PUBLISHED February 4th, 2014 01:21 am | UPDATED May 9th, 2018 03:13 am
Singapore’s first cat cafe has been much talked about. A common concept in Japan, with similar ventures popping up all across the globe. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the idea is that aside from the usual drinking and eating you get to hang out with, stroke, cuddle and even groom the cats. Is it as cool as it sounds? Having visited, we can safely say…..yes!
Now I myself am not the biggest cat fan, being more of a dog person, however there is just something so beautifully enchanting, entertaining, relaxing and down right cute about enjoying your tea and cake surrounded by posing, playing, placid and mischievous – because you’ll find them all at Neko No Niwa!
After visiting several cat cafes in Japan, owners Sam and Sue wanted to bring the same experience to Singapore. They are firm proponents of cat therapy and the indescribable joy and relaxation that it comes with. Something we’re now also full believers in having experienced it first hand. There’s truly something truly calming about soaking up that cat karma. However, don’t expect pedigree cats like those in the cafes in Japan – here it’s all about rescue cats, those that were once homeless and abandoned. Even more reason to give them a cuddle we say!
So how does it actually work at the cat cafe? On entering (and we strongly advise making reservations because this place is taking off and getting BUSY!), you take off your shoes, wash your hands so you’re nice and clean just like a kitty, and flick through the Cat Cafe Handbook where you can brush up on cat rules (you know, things like don’t wake a sleeping cat, no pulling of a cat’s tail etc.) and get to know a bit about each of the cats that call the cafe home; after which you’re free to chill with and caress the cats while sipping and munching on whatever you order.
Although the main event here is really the cats, in terms of food and drink you can expect cakes, muffins, ice cream sandwiches and tarts alongside teas and coffees at very reasonable prices with drinks from $2.50 and and munchies from $2. All that plus a cuddle with a cat at only $12 for an hour (and $5 for subsequent half hour) make for a purrrrfect outing and probably our favourite so far this year!
Written by Ms Demeanour