The concept of Cat Cafes is not a very popular term in the United States because it originated in Taiwan, and became popular in Japan. At least in New York, our day-to-day stressful life does not allow most of us to have pets, which is the reason why the concept of having cats in a cafe came to life. Because the people in Japan have very little space and very little time to take care of pets, in 2004 this type of business was introduced, allowing the population to feel the joy of having a pet without the responsibility. Nowadays in Japan “more than 150 cat cafes have opened in the last ten years” and New Yorkers now have four to enjoy.
Although our American concept of a cat cafe is very similar to the Japanese concept, there is a notable difference in the New York businesses: here, you are able to adopt the cats. The businesses usually pair up with shelters, and the owners rescue stray cats in order to bring them back to the cafes. Both companies I went to, The Meow Parlour and The Brooklyn Cat Cafe work for the same objective: to conscientize their customers about the felines and push them towards adopting, not buying.
“You have to make sure you have space for the cat and a different space for the cafe, in the U.S the health laws are pretty strict so you have to have the food separately” Talia, a 20-year-old cat lover, is one of the three people that work in Meow Parlour and an adopt don’t buy person herself. She started working in Meow Parlour because she loves cats and thought that “if there is any job I would have to do, taking care and being surrounded by cats is definitely my first option.”
Adopting isn’t as easy as we think. The possible candidates for adoption have to go through series of check-ups by the workers for them to grant the green light, “cats are living things, and of course is work and dedication. But, in the spectrum, cats are one of the less tedious animals to take care of” Talia explained. They ask you questions such as “are you financially stable?” “Do you have the time to spend with a cat?” And if you are, and meet most of the requirements, you are good to go. However, if you can’t commit yet, you can always foster! allow the cats into your home and then bring them back to the business, or adopt them if you feel you are ready.
Cat Cafes are an innovation in NYC because they allow us to interact with the cats and be in their environment. It is very surprising how little maintenance these felines require, but how much love and attention they crave. So, go get your cat and your coffee in one go!
