After several weeks on the road a lot of backpackers will readily confess (to the chagrin of their mothers) that the family member from home that they miss most is the four-legged one.
Sure, you can skype friends and family, but your pet can’t really send you virtual head butts and miow how much they’ve missed you.
If you’re a crazy cat lover and are desperately missing Fluffy or Sox back home, you can get your feline fix at various cat cafes around Europe. A cat cafe is a concept that first originated in Taiwan back in 1998 and then spread to Japan where it quickly became popular. Since many Japanese residents live in small apartments where pets are not permitted, cat cafes provide an opportunity for them to sip tea and play with cats. The idea has since spread to other parts of the world, and there are many cat cafes operating around Europe.
Here are some of my recommendations for fellow crazy catpackers.
Vienna, Austria
Cafe Neko
Bringing the concept of cat cafes to Europe, this Japanese-owned cafe was the first of the kind to open in Europe. Enjoy a nice cup of tea from the Japanese influenced menu while watching the cats prowl about.
www.cafeneko.at
Blumenstockgasse 5, Vienna
Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 20:00
Nice, France
La Ronronnerie
If fancy cat breeds are your thing, this cafe is full of pedigree beauties and my favourite- Léon, the fluffy American Curl who spent an entire afternoon with me, pouncing on a toy mouse and burrowing under cushions. The cafe also serves up delicious cakes and coffee, hygiene is a top priority, and has many comfortable seats to relax on while watching the antics of the cats.
http://www.laronronnerie.fr
4 Rue de Lepante, Nice
Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 – 18:00
Barcelona, Spain
Espai de Gats
Operating in the Gracia neighbourhood of Barcelona, Espai de Gats is the first cat cafe in Barcelona and is extremely popular. Make sure to make a booking online if you wish to visit. In this cafe you pay for the time spent there as well as a drink or snack if you wish. Try visiting in the evening and sit near the window to keep your eyes out for a big fluffy dog and his tiny old lady who stop by most evenings so that he can watch the cats play with big fascinated eyes. His owner patiently stands by and lets him watch for up to an hour before dragging him away like a little child who doesn’t want to go to bed!
http://espaidegats.com/en/home.html
Carrer de Terol 29, Barcelona
Tuesday 17:00 – 22:00
Wednesday – Friday 10:30 – 13:30 and 17:00 – 23:00
Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 22:00
Closed Monday
Krakow, Poland
Kocia Kawiarnia Kociarnia
My favourite cat cafe of all! In my opinion Kocia Kawiarnia is hands down the best cat cafe in Europe. The cats in this cafe are all rescue cats and are up for adoption so that people can come and visit the cafe, get to know each little character and apply to adopt if one of the cats steals their hearts. But what I think is the best thing about this cafe, is that all the cats go through a special social behaviour training before moving into the cafe. This means that unlike most finicky felines, these cats all actually love human company and actively seek it! You may find yourself with a dozen little shadows following you from one end of the cafe to the other, desperate for pats and playtime! Feast your heart out cat lovers, this place will definitely fill your cat obsession! Kocia Kawiarnia also has a great menu, and being Poland- it is all really affordably priced.
http://kociakawiarniakrakow.pl/
Krowoderska 48, 31-158 Krakow
Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 21:00
Open until Midnight on Fridays
*My tip- go late in the evening, as cats are nocturnal and are more likely to be active later on.
