Cat + Café = Catfe

Yep, you are reading this equation correctly and for cat lovers this may be the happiest math equation yet. Catfes originated in Taiwan where cats from the streets are allowed to wander in and out, were elevated to chic in Japan like at the Calico Cat Café in Tokyo, spread to Europe to include the Katzencafe in Berlin and La Gatoteca in Madrid, and have finally crossed the Pacific. The first permanent catfe in the USA, Cat Town Cafe is located in Oakland, California.

The rationales for catfes are numerous. In Tokyo it's hard to keep pets because the apartments are so small. So new arrivals to the city, that used to keep cats, and now can't, can find their way to the cat cafe for cat therapy. This works for cat lovers with family members that have cat allergies, pet prohibitive lease agreements, or just plainly hate cleaning out the litter box, yet love a nice cup of coffee or tea time with the relaxing purr of a friendly feline.

I’m writing this blog with my sister in mind because she is truly a “cat lady” who has rescued and neutered many a cat. Combining the catfe concept with cat rescue and adoption would be right up her alley, speaking figuratively, of course, especially if the coffee sales would cover the cost of cat food. Would you frequent a catfe?