How Taiwan Sparked the Global Cat Café Trend

If you’ve ever wanted to sip coffee while hanging out with cats—but didn’t know where to find such a place—you’re not alone. The idea of combining a café with a space full of adoptable or socialising cats has taken off globally, but its roots trace back to a single country.

The world’s cat café movement started in Taiwan and quickly gained traction in Japan, with over ten such cafés in Tokyo alone. Now, new locations are planned in both San Diego and Vancouver.

What Is a Cat Café?

A cat café is a coffee shop where customers can enjoy beverages and light food while interacting with resident cats. These spaces serve as both a café and a low-pressure environment for humans and cats to connect—often helping both feel more relaxed.

Taiwan: The Birthplace of the Concept

According to a report by NBC, the very first cat cafés emerged in Taiwan. The concept then travelled to Japan, where it blossomed—Tokyo alone hosts more than ten popular locations. From there, the trend continued spreading globally.

New Cat Cafés Coming to the U.S. and Canada

In San Diego, Tony Wang—who already owns three cats—plans to open the first cat café in the United States. Speaking to NBC, Wang clarified that his love for cats wasn’t the main reason for the business. “San Diego doesn’t need another coffee shop,” he said. Instead, he sees the café as a haven for stressed workers and travellers who might find comfort in feline company.

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Michelle Furbacher, a photographer with a lifelong passion for cats, is gearing up to open her own version. Dubbed “Catfe,” her café won’t just be a play space—it will actively support rescue efforts. Furbacher told the Vancouver Sun that she’s sheltered at least 80 cats over the past decade. She aims to partner with local animal rescue groups, offering a space where cats can find forever homes, not just temporary hangouts.

Different Approaches, Same Mission

While Wang is focusing on providing a calming coffee experience with cats for locals and tourists alike, Furbacher’s Catfe takes a more mission-driven approach. Both cafés, however, reflect the global appeal of combining coffee culture with the stress-relieving presence of cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the first cat café originate?

The first cat café started in Taiwan. The concept quickly gained popularity in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, which now has over ten such cafés.

When will the first U.S. cat café open?

The first U.S. cat café is planned to open in San Diego by Tony Wang, though an exact date has not been specified. Wang aims to offer a relaxing space for workers and travellers alongside resident cats.

What makes Vancouver’s Catfe different?

Vancouver’s planned Catfe, run by Michelle Furbacher, will focus not only on customer interaction with cats but also on rescue and adoption. Furbacher plans to collaborate with local animal rescue organisations to help cats find permanent homes.

How many cat cafés are there in Tokyo?

Tokyo is home to more than ten cat cafés, showcasing how popular the concept became in Japan after originating in Taiwan.

Why are people opening cat cafés outside Asia?

Cat cafés are expanding globally because they offer a unique combination of casual dining and stress relief through feline companionship, attracting both coffee drinkers and animal lovers.

Who is behind the new cat cafés in San Diego and Vancouver?

Tony Wang, a San Diego resident and cat owner, is opening the first U.S. cat café. Michelle Furbacher, a Vancouver-based photographer and animal lover, is launching Catfe, with a focus on rescue and adoption.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cat Lovers’ Cafés

For a cat café atmosphere, pair your space with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright, floral, and sweet with bergamot and stone fruit—or Yirgacheffe, offering citrusy brightness and jasmine notes. Both single origins shine in pour-over or espresso and create a refreshing pairing with the calm, social vibe of cats nearby. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.