Do cats enjoy the cat cafe lifestyle?

Cat cafés are becoming more and more popular across the UK and might seem a wish come true for pet lovers who can’t have a cat of their own. But is it such a blessing for the cats themselves? Not necessarily, says Caroline Reay, Blue Cross Vet… .

There is scope to improve the welfare of cats by educating potential owners but the truth of the matter is that cats often do not do well living together in confined spaces.

While they can live together, they don’t have to, as they are not truly social creatures like dogs and humans. For cats – as for people – it’s all about choice.  

City dwellers are well known for their survival-of-the-fittest approach but people in small towns and the country often live up to an image of friendliness and support.

Can you read a cat’s body language? 

Because cats are not social they don’t have strong body language that we can read, and can appear to be comfortable in situations where they are tense.

Footage from the Tokyo café shows many of the cats sitting in high places or behind furniture. When they are together in groups it’s usually the younger ones or because they are attracted by tasty (and probably fattening) food treats.

A cat in a high place is trying to preserve its safety and security, away from enemies and able to see its surroundings.

While cats can live together so much depends on their experiences growing up. New cats can be introduced to each other but it has to be a slow, careful process and it can take months before the two cats are really at ease in one another’s presence.

A cat that has lived alone for years may never take to an incomer.

How can non-owning pet lovers get their “cat fix”?

But what about lonely cat lovers, jaded after a long chilly winter and looking for friendship?

Well there are plenty of opportunities offered by animal charities to visit or volunteer with dogs and cats.

This allows the animals to get used to different people, a process called “socialisation”, or just to get that extra bit of TLC for which busy staff lack time.

The difference is that these animals are in separate kennels and out of sight of each other, so they are truly relaxed for their visitor.

You might also think about fostering. Even if you can’t provide long term for a pet then you might still be able to help in cases of short term need.

Alternatively there are “human cafes” and other places which cats choose to visit, and are often much appreciated.

Perhaps this should be more widely encouraged, provided owners are amenable. The snag is that titbits can make these animals overweight – have you ever seen a slim pub dog?

Yet cats – and dogs – stay around people as much for company as for food. As the days shorten and autumn draws near, isn’t it a boost for us all that cats and dogs come to be with humans for the most surprising reason of all. Just for being there.