Public establishments exist which are called \u201ccat caf\u00e9\u201d, or cat caf\u00e9s where customers can share space with cats. They are usually establishments that serve drinks and some food and some even have a reading section.<\/p>\n
The first cat cafe, called \u00a8Cat Garden\u00a8, opened in Taiwan in 1998, it sparked curiosity and was very successful. The novelty spread quickly in neighbouring Japan to such an extent that today Tokyo has more than 40 cat cafes, some even specialise in breeds and colours. Caf\u00e9s with other breeds of animals (rabbits, mostly) have already appeared. Its popularity in that part of the globe is due to the prohibition of having pets in apartment buildings and residential complexes.<\/p>\n
The movement eventually reached Europe, first Vienna in 2013, a year later Paris and the following year Madrid. It is there that the first Spanish cat caf\u00e9 \u201cLa Gatoteca\u201d was opened. Now, it is joined by numerous similar establishments throughout the country which are found mainly in Catalonia, around Madrid and Alicante\u00a0 as well as on the northern coast of the peninsula.<\/p>\n
Nearby, we are also lucky to have \u201cour own\u201d cat caf\u00e9 called \u201cLa Gatera\u201d and is the initiative of Isabel L\u00f3pez, a veterinarian by profession. She tells us that the place works as a temporary foster home for the kittens that live there while they find a family to adopt them. We were also told that the number of cats fluctuates as they are adopted. They all arrive through a rescue centre in Murcia which is in charge of managing adoptions. The kittens are always delivered dewormed, vaccinated, sterilised, microchipped and with a health card.<\/p>\n
As for the clients, they are very diverse and of all ages and origins. Of course, there are Spaniards from neighbouring communities where there are no similar cat caf\u00e9s, but also foreigners passing through who miss their pets. Therefore, everyone who works in the cafeteria speaks English and German, and they love to receive international clients so they can practise the languages!<\/p>\n
Access with other animals is not allowed. The cats are \u201cthe kings of the place\u201d, visitors can observe them, stroke them and play with them while having a drink. Of course, they will have to respect some \u201ccat rules\u201d to ensure the well-being of the animals. Everything is designed for them: separate space for rest, toys and areas where they can climb.<\/p>\n
For an optimal experience Isabel recommends that the cats be respected by giving them space, allowing them to observe us, to see that they can trust us and only when they decide, they can approach us of their own free will. In this way, a healthy and respectful interaction is promoted.<\/p>\n
Sharing space, time and emotions with cats relaxes, provides satisfaction and well-being. Did you know that cat therapy exists? And it can help us to improve our physical and mental health. Likewise, there are therapies with many other animals that are beneficial to us. We will discuss this interesting topic in a future article.<\/p>\n