Cat Cafe

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CatCafe
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Cat Cafe

Post by CatCafe »

Have you ever heard of cat cafes? Have you been to one or do you want in the future? What do you think of the concept? A cat cafe is a cat themed cafe whose main attraction is cats that can be watched and played with.
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MarySkater
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Re: Cat Cafe

Post by MarySkater »

I've heard of them, and I would use one myself. But if I'm out with friends, it would depend on everyone in the group being cat-friendly.
booktigger
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Re: Cat Cafe

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Sorry, I don't agree with them, I don't think they are fair on cats, both their mental wellbeing, and physically, certain things are airborne so could be transmitted
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Ruth B
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Re: Cat Cafe

Post by Ruth B »

I've heard of them but have never been to one, but I know people who have.

I, personally, would have no problem with one that was run well, and, as with a good zoo, when you get there you take your chances as to whether there are cats to be seen or not.

The cats' mental and physical well being has to come first so there has to be places where the cats can get away from customers, both high ledges where they can watch the customers and one or more rooms that the cats have access to and customers don't. it would be even more essential that de-fleaing, de-worming and vaccinations were done at timely intervals and if there was the slightest sign of infection any cat could be isolated and vet treatment sort as quickly as possible.

Environmental Health would have to be even more tightly controlled than in a normal cafe or restaurant, and animal welfare should also be keeping an eye on the place.

All the cats would also have to be carefully chosen so that their attitudes were suited to the environment.

In the end, as with any establishment that involved animals, if it is well run and the animals are cared for then I would be happy to go to it, however if there was any sign that the animals were suffering or being mistreated, I would be first in line to demand it be shut down.
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Lilith
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Re: Cat Cafe

Post by Lilith »

In all my life I've ever known one cat who would have enjoyed hosting a cat cafe, cats are not like puppies or pat dogs, but he would have gloried in it, though I swear he was half golden labrador.

I think most cats would hate this. As a human I'd hate this too, but then I'm a reclusive feral :twisted: :lol:
booktigger
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Re: Cat Cafe

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Problem is Ruth, we Don't have an animal welfare who could monitor. I know CP are against them though. A local rescue has a cat themed cafe to help raise money for the charity, the other week she had to take a poorly kitten to the vet before they opened, then stopped at the cafe with said kitten and let people cuddle her! Now they are doing a special cat care session after hours, taking 6 cats/kittens to be cuddled, I'm gobsmacked

I've not had many that would enjoy it Lil, Buster Would, when people came to view the cats and he was out, he'd be at the door within 5 mins of them knocking and he insisted everyone stroke him - if they tried to ignore him, he'd sit on the arm of the sofa and try and tap them to get their attention! I did have to watch people's cars as they were leaving, he'd jump in those too!
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fjm
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Re: Cat Cafe

Post by fjm »

I can see why CP would be wary of the idea - a number of cats confined together and expected to socialise with a constant stream of unknown humans sounds like many felines' worst nightmare! I suppose it could work, with a very carefully chosen colony of cats, built up over time and accustomed from kitten hood to enjoy human interaction, but I think it could still be very stressful for the cats. As my main criterion for a cafe is that it should be dog-friendly I doubt I would be the target market!

I'm not sure whether the idea would really take off in the UK - most people can get their fix of cat company walking down the street, and for those who want more cat rescues are crying out for volunteers who will help socialise cats and kittens.
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Re: Cat Cafe

Post by booktigger »

fjm wrote:I can see why CP would be wary of the idea - a number of cats confined together and expected to socialise with a constant stream of unknown humans sounds like many felines' worst nightmare! I suppose it could work, with a very carefully chosen colony of cats, built up over time and accustomed from kitten hood to enjoy human interaction, but I think it could still be very stressful for the cats. As my main criterion for a cafe is that it should be dog-friendly I doubt I would be the target market!

I'm not sure whether the idea would really take off in the UK - most people can get their fix of cat company walking down the street, and for those who want more cat rescues are crying out for volunteers who will help socialise cats and kittens.
Problem is, even getting them all from kittens doesn't guarantee the personalities they will have as adults. I've had litters of kittens born at my house that have been more wary of humans than ones that we've taken in at 6-8 weeks old, so much depends on mum. I remember one litter of 6, 3 were black and white, 3 were tabby and white, the tabby and whites were really friendly and sociable, the black and whites would run away from you. I do know a cat café in a nearby town that is closing due to lack of custom.
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MarySkater
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Re: Cat Cafe

Post by MarySkater »

booktigger wrote: I do know a cat café in a nearby town that is closing due to lack of custom.
That doesn't really surprise me. Their customers are limited to cat-lovers who have no concerns over the possible welfare issues. And even if the welfare was perfect - sociable, laid-back cats with thorough health care - you'd still miss any potential customers whose friends were not cat-lovers and preferred to eat somewhere else. I think such a café would need to be in a fair-sized city, with a large population to draw on, just to find enough customers to meet the stringent requirements.
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