Hong Kong is among the most fun 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 full of life neighborhoods and road markets.
Hong Kong is distinctly Chinese, however feels extra world with a big expat inhabitants and British colonial period infrastructure. But the melting pot of crowds and scorching local weather aren’t the one causes Hong Kong will get your pulse racing. Now, you possibly can add cat cafes to the checklist.
Just like town, these feline emporiums are various and sometimes 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 perfect. One phrase of notice should you go to Hong Kong (or China) in search of 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, vivid and clear with pleasant employees and memorable felines, it stands out among the many greatest cat cafes within the metropolis. In truth, it was my favourite.
After exiting Mong Kok metro station, I battled my method via a gauntlet of individuals on predominant thoroughfare Nathan Road earlier than turning onto Sai Yeung Choi Street and Pakpolee Commercial Centre, positioned 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 facet) to the 14th ground.
Despite the loopy road scene beneath, it was quiet Monday afternoon after I entered the cafe. I used to be greeted on the counter by pleasant school 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 varied commercials and print advertisements.
Even earlier than I used to be given the inside track, I positively 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.
His title additionally impressed an inventory of the coolest cat names from cat cafes around the world.
It’s uncommon to expertise so many sturdy personalities at a cat cafe, a testomony to the love and care lavished upon these posh pussycats. These have been extroverted kitties- lively, inquisitive and good.
The cats are the celebrities 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.
Click here for full cafe particulars.
Located in the identical constructing (Pakpolee Commerical Centre) as Cafe de Kitten, it’s unimaginable luck that each are such tremendous cafes. The vibe has extra of a correct restaurant really feel than cat cafe, however with seven spunky cats, Cafe Idea isn’t any slouch within the feline division.
It was a busy Saturday after I visited and after standing in a really lengthy line, discovered the steps to the fifth ground. Hint: If you don’t need to climb the steps, there are two elevator banks with the left facet for increased flooring and proper facet for the decrease. Stand on the correct facet 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 tremendous meals alternatives available, together with appetizers, salads, pasta & rice dishes, in addition to a number of desserts and ice cream specialties.
A number of sips later I turned my consideration to the cats, a mixture of American Curls and British Shorthairs. The cafe began with three cats, the proprietor’s authentic crew from dwelling, 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 pictures, I used to be capable of go to with the pleasant proprietor and employees in English, which I significantly appreciated. They have been capable of inform me tales concerning the cafe and the cats. Turns out they’re an actual hub for cat lovers and in contrast to most cat cafes, will let you carry your individual cats to the cafe for particular occasions, resembling birthday events.
The cafe area is clear and colourful with vivid 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 advocate a cease when in Hong Kong.
Click here for full cafe particulars.
Located a bit outdoors Kowloon in Tsuen Wan neighborhood, on the finish of the crimson line, The Cats Tea Room is well worth the journey effort.
First, there are SO many stunning cats. I counted over thirty, and whereas that will usually trigger me a little bit of concern, the area is so giant 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 sit down on.
The meals service was respectable and so is the room, which isn’t posh, however is vivid 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 huge, I believed he had a little bit of a recessive lion gene happening.
Some cats weren’t significantly 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 pictures, together with one candy little woman together with her mom. She seemed to be about 2 or 3 years outdated and he or she had mittens on her palms 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!
Click here for full cafe particulars.
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 tough to search 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 associate and I made a decision to concentrate on our espresso drinks and atone for our sightseeing plans for the stability 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 women 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 significantly loved my espresso, which was higher than common for Hong Kong cat cafes.
All in all, an ideal alternative when visiting Hong Kong.
Click here for full cafe particulars.
Mr & Mrs Cat Cafe isn’t simple to search out, however this small feline emporium is delightfully quirky and well 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 in search of the Po Ming Building. The cafe is up one ground from the bottom degree and of notice, isn’t the one cat cafe within the building- the opposite being Cat Store aka Cat Island Cafe on the third ground.
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 lovely cats in residence.
From pouty Persians to critical 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 certain why, however cats named after meals are extremely popular in Hong Kong. I discovered the title Pineapple Baby tickled me a lot, that I snorted out loud after I learn the cardboard together with her photograph on my desk. Insulted on the implication, PB refused to look in my course after I stood as much as take her photograph. I suppose I deserved it.
Her title additionally impressed a submit concerning the coolest cat names from cat cafes from around the world.
Food-wise, we loved a gooey chocolate lava cake and lattes, all extraordinarily scrumptious. The espresso was the perfect 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.
Click here for full cafe particulars.
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 date! Find her at theneighborscat.com or on Facebook/Twitter @catcafeviews.
The full vary of Necoichi raised bowls and accent now accessible @ Katzenworld Shop
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 presently on a quest to go to each cat café on the earth, 217 in 29 international locations to date! Find her at theneighborscat.com or on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @catcafeviews.
