Okay, so The Cat Café does not necessarily involve dressing up, there are no cocktails in sight and it’s not really a travel destination. I do rather enjoy a new city or a nice night out. I also enjoy a quiet night in, however, preferably snuggled up on the couch with my beautiful cat, Oskar, or my other (human) boys, at a pinch. These tend to more more along the pyjamas and red wine theme than fancy nights out but hey, life is about balance right?
Unfortunately Oskar doesn’t see it that way. He’s a mummy’s boy and doesn’t really like interacting that much with his (human) brothers, as much as his human brothers want to interact with him. So, we have reached a compromise. Oskar gets to keep his introverted self away from the noise and chaos of his brothers, leaving snuggle time for quiet moments with mum. The human boys get some paw friend playtime and general kitten chaos action at The Cat Café.
We arrive early, before The Cat Café is even open (I didn’t check the timings!) so Harley is the one sitting outside gazing in with a pitiful look on his face. It’s 20 minutes or so until the doors open and you’d think that Harley is the one seeking adoption.
It doesn’t take any time at all to make friends. A tube of cat food and the kittens are anyone’s friends. The older cats don’t waste too much time either. There are only a couple that are clearly introverts, they stay away making it abundantly clear that they prefer to keep their own company. The Cat Café does try to select its inhabitants based on their sociability and acceptance of other cats. Most of them are relatively young and very accepting of each other as well as being open to playtime, pats and hugs from gentle hands.
The Cat Café is set up for the cats, after all, this is their home. The cats are here because their owners have moved away and can’t take them or they have been otherwise abandoned. They are all vet checked, wormed and neutered (when they are old enough). Some of them will stay here, others are waiting for their forever homes. All of them seem pretty happy.
The front of the premises is all about climbing and fun – the tree provides climbing, clawing and resting platforms. There is a house where they can run and hide and a cat sized hamster wheel for exercise. Somehow, I don’t think they need it. They all seem to be on the move the whole time, exercise wheel excluded.
Around the outside of the room are various tables and chairs, like any café. Our entry fee includes a drink and we discover a little dish of (human) biscuits to accompany our refreshments. You have to be quick though, curious felines abound.
The middle of the room has another cat play area – a large climbing frame with additional sleeping/watching platforms, a rug and a teepee which is particularly popular for chasing in and out. There is a back of house which is accessible to staff and cats only so they have somewhere to retreat to if the fun gets all a bit too much.
There’s no chance of the fun getting too much for us playful feline lovers. Harley is completely taken with all of the furry little friends he’s made. It’s all I can do to not have to drag him out by the scruff of his neck. I must admit, I’m tempted to stay for another coffee and some more cuddles too…
Good To Know
The Cat Café is located at Retail 19, The Wings Podium, Arjan Dubai and is in close proximity to the Dubai Miracle Garden. Parking is available onsite, free street parking is also available.
The Cat Café charges an hourly rate which includes a refreshment (coffee, softdrink, water) an a premium hourly rate which includes a premium refreshment (smoothies, milkshakes). Cat food and treats are extra.
The biggest challenge is leaving without a new family member in tow. Consider yourself warned.
Would I Return
Yes.
