As much as I would love to adopt a cat, considering how much we travel, I would feel sad leaving the furry feline on it’s own for extended periods. When I discovered a cat café just opened in my Marais neighborhood, I was elated, and needless to say, curious. Are French cats as friendly as those in America? And how exactly does this concept work?
The first cat café, where you can drink or dine surrounded by friendly felines, started in Taiwan in 1998, and soon after gained popularity in Japan, where there are now over 150. Vienna, Budapest and London have also followed suit. Le Café des Chats is the first such café to open in Paris, and so far it’s creating quite a buzz amidst cat fans. So busy that reservations need to be made, even for tea.
At the window sits the oldest of the 12 cats, all rescued and chosen for their mellow personalities.
The cats lay sleeping in the cat beds or upon the lounge chairs, kept company by client filled tables.
I thought it might be strange to drink or eat in a room filled with cats, but these felines create a natural environment. It feels much like visiting the next door neighbor, the crazy cat lady. I found myself distracted, as all I wanted to do was find the cats and play with them. Let sleeping cats lie?
I was happy to learn is that all the cats are very well cared for in their new café home. I suspect this will become a regular spot for me and fellow feline loving friends. And they serve brunch!
Le Café des Chats is located at 16 rue Michel Le Comte, Paris 3eme, open daily from 12-10pm.
I think this is such a brilliant idea! I’ve seen a couple of bloggers say bag things about it, but I would love to be surrounded by pets every once in a while since I don’t have any.
I too love the idea, not having pets at home. I noticed how much friendlier it makes people (ie the French), having cats around, and you can tell some of the visitors to the cafe are regulars.
I have mixed feelings about it but it IS amusing 🙂 I heard that you actually have to reserve a spot online, it’s not just free for everyone to go in for a coffee unannounced. Is that true?
I had mixed feelings too, but once I went to see it, and noticed how hygienic the cafe is and how well the cats are cared for (and that they were all rescued), I warmed up to the idea. And I love how the cats make customers interact with each other. You must visit! As for reservations, you need to reserve for brunch or dinner but not for a coffee.
I can’t wait to check this out next time I am in Paris. It will help me miss Cleo less 🙂
I’ll join you, Mardi!
Ah, Paris has beaten London to the cat cafe craze! We’re still waiting for our first cat cafe to open over here. This one in Paris looks like a wonderfully calm and fun place. The cats look extremely content, which is very reassuring!
The cats appear to feel very much at home, with lots of space to roam, and many beds to sleep in. They barely pay any attention to the customers, though I have seen one or two crawl onto a warm lap.
I’m curious about the cat cafe to open in London, will stop by next time I’m in town!
Wow, so strange and intriguing! The cats look so cuddly, but I would feel weird about doing that!
Andi, the idea does seem strange, I agree, but once you’re inside, it actually feels like you’re in someone’s home, with cats here and there, eating, sleeping, playing… It’s very well designed to provide comfort for the cats and space for the customers.
Happy to join you next time you’re in Paris!
I love this!! I think it’s such a fab idea, and it’s also a great way to give cats a home!
We went today for lunch and really enjoyed ourselves, but you have to really have to be a big cat lover as the decor is lacking and we were hoping for a cosier environment. The food was decent lunch fare. Some of the cats are much friendlier than others, but we did fall in love with many of them and one was glued to us for an hour!
Glad you enjoyed it! I found the downstairs very cozy with the little alcoves and couches. I agree that some of the cats are more friendly than others, so many cute ones! I find it hard not to pick them up!
Now when Storsh says your name he often mentions the cats. Thanks for our delicious visit there! xx
I’m happy to know that for Storsh I am now the cat lady! Was a purrfect visit 😉
@supersat Actually, they aren’t! I’ve been to this cat cafe in Osaka. These cats are totally pampered but they’re definitely not overfed. They seem kind of fat because their fur is, like…styled. When I pet the cats, I couldn’t believe it — it was like their fur had gotten blow-dryed and puffed out. Crazy. Also, some of the cats are massive, as big as medium-sized dogs.
Aww, these cats look really cute. I wanted to pet and hug them but am I allowed to do that? 😀
Often the cats come over and will sit by you on the couches or chairs, you can certainly pet them. Some even hop onto your lap!
Oh my goodness I cannot wait to check out this cafe. I miss having cats around, especially in a dog city like Paris!