Living in Osaka but your landlord won’t let you own a cat? Or you have to give up cats because your roommate/partner is allergic to them? Then head on down to a cat café. For USD 5, this specialty shop will let you play, cuddle, and stroke cats all you want for an hour.

Called Neko no Jikan (Cat Time), this cat lover’s haven resides in a plain office building on the third floor. Patrons have to remove their shoes by the entrance and put on paper slippers, after which their hands will be sprayed with disinfectant by an employee. After paying the fee, it’s off to choose 1 of the 20 resident felines to play with, a collection of various breeds from around the world. Neko no Jikan has two main halls, the cafe area and the playroom. The cafe has chairs, low tables and shelves containing cat-themed books and knick-knacks, strewn about where customers can enjoy coffee while the cats nestle over them. The cat-oriented playroom is furnished with climbing trees, litter box facilities and a water fountain, where customers can watch cats go about their pampered lives or sit down with them. Drinks aren’t allowed in the playroom, but seasoned patrons secretly bring bits of tuna from the cafe to make them instantly popular with the furry residents.

Cats are long revered in Japanese society. Manekineko, cat-shaped lucky charms with a movable front paw that beckons customers and money, are a regular fixture in many Japanese stores. The country’s most beloved anime director, Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli, has created lots of popular cat characters, from The Cat Returns to the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro. The simplest form of cosplay are cat ears, which is affixed to the head of many girls with a hairband. And the most iconic Japanese cat of all, Hello Kitty, was even made a Japanese ambassador of goodwill.

Most of the clients are women, and most of the men are just harried boyfriends dragged along by their eager girlfriends. Afternoons are the busiest periods, with the crowd thinning out past 6pm. As any cat-lover knows, these felines are occasionally affectionate but highly independent, holding still for mere minutes of hugs before squirming out of grasp. But in a city that’s dog-eats-dog, these cats are a constant source of non-judgemental warmth and affection, right before escaping your arms. Mix in falling birthrates across the country, and the need for companionship without the inconvenience of commitment means a boom for temporary pet services.

Cat cafes are a growing market, with over 30 versions existing in Akihabara and other parts of Tokyo. Even then, admission is difficult, and café operators recommend making reservations in advance, especially during weekends. Some of these establishments include a free refreshing beverage upon entry, with a choice of lattes, herbal teas, or cold drinks. Others have extended their business hours until the wee hours of the morning, competing with manga cafes for commuters who missed the last train home. The ambient music is always soothing, a blend of vocal jazz and 90’s trip-hop.

Can dog cafes and even baby cafes be far behind? Possibly, but as of right now, the cats are kings, and customers come second to these proud creatures. Flash photography and kids under 10 years of age are not allowed, and smoking is restricted to certain areas only. Cats may not be awoken from their sleep, and any manner of animal abuse is forbidden. And if you don’t like it, purr you.

Posted in Attractions, Japan

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