Cool cats

"“But I’m a dog person,” says the customer, eyeing the cats purring around her table. Ironic that she of all people should be there, but it was curiosity that brought her in, after reading online posts about a new café in town that has a bunch of cats to play with. She’s not alone in that pursuit, though, and so-called dog persons, cat persons and even those not really into pets to begin with, find their way to the novel café to check it out."

Simply called Cat Café, the place takes inspiration from themed petting cafes popularized in Japan since the early 2000s. Tokyo is reportedly home to a lot of them, with cats being the most popular, and also ones for puppies, rabbits and even goats.

Apparently these cafés were made for unlucky pet lovers who live in condominiums and apartments with pet restrictions.

Similarly, that was one of the reasons cat owners John Mendoza and Jordan Capote put one up. John said, “We want to share the experience to those who can’t have pets at home, and at the same time create awareness that cats can be good therapy. I myself have experienced this. When stressed, cuddling and playing with cats help.”

The first of its kind in Cebu, Cat Café opened last Jan. 18. John, who’s currently based in Manila, also shared that it’s a good excuse to keep his cats occupied and well taken care of while he’s away.

Cat Café currently has five Persian cats, with three more expecting to join soon.

There’s Stimpy, the father of the brood, and his offspring Cheech, Samurai, Chong and Ninja. Stimpy is eight years old, Samurai and Ninja are running four, and Cheech and Chong are three.

“Samurai is the friendliest, most affectionate and so far, the customers’ favorite,” shared Jordan. “Stimpy, being the oldest, is the most hard-to-get.”

But generally, all five are good feline pals. Stimpy enjoys looking out the glass door and welcoming customers as they come in, Chong—the shy one—likes hiding under the cabinet, and Samurai loves being around people.

Although Jordan assures that all their cats are up to date with their vaccinations and vet checkups, never be complacent. Rule of thumb is to wait for the cats to come close rather than force them down to play.

It’s easy to tell. When they start staring off the distance, looking as if they’re plotting world domination, and then it’s best to just let them be. Rest time is rest time, play time is play time.

Other rules, John said, are no touching of the cats with dirty hands, and that children should be accompanied by adults at all times. Oh, and most importantly, don’t drop or kick the little critters!

Jordan said that many customers, who are not accustomed to cats, panic once a cat starts rubbing his cheek against them. On the contrary, that is actually a cat’s way of revealing he trusts or likes the person.

On the dining side, Cat Café has a selection of snacks, desserts and beverages such as frappes and shakes. Choices include grilled cheese, bread pudding, fruit parfait, mango float and other bite-size treats.

The cats, of course, have their own chow ready at the side so there’s no need to worry about them nibbling from customers’ plates. Hand sanitizers are also conveniently placed on the tables. “The cats are also trained to go straight to their litter,” Jordan noted, “and we regularly take them out for professional grooming.”

Curiosity will bring you in, but it’ll be the charm and cuteness of the cats that’ll make you stay and come back. Cat Café is located along V. Rama Ave. in Guadalupe, right beside the gate leading to Villa Fatima Subdivision. It is open from 12 noon to 10 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays.

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