A little known fact about Taiwan is that the world’s first cat café was opened in its capital, Taipei!
In 1998, the revolutionary concept of the cat café emerged, transforming the coffee experience by seamlessly blending the enjoyment of a warm beverage with the comforting presence of feline companions at your table.
Combining the charm of feline companionship with the cozy atmosphere of a café, Taiwan’s Cat Flower Garden Café (猫花园) was the first of its kind, sparking a global trend that continues to thrive today.
The Cat Flower Garden Café radiated charm, reminiscent of a cat lazily basking in a sun-drenched window, offering city dwellers in cramped apartments a delightful escape where lattes flowed, vibrant selfies were a must, and endless cat cuddles were the order of the day.
The world’s first cat café, designed for feline aficionados, was home to an array of sociable whiskered residents who roamed freely, delivering companionship nearly akin to pure joy. It didn’t take long for this enchanting sanctuary to win the hearts of both locals and tourists, proving that one could savor their coffee while gently petting a purring friend.
The café’s captivating success not only turned heads but ignited a trend of similar establishments in the early 2000s, popularizing this unique concept throughout Japan, a country celebrated for its innovative and creative ideas.
Now Called Café Dogs & Cats
Kitten Coffee Garden aka Cafe Dogs & Cats opened its doors in 1998. With Taiwan’s history as a colony of Japan, that influence persists to this day, complete with Japanese tourists. Those visitors took the idea back to Japan, where the concept flourished, growing into the worldwide phenomenon it is today.
Cat Cafés In Japan
In Tokyo, cat cafés quickly gained popularity, akin to the well-known cat hotel in Osaka, particularly among young professionals seeking relaxation after demanding workdays. Japan emerged as the global hub of the cat café trend, featuring themed venues that cater to a variety of interests, from rare breeds to lovable rescue cats.
Today, you will find cat cafés in Cape Town, New York, Antwerpen, and beyond. These unique establishments often double as adoption centers, facilitating the journey of homeless cats to loving homes. This dual mission fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere for patrons while actively promoting animal welfare and raising awareness about the urgent needs of rescue animals.
What began as a modest concept in Taipei has blossomed into a worldwide movement, demonstrating that the simple pleasures of a delightful cup of coffee and the calming companionship of a purring cat can bridge cultural divides.
Modern Day Cat Cafés of Taiwan
While an exact figure for 2025 is not yet available, Taiwan is renowned for its vibrant cat café culture, highlighted by a significant presence of such establishments, particularly in the popular Houtong Cat Village.
Taiwan is renowned for its imaginative themed cafes, offering experiences that go far beyond just cat cafes, featuring everything from poo-themed Modern Toilet restaurant to the capybara cafe in Taipei, that takes animal cuteness to another level.
