There’s something magical about drinking a perfectly brewed latte while a chunky orange tabby snoozes on your lap and a playful tuxedo cat bats at your shoelaces.
Welcome to the wonderful world of cat cafes, where feline-human connections flourish over cups of coffee and plates of pastries.
Join me on a whisker-filled journey across the globe as we explore some of the world’s most charming cat cafes.
Tokyo: MOCHA Cat Cafe Harajuku
My first cat cafe experience was, fittingly, at MOCHA Cat Cafe in Tokyo’s vibrant Harajuku district.
Located on the top floor of a sleek building, this modern cat paradise features floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning city views – though most visitors are too busy watching the cats to notice the skyline.
MOCHA is famous for its stunning interior design, with elegant cat walks suspended from the ceiling and plush lounging areas for both humans and felines.
The cafe typically houses around 20 cats, featuring various breeds from Norwegian Forest Cats to Scottish Folds.
What makes MOCHA special is their “cat menu” – not food for cats, but a detailed guide featuring photos and personalities of each resident feline.
The most memorable part of my visit was watching a massive Maine Coon named Mochi (yes, a real cat!) expertly navigate the ceiling walkways, occasionally pausing to supervise the humans below with regal disdain.
The staff told me he’s known for choosing one lucky guest per day to grace with his presence – usually whoever has the comfiest-looking lap.
Amsterdam: Kopjes Cat Cafe
Amsterdam’s first cat cafe, Kopjes (named after the Dutch word for “cups” and the way cats nuzzle), opened in 2015 and has been charming visitors ever since.
Located in Amsterdam West, this cozy cafe houses eight resident cats, all adopted from local shelters.
What sets Kopjes apart is their commitment to creating a true cafe experience alongside the cat companionship.
They serve some of the best apple pie in Amsterdam, and their baristas take coffee as seriously as their cat care.
The cafe’s founder, Lenny Popelier, ensures that all the cats have plenty of hiding spots and high perches, making it a model of how to balance the needs of cats with the desires of coffee-seeking customers.
During my visit, I met Pip, a chatty ginger cat who’s famous among regulars for his habit of “helping” baristas by sitting next to the coffee machine and chirping at them while they work.
The staff jokes that he’s their quality control supervisor.
Melbourne: Cat Cafe Melbourne
Australia’s first cat cafe opened in 2014 and has been setting the standard for cat cafes down under ever since.
Located in a historic building on Queen Street, Cat Cafe Melbourne houses around 15 cats, all rescued from local shelters.
What makes this cafe unique is their educational approach. While many cat cafes focus purely on entertainment, Cat Cafe Melbourne offers regular educational sessions about cat behavior and welfare.
They’ve created detailed profiles for each resident cat, explaining their rescue stories and personalities, helping visitors understand feline behavior better.
Their most famous resident is Professor Pudding, a distinguished black cat with white whiskers who has his own Instagram following.
He’s known for his habit of sitting in on the educational sessions, often perfectly timing his stretches and yawns to punctuate the staff’s key points.
Seoul: Cat’s Attic (Goyang-yi Jeongwon)
In Seoul’s trendy Myeongdong district, Cat’s Attic has earned a reputation as one of the city’s most authentic cat cafes.
Unlike some of the more gimmicky establishments, Cat’s Attic focuses on creating a genuine home environment for its feline residents.
The cafe spans two floors, with the upper level designed to resemble a cozy attic complete with wooden beams and reading nooks.
What makes this cafe special is their “cat library” – shelves of books about cats that visitors can read while enjoying feline company.
They also maintain a strict policy on visitor numbers to ensure the cats never feel overwhelmed.
Their most beloved resident is a three-legged cat named Hobak (Pumpkin), who lost his leg in an accident before being rescued.
He’s become something of a local celebrity, known for his ability to jump just as high as his four-legged companions and his tendency to “supervise” the cafe’s daily operations from his favorite perch near the counter.
Paris: Le Café des Chats
Nestled in the historic Marais district, Le Café des Chats was one of Paris’s first cat cafes and remains one of its most charming.
Housed in a converted 16th-century building, the cafe combines Parisian elegance with feline comfort.
What sets Le Café des Chats apart is their gourmet approach – they offer a full restaurant menu alongside the usual cafe fare, and all dishes are prepared in a separate kitchen away from the cat areas.
The cats here live up to their sophisticated surroundings, with many of them rescued from the streets of Paris and now living rather luxurious lives.
The cafe’s most famous resident is Duchesse, a elegant white cat who has mastered the art of French nonchalance.
She’s known for claiming the most comfortable chairs and giving guests the quintessentially Parisian look of mild disdain if they dare to sit in her preferred spots.
The Great Cat Cafe World Tour: A Guide for Fellow Enthusiasts
Inspired by these remarkable cafes, here’s how you can create your own cat cafe adventure:
Research and Planning
- Follow cat cafes on social media to learn about their unique features
- Make reservations in advance (many popular cat cafes require them)
- Check visiting hours and photography policies
- Read reviews to learn about special residents or signature drinks
During Your Visit
- Respect the house rules (they’re designed for cat welfare)
- Ask staff about the cats’ stories and personalities
- Try the cafe’s signature drinks or treats
- Take photos when permitted, but never use flash
- Learn a few cat-related words in the local language
Document Your Journey
- Create a cat cafe passport
- Keep a journal of memorable moments
- Start a collection of cat cafe merchandise
- Share your experiences on social media using cafe-specific hashtags
Wrap-Up
From Tokyo to Paris, each cat cafe has its own unique character while sharing a common goal: creating spaces where humans and cats can connect.
Whether you’re seeking the sleek modernity of MOCHA in Harajuku or the historic charm of Le Café des Chats in Paris, there’s a cat cafe out there perfect for you.
Remember to approach each visit with respect for both the cats and the concept.
These aren’t just cafes with cats – they’re shelters, adoption centers, educational spaces, and sanctuaries all rolled into one.
Each visit supports the continued care of rescue cats and helps spread awareness about responsible pet ownership.
And who knows? You might just find yourself adding “visit every famous cat cafe in the world” to your bucket list.
Just remember to bring a lint roller – cat hair souvenirs are always complimentary.
