Animal Café Etiquette: How to Enjoy Cat Cafés and More! 

If you’ve planned to visit Japan before, chances are you’ve heard of an animal café. They’re great destinations for people who can’t own pets or are away from their creature companions. And there are often tasty treats and drinks to enjoy as well. But while you might be excited to play with a puppy or stroke a cat, some rules must be followed to keep everybody happy and safe. Continue reading for the most important pet café etiquette.

What is an animal café? 

What comes to mind when you think of a pet café? You’re correct if you’re thinking of getting coffee or tea and sweets and cuddling with critters somewhere! Each venue has its own rates and time limits, and no two businesses are alike. But most buildings will have a café section and a separate lounge where you can hang out with the creatures. 

Fun fact: According to local legend, the world’s first pet café, for cats, opened in Vienna in 1912. However, the first modern cat iteration opened in Taiwan in 1998. A visitor from Japan was inspired to start one in Osaka in 2004. Since then, the concept has spread to other countries, including South Korea, England, Canada, and Ukraine. And as you can expect, there are different kinds of animal cafés for all animal lovers.

What kinds of pet cafés are there?

The most popular kinds feature cats and dogs, with animals up for adoption or fostering. But that’s not all. On the mammal side, there are cafés for bunnies, goats, and sheep; on the feathered side, you’ll find them for owls and penguins. The most unusual locations have capybaras, raccoons, hedgehogs, and micropigs. There are even reptile cafés!

Because so many critters, including wild species, are kept in an enclosed space, pet cafés are controversial. Issues include concerns about creatures’ welfare, accusations of wildlife trade, and cases of animals injuring humans or each other. We strongly suggest researching and reading reviews of places you plan to visit. While hanging out with critters is fun, it should never be at the expense of their happiness and well-being.

What are the rules for visiting an animal café?

When visiting a pet café, always remember that the animals’ comfort – and your safety – is the number one priority. That means being patient and gentle, especially with cats and dogs. Don’t chase them, pick them up, or force them to sit on your lap. You can take photos, but avoid using flash photography. Also, if you post these pictures, ensure you don’t show staff members’ or other visitors’ faces without their permission.

Loud and sudden noises will startle or agitate the critters, so you must stay calm and quiet around them. Outside food and drink is usually not allowed; desserts and drinks bought at the café should be eaten outside the lounge or closely monitored if allowed inside. 

It goes without saying, but don’t bring your pet. Many of these locations also don’t allow younger children. Finally, animals might make messes and scratch or bite you. Keep your personal belongings in a designated area. Be aware that accidents can happen, and tell a staff member immediately if you or someone else gets hurt.

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Best animal cafés to visit in Tokyo!

Now that you know the rules, here are some pet cafés you should visit in Tokyo:

Temari no Oshiro Cat Café (Kichijoji Petit Mura)

Tokyo is home to many cat cafés, but we recommend Temari no Oshiro because of its creative design, resembling a fairytale village. Its drinks include tea and cocktails, and you can order tasty dishes like the Cat’s Paw French Fries and Caramel Chiffon Cake. You can also book the venue for birthdays, weddings, surprise parties, and photoshoots.

Samoyed Café AL (various locations)

While Shiba Inus get all the hype, Samoyeds deserve more attention. With snow-white fur and a wise smile, these canines have lots of love to give. Samoyed Café AL operates six locations in Tokyo. Besides the chance to play with dogs, you can buy treats for them from vending machines. Komazawa Park’s store even lets you walk them for half an hour for 3000 JPY ($21 USD). 

Kotori Café (Ueno Main Branch)

Kotori (“small bird”) Café has eight birds, including cockatiels, parakeets, and Java sparrows. However, folks don’t just come for the birds. Kotori’s desserts and drinks are adorable, colorful, and delicious. The manju and drink sets are 1320 JPY ($9 USD), while the donut and drink sets are 1430 JPY ($10 USD). 

Hachu Café (Musashino)

Reptile lovers need to check out Hachu (reptiles) Café. Lizards and snakes can hold or observe in their enclosure for 600 JPY ($4 USD). Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are available with ice cream, cake, or the snack of the day. There are no time limits for visits, and you can bring your pet reptile if you keep it on a leash.

Why should I head to an animal cafe?

Animal cafés have captured people’s hearts with adorable critters and cute menu items. However, these creatures shouldn’t just be treated as photoshoot props. Visitors need to respect pet café rules for the animals’ comfort and their safety. And before you visit the hottest trending location, check to ensure they’re providing for the creatures’ welfare. Have you visited an animal café before? Share your experiences in the comments.