Hong Kong is without doubt one of the most enjoyable worldwide cities on the earth. Despite the energy-sapping warmth and humidity, it teems with vitality, from ultramodern Hong Kong Island and its architectural skyline to mysterious Kowloon with its energetic neighborhoods and avenue markets.
Hong Kong is distinctly Chinese, however feels extra international with a big expat inhabitants and British colonial period infrastructure. But the melting pot of crowds and sizzling local weather aren’t the one causes Hong Kong will get your pulse racing. Now, you possibly can add cat cafes to the listing.
Just like the town, these feline emporiums are various and infrequently crowded- full of individuals, cats and surprising discoveries.
The Neighbor’s Cat visited eight Hong Kong cat cafes in May, 2018 and I’ve profiled 5 of the very best. One phrase of observe when you go to Hong Kong (or China) looking for out cat cafes. They usually shut with out discover, so double examine Google (or The Neighbor’s Cat) earlier than making the trek.
Located within the frenetic Mongkok neighborhood, Cafe de Kitten serves as a welcoming escape. Serene, vibrant and clear with pleasant employees and memorable felines, it stands out among the many finest cat cafes within the metropolis. In reality, it was my favourite.
After exiting Mong Kok metro station, I battled my means via a gauntlet of individuals on predominant thoroughfare Nathan Road earlier than turning onto Sai Yeung Choi Street and Pakpolee Commercial Centre, situated behind Sino Centre (a mall famed for anime merchandise). I caught my breath whereas ready in line for the elevator (tip: stand on the left aspect) to the 14th flooring.
Despite the loopy avenue scene beneath, it was quiet Monday afternoon once I entered the cafe. I used to be greeted on the counter by pleasant faculty age host who defined the minimal order necessities. After ordering a floral inexperienced tea, I used to be seated in the principle cafe space.
There have been six cats on the premises, most with pedigreed backgrounds. I later found I used to be within the presence of two Hong Kong cat celebrities, as Egg Yolk and Pineapple Bun have starred in numerous commercials and print adverts.
Even earlier than I used to be given the inside track, I undoubtedly picked up the vibe that these weren’t your typical felines. Pineapple Bun, a brown tabby Persian, hopped up on a desk close to me and stared intently, as if finding out my options. Across the room, I did a double take as Egg Yolk, a cream coloured Scottish Fold, posed in a curiously languid place whereas gazing at me with piercing golden eyes.
It’s uncommon to expertise so many robust personalities at a cat cafe, a testomony to the love and care lavished upon these posh pussycats. These have been extroverted kitties- energetic, inquisitive and sensible.
The cats are the celebs right here, and cause alone to go to, however the beautiful tea service, pleasant employees and pleasing area make a go to to Cafe de Kitten a fully unforgettable expertise.
Located in the identical constructing (Pakpolee Commerical Centre) as Cafe de Kitten, it’s unimaginable luck that each are such wonderful cafes. The vibe has extra of a correct restaurant really feel than cat cafe, however with seven spunky cats, Cafe Idea is not any slouch within the feline division.
It was a busy Saturday once I visited and after standing in a really lengthy line, discovered the steps to the fifth flooring. Hint: If you don’t wish to climb the steps, there are two elevator banks with the left aspect for larger flooring and proper aspect for the decrease. Stand on the precise aspect for Cafe Idea.
I used to be promptly greeted and after pondering the menu (there’s a minimal spend requirement) ordered a frozen strawberry smoothie with a texture extra like a daiquiri like than milkshake. There are many wonderful meals choices available, together with appetizers, salads, pasta & rice dishes, in addition to plenty of desserts and ice cream specialties.
Just a few sips later I turned my consideration to the cats, a mix of American Curls and British Shorthairs. The cafe began with three cats, the proprietor’s unique crew from residence, and has grown to seven.
My favourite was Silo, a rambunctious ginger Curl who entertained the cafe together with his run-around antics and Dow Dow, a curious silver shaded British Shorthair who perched close to my shoulder inside a wicker basket-type tower.
While snapping images, I used to be in a position to go to with the pleasant proprietor and employees in English, which I vastly appreciated. They have been in a position to inform me tales in regards to the cafe and the cats. Turns out they’re an actual hub for cat lovers and in contrast to most cat cafes, help you convey your individual cats to the cafe for particular occasions, reminiscent of birthday events.
The cafe area is clear and colourful with vibrant partitions and cat-themed accents and the day I visited, the environment was fairly jovial with most patrons smiling, laughing, visiting or taking part in playing cards because the cats frolicked close by.
I discovered my go to to be exceptionally pleasing and extremely suggest a cease when in Hong Kong.
Located a bit exterior Kowloon in Tsuen Wan neighborhood, on the finish of the pink line, The Cats Tea Room is definitely worth the journey effort.
First, there are SO many lovely cats. I counted over thirty, and whereas that may usually trigger me a little bit of concern, the area is so massive that it seemingly didn’t have an effect on the equilibrium. The area is about as much as encourage the kitties to interact with you with loads of small, low tables on the ground with pillows to take a seat on.
The meals service was first rate and so is the room, which isn’t posh, however is vibrant and clear save for a touch of cattiness. My recommendation is to return right here strictly for the cats. With all breeds and personalities in attendance, you’re sure to discover a favourite. Mine was a blue-eyed Siamese with the sweetest temperament, however I additionally fell in love with cream coloured Maine Coon that was so massive, I believed he had a little bit of a recessive lion gene happening.
Some cats weren’t notably social, however most have been affectionate with some even climbing into the laps of patrons, to their delight.
I wish to give a shout-out to the employees, who’re pleasant, and the day I visited, so have been the patrons. We shared goofy grins and took turns taking every others images, together with one candy little lady together with her mom. She seemed to be about 2 or 3 years outdated and he or she had mittens on her arms which have been meant to maintain her interactions with the cats (like my little Siamese buddy) mild. Genius!
The cafe additionally has partnered with the Stray Cat Home Association and seems to have some rescues in everlasting residence. They additionally promote rescue and adoption with patrons, which isn’t frequent in Hong Kong. Only one different cat cafe, Plum Cats featured rescue cats and promoted adoption.
Consider supporting these cat cafes for the nice work they do in selling animal welfare in addition to having a good time with the kitties!
One of the oldest cat cafes on the earth, Cat Island Cafe (previously Ah Meow Cat Cafe and Cat Store) has been in existence 18 years.
The location was a bit troublesome to seek out (Po Ming Building, similar as Mr & Mrs Cat Cafe) however as soon as inside, we have been handled to heat and personable service. It was late afternoon, regular kitty nap time and just one cat was awake, glancing at us warily as he roamed the room, seemingly conscious of the longing stares directed at him. My accomplice and I made a decision to give attention to our espresso drinks and atone for our sightseeing plans for the steadiness of our Hong Kong journey.
It was pleasantly busy on the cafe, a various mixture of vacationers and locals. In the nook, a pair was having an intense dialog. Next to us sat a bunch of German girls having fun with a cheerful catch up together with espresso and cake, whereas cross the aisle, two younger youngsters sipped milkshakes and tried to coax the awake British Blue of their course.
The cafe was snug and cheerful, however I notably loved my espresso, which was higher than common for Hong Kong cat cafes.
All in all, an ideal alternative when visiting Hong Kong.
Mr & Mrs Cat Cafe isn’t simple to seek out, however this small feline emporium is delightfully quirky and definitely worth the effort.
Located on Hong Kong Island close to the Causeway Bay metro cease, we stored circling Foo Ming Street and Lee Garden till we decided we have been on the lookout for the Po Ming Building. The cafe is up one flooring from the bottom degree and of observe, isn’t the one cat cafe within the building- the opposite being Cat Store aka Cat Island Cafe on the third flooring.
We have been promptly greeted by the personable employees and seated at one of many cafe’s six tables. It didn’t take lengthy to see that the cafe’s predominant attraction is the bevy of gorgeous cats in residence.
From pouty Persians to severe British Shorthairs to mischievous Munchkins, the ten kitties of Mr & Mrs Cat Cafe all have outsized personalities, however Pineapple Baby takes the cake.
We aren’t positive why, however cats named after meals are very talked-about in Hong Kong. I discovered the identify Pineapple Baby tickled me a lot, that I snorted out loud once I learn the cardboard together with her photograph on my desk. Insulted on the implication, PB refused to look in my course once I stood as much as take her photograph. I suppose I deserved it.
Food-wise, we loved a gooey chocolate lava cake and lattes, all extraordinarily scrumptious. The espresso was the very best of the eight cat cafes we visited.
The area can get a bit crowded, however the tight quarters means higher proximity to the cats. Overall, it’s an effective way to spend an hour or two getting your feline repair in Hong Kong.
The Neighbor’s Cat is the alter ego of Paula LaBine, an itinerant cat lover who writes about cat cafes, cat journey and rescue/adoption/TNR. She is visiting each cat café on the earth, 197 in 28 international locations to this point! Find her at theneighborscat.com or on Facebook/Twitter @catcafeviews.
The Neighbor’s Cat is the alter ego of Paula LaBine, an itinerant cat lover who writes about cat cafes, rescue/adoption & TNR, and has been featured in Miau Magazine, Katzenworld Blog, The Catnip Times and Taiwan Scene. She is at present on a quest to go to each cat café on the earth, 217 in 29 international locations to this point! Find her at theneighborscat.com or on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @catcafeviews.
