a Shanghai cat café, you can expect a casual, cozy space where the presence of cats is not only allowed but encouraged. Most cafés serve standard coffee beverages and light desserts, but the main attraction is the opportunity to relax in the company of resident felines. Some locations also facilitate informal networking among cat owners, including opportunities to arrange meetings or playdates for their pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cat cafés are there in Shanghai?

As reported, there are at least three known cat cafés in Shanghai. One is in the Gubei area, and the other two were formerly pet shops located in Baoshai District (Dahuacun, Erma Road) and Putuo District (Changshou Road).

What makes a café a 'cat café'?

A cat café is a coffee shop that keeps resident cats on-site as part of the customer experience. The cats are not just pets but interactive elements of the café’s atmosphere, offering companionship to guests.

Do you need to bring your own cat to a cat café?

No, you do not need to bring your own cat. The cafés have resident cats that live on the premises and are available for guests to interact with during their visit.

Can I arrange a playdate for my cat at a Shanghai cat café?

Yes, some Shanghai cat cafés are known to serve as informal meeting spots where cat owners can socialize and potentially arrange playdates or interactions for their pets.

Are these cafés just for cat lovers?

While cat lovers are the primary audience, the cafés also attract anyone looking for a relaxed coffee experience in a unique, feline-friendly setting.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Lovers

If you’re enjoying a coffee with cats, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its vibrant berry and floral notes—perfect for brightening your afternoon. Their Yirgacheffe offers citrusy brightness with soft stone fruit, ideal alongside a purring companion. For deeper comfort, their Black Cocoa Blend brings chocolatey richness that pairs well with the cozy café vibe. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.