The World’s First Cat Café Opened in Tokyo in 2007

If you’ve ever walked into a coffee shop and wished you could hang out with a few friendly cats while sipping your espresso, you’re not alone. In Japan, a unique type of café has been offering just that—and more—since the mid-2000s. But contrary to what the name might suggest, there are no feline byproducts in your cup. These are cat cafés: spaces where people can enjoy coffee in the company of resident cats.

The world’s first known cat café, Calico, opened in Tokyo in March 2007. It’s home to 20 cats of various breeds, and visitors can spend about $9 (9 USD) per hour hanging out with them. That’s the quick answer to what a cat café is—and how much it costs.

What Is a Cat Café?

A cat café is a coffee shop that also functions as a space for cats—often rescue or shelter animals—to live and be interacted with by customers. Unlike traditional cafés, the main draw isn’t just the drinks but the opportunity to play, relax, and bond with resident felines. At these cafés, patrons follow strict animal welfare rules to ensure the cats’ comfort and safety.

The World’s First: Calico Cat Café

Calico, located in Tokyo, holds the distinction of being the first cat café of its kind, opening its doors in March 2007. The café currently hosts around 20 cats of different breeds and temperaments. Alongside serving coffee and beverages to human guests, Calico also provides a variety of food options tailored for its feline residents. The environment is designed to be comfortable for both humans and cats, blending the ambiance of a café with that of a relaxed animal sanctuary.

More Than Just Coffee: Pet Sitting and Animal Welfare

Calico goes beyond being just a café. It offers a pet boarding service for cat owners who are unable to care for their pets while away. Many people love cats but lack the long-term space or lifestyle to keep them at home. Calico steps in by providing a temporary home where cats are looked after in a familiar and safe environment. Customers can leave their own cats at the café, ensuring they’re fed, cleaned, and socialized even in their owner’s absence. This service supports both pet welfare and the emotional needs of cat lovers.

Rules for Human Guests: Treating Cats Right

Interacting with the cats at Calico isn’t a free-for-all. Patrons are required to follow a set of guidelines aimed at protecting the animals. For example, guests are asked not to force shy or reserved cats to engage in play. The emphasis is on respectful interaction, ensuring the cats are not stressed or overwhelmed. These rules help maintain a calm environment where both cats and visitors can coexist happily.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the first cat café open?

The world’s first cat café, Calico, opened in Tokyo, Japan, in March 2007. It is recognized as the pioneer of the cat café concept, combining coffee service with a space for cats to live and interact with visitors.

How many cats live at Calico cat café?

Calico cat café in Tokyo currently houses approximately 20 cats of various breeds and personalities. These cats are cared for on-site and are available for visitors to interact with during their visit.

How much does it cost to visit a cat café in Japan?

At Calico cat café in Tokyo, the standard cost is around 9 USD per hour. This fee allows customers to enjoy beverages and spend time interacting with the resident cats in a supervised and animal-friendly environment.

Can you bring your own cat to a cat café?

Yes, at Calico, you can leave your own cat at the café while you’re away. The café offers a pet boarding service where customers’ cats are cared for, fed, and kept comfortable in a safe environment when their owners can’t be with them.

Are there rules for how to behave around the cats?

Yes, visitors to cat cafés like Calico must follow specific animal welfare rules. For instance, you cannot force shy or timid cats to play. The rules are designed to protect the cats from stress and ensure all interactions are gentle and respectful.