How to Enjoy Cat Cafes | Etiquette for Beginners and Recommended Shops

Cat Cafe: A healing space to interact with cats. Since Japan's first cat cafe opened in Osaka in 2004, their numbers have expanded to over 300 locations nationwide. More and more people visit cat cafes for various reasons: "I want to have a cat but the condominium rules don't allow it," "I want to feel healed while on a business trip," "I want to see if I'm compatible with a cat before getting one." However, first-time visitors often feel anxious, wondering "How should I spend my time?" and "Will the cats dislike me?" In this article, as a reviewer who has visited over 200 cat cafes nationwide, I'll share the know-how to enjoy cat cafes to the fullest.

Cat Cafe Basics — Pricing Systems and Entry Procedures

Cat cafe pricing systems fall into two main categories: "hourly rate" and "package rate." With hourly pricing, the standard rate is 150-200 yen per 10 minutes, with the first 30 minutes included in the base fee (600-1,200 yen), and additional charges for extension time. Package rates typically range from 1,200-1,800 yen for 60 minutes, 1,500-2,200 yen for 90 minutes, and 2,000-3,000 yen for unlimited time. Most shops require a one-drink order (300-500 yen). Upon entry, it's standard to remove your shoes and change into slippers, then wash and disinfect your hands. Place your belongings in a locker and remove any accessories or small items that cats might accidentally ingest. Strong perfumes or hair products can stress cats, so keep scents minimal. Many shops restrict entry to preschoolers, so it's wise to check age limits beforehand. Cat cafes are required to register as animal handlers, and checking that the registration number is posted in the shop is an important point for choosing a trustworthy establishment.

Five Techniques to Be Liked by Cats

The most important thing at a cat cafe is "letting the cat set the pace." Unlike dogs, cats prefer to approach you on their own terms. If you practice the following five techniques, your chances of being liked by cats will increase significantly. First, "avoid too much eye contact." Staring at a cat signals intimidation. A slow blink sends the message "I mean no harm." Second, "sit low and wait quietly." If you sit on the floor reading a book or looking at your phone, cats will often jump onto your lap of their own accord. Third, "offer the back of your hand so they can smell you." Cats check the scent of new people before getting closer. Gently hold your fingertips just in front of their nose, and if the cat rubs their face against your hand, that's your OK signal to pet them. Fourth, "know where to pet." Many cats enjoy being touched under the chin, behind the ears, and on the cheeks. Even if a cat shows their belly, some will get angry if you touch it, so be careful. Fifth, "use toys effectively." The trick with cat wands is to move them slightly in the cat's line of sight—swinging them too widely makes cats lose interest. It's also effective to ask staff about that particular cat's preferences.

Rescue Cat Cafes — A Place Where You Can Help Save Cats

Rapidly increasing in recent years are "rescue cat cafes." These cafes house cats rescued from animal shelters and welfare organizations, and the cafe fees go toward the cats' medical expenses and food costs. If you find a cat you like, you can proceed to formal adoption through a screening process. Adoption fees at rescue cat cafes typically range from 20,000-50,000 yen as partial payment for medical costs, which is significantly cheaper than purchasing from pet shops (pure breeds cost 150,000-400,000 yen). In Tokyo, "Rescue Cat Cafe Machineko" (Higashi-Nakano), "Neko Republic" (with locations nationwide including Ochanomizu and Shinsaibashi), and in Osaka, "Neko no Jikan" (Shinsaibashi) are popular. Nagoya's "Hanano Ki Shelter" is known as a rescue cafe specializing in elderly cats, where you can spend peaceful time with senior felines. At rescue cat cafes, staff can provide detailed information about each cat's personality and medical history, making it reassuring for first-time cat owners. If you want to "first imagine what living with a cat would be like at a cat cafe," rescue cat cafes are especially recommended.

Unique Cat Cafes Across Japan

Countrywide, there are many distinctive cat cafes. "Cat Cafe TIME" in Kyoto is housed in a renovated traditional townhouse, offering the luxury of spending time with cats on tatami mats. "Neko no Niwa" in Fukuoka features a rooftop garden, where on nice days you can sunbathe with the cats. "Neko-shiki" in Sapporo, Hokkaido is highly rated for its serious coffee and homemade sweets, letting you enjoy both cats and fine cuisine. "Neko Maru Cafe" in Okinawa offers relaxed island cats in an open southern island atmosphere. For something different, "Boku to Neko." in Akihabara, Tokyo has an excellent selection of comics and manga, and is popular as a space where you can immerse yourself in reading next to the cats. When choosing a cat cafe, in addition to checking reviews on review sites, consider the balance between the number of cats and the shop size, cleanliness, and staff responsiveness. Shops that provide at least 3 square meters of space per cat can be judged to have an environment comfortable for both cats and people.

Thinking About What Comes After Your Cat Cafe Visit

After spending healing time at a cat cafe, many people feel "I really want to live with a cat." For those considering this, the first option to explore is adoption from a rescue cat cafe as mentioned earlier. The reality is that roughly 30,000 cats are euthanized at shelters across Japan annually, and finding warm homes for as many cats as possible has significant social value. Before bringing a cat home, you should confirm that cats have an average lifespan of 15-20 years, annual care costs range from 70,000-150,000 yen, and that if you rent, your property must allow pets. If you can't keep a cat but want to help, simply using a rescue cat cafe provides support, and many shops accept donations of food and cat litter. Cat cafes are not merely places of entertainment—they are bridges for building new relationships between humans and cats. Recently, cat cafe formats have become increasingly diverse, with working cat cafes for businesspeople where you can do work, and facilities offering "cat yoga" that combines yoga with feline interaction. Petting cats has been scientifically confirmed to reduce stress hormones, and more people are incorporating regular cat cafe visits as "self-care." SOROU.JP also features information on pet-related spots and animal interaction facilities nationwide, so check it out as a reference for your cat cafe adventures.