NATIONAL HUG YOUR CAT DAY.. ARE CAT CAFES A GOOD IDEA?

I recently went to Liverpool and walked past a cat café. I felt a bit concerned about the location as there was a pub a little further up from it that was blasting loud music and I thought of all the cats in there who may have felt scared or stressed by this.. they have incredible hearing after all (they’d need it to chase all those mice!). I’m guessing it is in that location for marketing purposes so people see it and purchase a ticket.

What also worried me was that the cat a huge window to look out of, but that window is likely to reverberate sounds (hardly the place for a relaxing cat nap).

I did some research on cat café’s and thought about their missions. Some cat café’s claim that they are there to raise the profile of cats and allow people to have cat interaction without the commitment of sharing a life with cat (due to money, time constraints, not being allowed one in rented accommodation). While these are points, I’d argue that if people wanted to interact with cats, they could volunteer at a rescue centre. Some also state that the cats are rescued cats and they have a home in the cafe taking them out of rescue.

Here are some thoughts about cat cafe’s and concerns regarding them (I am sure they may vary widely in their approach)

Allowing certain ages of children there without communicating clear boundaries (i.e not chasing cats, disturbing them when resting). If you are planning on going to one consider their rules – are they clear – do they have the cats in mind?

A cat not having a place to hide and get away from noise and sights of people. Being stared at can be scary and threatening. The only place I believe is available is by a large window (again, this is not private, nor quiet). Think about where the cats can go if they don’t wish to interact.

The amount of people at one time. A busier environment will be noisier. An environment with food and drink will encourage people to socialise. Consider how many people will be there.

What the hours are? Cats need rest and time to sleep. Lots of different people bringing in different forms of smells including perfume can be overwhelming.

The idea people choose the cat they want to interact with rather then the cat actively approaching them. What are the rules about this?

Cats like short interactions whereas many humans enjoy long protracted hugs.. today is national hug your cat day but I really think we should think about this from a cats perspective rather than creating a day because of our own desires and needs. Thinking about whether they enjoy this, whether they have had a say in this (did someone just pick them up?) and if this is for their benefit are all questions I’d be asking myself.