In Taiwan’s buzzing villages and throughout Japan’s bustling neighborhoods, there exists a shared passion. A love affair, if you will, that transcends national borders and cultural differences—an almost “purrfect” romance that finds its fulfillment in cat cafés; the caveat being a concern for the wellbeing and stress levels of the café’s cats. With responsible stewardship of their resident kitties, however, these cozy havens offer a unique blend of refreshments, relaxation, and of course, feline fascination. These establishments have been around for over two decades, rooted in humanity’s centuries-old obsession with friends of the feline kind.
This deep appreciation for cats is not only very much alive and well, in Taiwan and Japan, but is also thriving, to date. Cat cafés have morphed from mere community venues for locals to unwind with their favorite cup and kitty into wildly popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors by the thousands, particularly in Taipei, and in Osaka and Tokyo, where these venues abound.
A passion for paws and percolators
The concept of cat cafes originated in Taiwan and Japan during the late 1990s-early 2000s. Taiwan’s “Cat Flower Garden,” established in 1998 and credited with being the first-ever cat café, is believed to have introduced the idea. This pioneering enterprise combined the warm ambiance of a typical café with the playful joy of feline companionship. Patrons were happy to consume their favorite beverages while surrounded by an array of gorgeous, affectionate cats, providing a safe space of serenity from the hectic city streets.
In bustling metropolises like Taipei, Osaka, and Tokyo, where the speed of life may be exhausting, cat cafés give much-needed relief from the grind of daily life.
What began as a revolutionary notion immediately captured the hearts of both residents and visitors, igniting a craze that eventually expanded beyond Taipei’s borders. Cat Flower Garden paved the path for a new type of café; a concept in which the relaxing presence of cats became as important an experience as the quality of the coffee.
Japan, on the other hand, is credited with having opened the first modern cat café, Neko no Jikan, Osaka in 2004. Since its founding, this renowned establishment has enchanted guests with its distinct combination of Japanese hospitality and feline companionship. Beyond its charming confines, however, Neko no Jikan distinguishes itself by functioning as a shelter for rescued cats. Patrons visit Neko no Jikan not just to engage with its affable and adorable feline tenants, but also to support the café’s commitment to animal rescue, welfare, and adoption.
‘Cat-apulting’ to new heights
Since the early years, the trend has exploded, with cat cafés becoming a mainstay and a tourist draw in both Taiwan and Japan, attracting local and foreign visitors alike.
Cat cafés in Taiwan have pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation, with highly specialized places catering to every possible theme. From Hello Kitty-inspired cafés to medieval-themed dungeons complete with cat knights, the imagination is boundless, where cat cafés are concerened.
Many cat cafés have also since followed Neko No Jikan’s example, serving as shelters as well as coffee shops. Cat’s Living Room in Taipei, for instance, is home to a number of rescues and also hosts adoption events. Near Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya District, Neko Maru Café Ueno likewise offers sanctuary to cats brought in from the streets, and also provides a venue to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
‘Tails’ of shared cultural reverence
Cats have long been storied guardians of humanity, connected with the spiritual and mystical aspects of life. Humans have, for centuries, regarded cats as protectors against evil influences and as bringers of good fortune, often even considering them impervious to death (hence, the proverb that they have nine lives). Cats were adored in antiquity — the early Egyptians revered the cat goddess Bast as the divinity of protection, fertility, and motherhood. More practically, felines have proven useful in vermin and pest management, since the early years of history.
Similarly, the fascination with cats and cat cafés in Taiwan and Japan extends beyond mere affection for fluffy felines. It represents deeper cultural ties that stem from both countries’ rich histories and traditions. In Japanese culture, cats are cherished as emblems of good fortune and luck. The popular Maneki-neko or “beckoning cat” figure — typically a representation of a calico Japanese Bobtail, with left paw raised, bobbing in a waving, beckoning gesture — is commonly spotted in shops and restaurants and is said to bring wealth to its owner. This belief in cats as whiskered heralds of fortune runs so deep, in Japan, that there are entire islands on which cats and humans co-exist in harmony. The most well-known of these islands are Tashirojima in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, and Aoshima in Ozu, Ehime Prefecture, around 500 miles southwest of Tokyo in the Seto Inland Sea. However, there are thought to be as many as 15 cat islands, across Japan.
Meanwhile, in Taiwan, Houtong, Ruifang District a former mining town turned cat village, celebrates its Hakka Cats as protectors of the community. According to legend and local lore, these cats kept the miners safe and brought good luck to the hamlet, which saw great prosperity as a coal mine, in its heyday. At present, the cat population in Houtong is said to outnumber the human population, 200 times.
Therapeutic ‘paws’-ibilities
Beyond their cultural significance, cat cafés offer a number oftherapeutic benefits, such as fostering relaxation and promoting stress relief. Studies show that spending time with cats can help decrease anxiety and blood pressure, inducing feelings of peace and relaxation, instead. Petting a cat produces oxytocin, a stress-reducing hormone associated with bonding and happiness, thereby uplifting mood, regulating heart rate, and helping to create emotional well-being. Furthermore, watching cats play and interact with one another makes for a fun-filled and fascinating experience, offering a mental break from everyday problems. Cats may also provide a sense of care and connection to those who are lonely or depressed, boosting mental health.
In bustling metropolises like Taipei, Osaka, and Tokyo, where the speed of life may be exhausting, cat cafés give much-needed relief from the grind of daily life. As the global fascination with cat cafes continues to grow, Taiwan and Japan remain at the forefront of this ‘paw’-sitively ‘purr’-fect phenomenon.
