The Story Behind Cat Cafés: From Japan to Your Neighborhood
Imagine a cozy café where you can sip your favorite coffee while spending time with playful, purring cats. This unique concept—combining feline companionship with the comfort of a café—might seem like a modern trend, but it has an intriguing history rooted in Japan. Today, cat cafés are beloved worldwide, providing spaces for relaxation, connection, and even cat adoptions. Let’s look at the origins of cat cafés, their global spread, and how Cat & Craft brings its twist to this popular concept.
The Birth of Cat Cafés in Japan
The first-ever cat café, Cat Flower Garden (Neko no Jikan), opened in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1998. However, the concept truly took off in Japan. The first Japanese cat café, Neko no Mise, opened in Tokyo in 2004. The idea was an instant hit, catering to urban dwellers in small apartments who couldn’t keep pets due to housing restrictions.
Japan’s fast-paced lifestyle and densely populated cities created a demand for spaces where people could relax and unwind. Cat cafés became sanctuaries, offering stress relief and comfort to visitors. The therapeutic effects of being around cats—lowered stress, improved mood, and increased relaxation—were well-suited to Japan’s work-heavy culture.
By the late 2000s, cat cafés had proliferated across Japan, offering everything from traditional spaces with tatami mats to themed venues featuring specific breeds or rescue cats.
The Spread of Cat Cafés Worldwide
After Japan embraced the cat café phenomenon, the trend began to spread internationally:
- Europe: In 2012, the first European cat café opened in Vienna, Austria, quickly followed by others in Paris and London. European cat cafés often focused on animal welfare, highlighting the importance of adoption and supporting local rescues.
- North America: The first cat café in North America, Cat Town Café, opened in Oakland, California, in 2014. Cat Town Café set a precedent by partnering with a local animal shelter to facilitate adoptions, creating a model many U.S. cat cafés follow.
- Global Reach: Today, cat cafés can be found on nearly every continent, each adapting the concept to fit local cultures and communities. While some focus on specific breeds or luxury experiences, others emphasize rescue and adoption, blending the café ambiance with a mission to find homes for needy cats.
How Cat & Craft Brings a Unique Twist
At Cat & Craft, we’ve taken the cat café experience to the next level by combining exceptional coffee with a heartfelt mission. Here’s what sets us apart:
- A Commitment to Specialty Coffee:
While many cat cafés focus primarily on the feline experience, your coffee should be just as memorable. We partner with local roasters to provide high-quality brews, from rich espresso drinks to velvety lattes. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual sipper, our menu is designed to delight. - Rescue and Adoption Focus:
At the heart of our café is a mission to help cats find loving homes. All the cats at Cat & Craft are rescues, and we work closely with local animal welfare organizations to facilitate adoptions. Spending time with the cats in our lounge allows you to form a bond and find your perfect companion. - A Space for Relaxation and Connection:
We’ve designed our space to be warm, inviting, and calming for humans and cats. The cat lounge is separate from the café area, allowing visitors to enjoy a peaceful coffee experience while providing a dedicated space to interact with our adoptable cats. - Building Community:
Beyond coffee and cats, we aim to create a sense of community. Our café hosts events like yoga with cats, book clubs, and adoption days, offering a place where people can come together to share their love for animals and connection over coffee.
Why Cat Cafés Continue to Thrive
The success of cat cafés lies in their ability to provide more than just a place to drink coffee. They offer a unique experience that blends relaxation, companionship, and purpose. For animal lovers, cat cafés are spaces where they can enjoy the company of cats without the full-time commitment of ownership. For those looking to adopt, they offer a chance to interact with cats in a stress-free, home-like environment.
At Cat & Craft, we’re proud to continue this tradition while adding our local flavor. We’re more than just a café—we’re a community hub, a haven for cat lovers, and a stepping stone for rescue cats on their journey to loving homes.
From humble beginnings in Japan to neighborhoods worldwide, cat cafés have become a beloved escape for people seeking comfort and connection. At Cat & Craft, we honor this legacy by creating a space where high-quality coffee and adoptable cats unite to brighten your day.
Whether you’re a longtime cat lover or simply curious about the experience, we invite you to visit us, enjoy a cup of coffee, and discover the joy of sharing your day with a furry friend. Who knows—you might even meet your new best friend!
You might think that Zero is a strange name for a cat. And it is. But that's okay. I will respond to it with cute meows if you say it to me. It keeps people from getting me confused with other cats. After living outside and having problems giving birth to a litter, I went to get cared for by people. Unfortunately, none of my kittens made it. But I did, and because I'm so grateful to the people who helped me, I love being around you two legged creatures. I will call out to you if I notice you're around and I've gotten to know you. Soon, I'll follow you around and ask for you to brush my unusual coat. Come and see me in the cat lounge and I'll be happy to talk to you.
My life almost ended before it got a chance to start. I was on the euthanasia list at a shelter when The Rescue House swooped in to save me. I'm so grateful they did and I show that to everyone with my enthusiasm and playful personality. When I say playful, I mean it. I will turn down food for the opportunity to play. Don't get me wrong, I love my food but playing is more enjoyable. And when it's time to relax, I'll find a place to sleep by my people. Come on in and meet me. Maybe you'll decide that I'm the cat you want snuggling next to you and purring.
Cats are famous for their luxurious lounging habits, and for good reason. 1. They’re Natural Predators Even the fluffiest house cat shares ancestry with wild hunters. In the wild, big cats like lions and leopards conserve energy by sleeping for long stretches between hunts. Domestic cats have inherited the same instinct: to sleep often and deeply, so they’re ready to pounce when needed. 2. They’re Crepuscular Creatures Unlike humans, cats are not strictly diurnal (awake during the day) or nocturnal (awake at night). Cats are crepuscular , which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. That leaves plenty of hours in between for rest, often totaling 12–16 hours of sleep per day , with kittens and senior cats sleeping even more. 3. Sleep Supports Growth and Brain Health Just like in humans, sleep plays a vital role in a cat’s physical and mental health. During deep sleep, cats release growth hormones, build immune strength, and process stimuli from the day. It’s essential for kittens (who may sleep up to 20 hours!) and older cats recovering from activity or illness. Types of Cat Sleep: Light Snoozing vs. Deep Sleep Not all cat sleep is the same. You might notice your cat’s ears twitch or tail flick while they nap. This is likely light sleep, also known as a "cat nap," where they’re still partially alert to their surroundings. Cats also cycle into REM (deep) sleep , where you may see muscle twitches or whisker movement. This is when true restorative rest happens, and it’s essential for their physical health and emotional well-being. Signs Your Cat is Getting Good Sleep They nap in a variety of safe, quiet spots They seem relaxed, paws tucked, belly up, or stretched out They wake up slowly and comfortably They play, eat, and socialize well during active periods On the flip side, if your cat is constantly startled awake, sleeps in odd places (like the litter box), or seems overly lethargic, it may be worth checking in with your vet. How to Help Your Cat Sleep Well at Home Cats are self-soothers, but you can support their sleep routine by creating a calm, cozy, and enriched environment. Here are a few tips: 1. Create a Safe Sleeping Space Offer a variety of cozy nap spots in different parts of your home. Think: Window perches for sunbathing Covered beds or boxes for privacy Soft blankets in quiet corners Cats love options, so try giving them a mix of high and low spaces to choose from. 2. Stick to a Routine Cats thrive on predictability. Keeping consistent feeding and play times helps regulate their internal clock. Play with them during their naturally active times (early morning or evening) to encourage restful sleep later. 3. Minimize Noise & Disruption Make sure their sleep spaces are free from loud or jarring noises. Cats are light sleepers and easily startled. Turn off loud TVs, avoid vacuuming near nap spots, and provide a space where they won’t be bothered. 4. Enrich Their Waking Hours A well-stimulated cat will rest better. Offer interactive toys, climbing shelves, puzzle feeders, and play sessions throughout the day. A satisfied cat is a sleepy cat! How Cat & Craft Supports Cat Naps At Cat & Craft , we’ve designed our café and cat lounge to honor cats’ natural rhythms. You’ll find: Cozy corners and soft beds in both private and communal areas Vertical shelves for climbing and lounging A calm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages trust and comfort Respectful visitors who understand the golden rule: let sleeping cats lie 💤 Our cats are free to nap when and where they choose, which helps reduce stress and promote positive behaviors. It also gives adopters a glimpse into a cat’s relaxed, natural side, a key factor in finding the right match. Conclusion: Celebrate the Cat Nap Cats aren’t lazy, they’re efficient. Their frequent naps are a biological necessity and a sign of comfort, health, and trust. By understanding your cat’s sleep habits and creating a supportive environment, you’re helping them live their best (and most rested) life. So next time your cat curls up and drifts off mid-afternoon, take it as a cue to slow down too. Brew a cup of coffee, grab a book, and enjoy the peace of a cat nap kind of day. Want to see cat naps in action? Visit us at Cat & Craft, where the coffee is hot, the cats are cozy, and the vibes are always chill. 🐾☕
We're pleased to share the good news that we're reopening the cat lounge again this weekend. Our staff and volunteers were hard at work making sure that everything was cleaned this week due to the health issue some of our cats had. That hard work paid off and we've been bringing in cats over the past few days. Because all of the cats are new to the space, we'll be limiting reservations to no more than eight for the weekend. We hope, as time goes on and more cats arrive, to go back to our normal limit of 12 starting next Tuesday. Thanks for your patience as we worked through this. We look forward to welcoming you back into the cat lounge!
Calling all little cat lovers! 🐱✨ Join us at Cat & Craft on Saturday, April 6th, at 9 AM for a very special Kiddie Kat Fun Time featuring children’s book author Kathleen Kastner! Kathleen is the author of the Karma Cats book series, which inspires kids to be kind and compassionate to animals. She will be sharing her newest book, Karma Cats Kitten Adventure , which is based on her very own Rescue House kittens, Alijah Blue and Olivia Sue . This fun and interactive session will be filled with stories, giggles, and of course—plenty of adorable cat moments! Following the reading, Kathleen will be hosting a book signing in the café , giving fans a chance to meet her, chat about her books, and grab a signed copy of their own. Meet the Author: Kathleen Kastner Kathleen lives in Encinitas with her husband and three rescue cats and volunteers at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Her books encourage children to develop love and respect for animals, making them perfect for young readers and animal lovers alike. Fun fact—her cat Noah, the star of Karma Cats to the Rescue, was recently voted Newsweek’s Pet of the Year! 📍 When & Where? 📅 Saturday, April 6th ⏰ 9:00 AM 📍 Cat & Craft Café Don't miss out on this purr-fect morning of reading, fun, and feline friends! 🐾 Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for a heartwarming event at Cat & Craft. ➡ Learn more about Kathleen and her books at www.kathleenkastner.com We can’t wait to see you there! 🐾✨
Three San Diego County Cat Cafes, The Cat Café in downtown San Diego, The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center in La Jolla and Cat & Craft in Vista, will provide discounts to people who have been displaced by the Los Angeles fires. At all three locations, those showing government identification with addresses in the affected areas will receive a 50 percent discount on weekday walk in admissions. Like all walk in admissions, these will be available on a first come, first served basis subject to space limitations. “We know that this gesture can’t make up for the stress caused by the fires,”said Tony Wang, General Manager of The Cat Café. “However, petting a cat for a few minutes may help take their minds off of it for a while and help them relax.” “We know how challenging this time is, and we believe the unconditioned love and companion ship of a cat can provide comfort and healing. This initiative is our way of standing with our community in a time of need,” said Renee Shamloo, Executive Director of The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center. Delaney Davis, Assistant General Manager of Cat & Craft, added, “Our hearts go out to LA and all the families that have lost their homes due to the fires. Our doors are open to provide them some peace amidst all the chaos. We hope our staff and foster kitties can be a bright spot during these difficult times.” For more information, visit our websites at catcafesd.com ; thecatlounge.com ; and catandcraftcafe.com