On Sunday, we visited Cat Café Calico, located in Shinjuku. It cost 1000 yen for an hour of playtime with the cats. Upon entering, the staff directed us to a room where we were to change out of our shoes into slippers provided. We stored our shoes in a locker and washed our hands thoroughly with the soap and sanitizer provided. We then stepped into the second floor of the café, where many of the cats were hanging out.
There were a few rules, namely not to bother any sleeping cats. The shop also warned us about a few cats that were known to scratch, so we took care not to push those cats into unwanted contact.
On the first floor of the cafe, drinks and cat snacks could be bought for a small fee.
Many of the cats were napping, but many more were walking around and actively looking for treats and/or attention.
Some cats allowed people to pet them instantly, while others took a few tries before they warmed up to anyone. No one actually bought any cat treats, but other patrons who did have them seemed to be extremely popular with the cats.
The only downside to the café really had nothing to do with the cafe itself, but the crowd. Since so many people were vying for some feline attention, it took time to find cats who wanted attention that weren't already getting some.
All in all, it was a very interesting and relaxing experience. As animal lovers, we enjoyed being surrounded by so many different adorable kitties. The price was fair for the time spent, and every cat seemed to be very well taken care of. It's clear why animal cafés are such a huge phenomenon in Japan. There's really no other experience quite like it.
There were a few rules, namely not to bother any sleeping cats. The shop also warned us about a few cats that were known to scratch, so we took care not to push those cats into unwanted contact.
On the first floor of the cafe, drinks and cat snacks could be bought for a small fee.
Many of the cats were napping, but many more were walking around and actively looking for treats and/or attention.
Some cats allowed people to pet them instantly, while others took a few tries before they warmed up to anyone. No one actually bought any cat treats, but other patrons who did have them seemed to be extremely popular with the cats.
The only downside to the café really had nothing to do with the cafe itself, but the crowd. Since so many people were vying for some feline attention, it took time to find cats who wanted attention that weren't already getting some.
All in all, it was a very interesting and relaxing experience. As animal lovers, we enjoyed being surrounded by so many different adorable kitties. The price was fair for the time spent, and every cat seemed to be very well taken care of. It's clear why animal cafés are such a huge phenomenon in Japan. There's really no other experience quite like it.
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