A trend that started in Taiwan during the 90s, and was soon popularised by Japan, cat cafes are slowly popping up all over the UK. These peaceful retreats are a place to enjoy hot drinks, sweet treats and sandwiches, all while a collection of fluffy friends surround you.
Wondering where to find these purr-fect paradises? Many cities and towns all over the country are home to one, and we've picked out all the top spots. Check out the very best cat cafes the UK has to offer, everywhere from London to Birmingham and Glasgow.
Best Cat Cafes In The South Of England
1. Java Whiskers, London
- Location: 105 Great Portland Street, W1W 6QF, 593 Holloway Road, Upper Holloway, N19 4DJ
- Price: from £16.99 for 55 minutes
- Why we recommend: not only have these guys got plenty of adult cats to fuss over, but they also boast the first dedicated kitten lounge in Europe - adorable
Whether you're in the Shepherd's Bush or Marylebone venue, Java Whiskers promises non-stop relaxation. This is a rescue cafe that's also home to Europe's only Kitten Lounge, so you can hang out with cats of all ages as you enjoy freshly made sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks.
They also offer an afternoon tea among the cats for £54.50, served every Thursday and Sunday. Children over 10 are welcome in the kitten area, or six and above is fine for the adult cats. You'll be doing some good here too, as these guys have helped over 650 cats find their forever homes.
Find rescue cats and kittens at Java Whiskers.
2. Whiskers & Cream, London
- Location: 593 Holloway Road, Upper Holloway, N19 4DJ
- Price: from £15 for 90 minutes of admission and a drink
- Why we recommend: this sustainable spot is dedicated to doing good for both their cats and the environment, and the longer, 90-minute sessions are great for really getting to know the animals
Located in Archway, North London, Whiskers & Cream is a rescue cat cafe that houses 10 fluffy residents. They offer 90 minute sessions with them, in a laid-back space that also serves sourdough sandwiches, bagels and pastries, alongside sweet treats and even afternoon tea for all dietary requirements.
A drink of your choice is included in the ticket price, and they use high quality produce that's locally sourced where possible - as part of their sustainability initiative. Younger children are welcome too, this just has to be pre-arranged over the phone.
You can really get to know the cats here.
3. Pause Cat Cafe, Bournemouth
- Location: 119 Old Christchurch Road, BH1 1EP
- Price: £5 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: this place is dedicated to sustainability and kindness - both towards animals and humans, and it's very reasonably priced too
A non-profit sanctuary for 11 rescue cats, Pause Cat Cafe is the first of its kind in the region. They are dedicated to caring for their rescue animals, as well as boosting the mood and relieving the stress of their guests. They also help to re-home the cats, while looking after them with treats and toys.
Their ethos of kindness extends to their menu, which is made up of locally sourced, sustainable vegetarian and vegan artisan food. Dishes range from plant-based mac 'n' cheese to falafel wraps and jacket potatoes loaded with baked beans and cheese. And with an affordable cover charge of just £5, this makes for a budget-friendly day out too.
Enjoy sustainable eats and cuddles at this Bournemouth cafe.
4. Paws Cat Cafe, Tonbridge
- Location: Angel Walk, 5 Angel Lane, TN9 1TJ
- Price: £10 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: we always feel at home here, thanks to the small family team and a crew of friendly cats to play with
Born from a desire to improve the mental health of its owners, Paws Cat Cafe is a family-run spot in Tonbridge, South East England. Their cats have all been rescued from the local area, and their aim is to help the animals grow in confidence, while also boosting the mood of their guests.
Children under 10 are welcomed when supervised by an adult, though this must be arranged in advance. They've got all kinds of hot drinks, sweet treats and savoury snacks to enjoy too - from brie and cranberry toasties to warm chocolate fudge brownies.
Meet the lovable cats at Paws.
Best Cat Cafes In the Midlands
1. Kitty Cafe, Birmingham
- Location: Unit 12, Grand Central, Stephenson Place, B2 4BF (as well as sites in Nottingham and Leeds)
- Price: £8 for adults, £6 for kids
- Why we recommend: you can find these guys at locations around the midlands and Yorkshire, promising free-roaming rescue cats and an affordable afternoon tea
After a cat cafe in Birmingham, UK? Kitty Cafe is found in the city centre, though they've also got sites in Nottingham and Leeds. Expect vibrant, colourful interiors with unique patterns and comfy sofas, with kitties roaming freely around the room throughout your visit.
These cats have been rescued with the aim of re-homing them, and the entry fee goes towards their welfare. Tuck into tasty bites as you hang out with them, including pizzas, toasties and jacket potatoes, or devour an afternoon tea for only £24.95 per person.
These adorable residents are regularly rehomed.
2. A Slice Of Purrfection, Solihull
- Location: 38 Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB
- Price: £5.50 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: these cats are all from happy homes, and you can even feed them treats while you're here
The cats at A Slice Of Purrfection are permanent residents rather than up for adoption, and they return to their homes each evening - meaning they are always well-looked after. Their philosophy is all about the healing power of interactions with felines, and their venue is designed to be relaxing for both humans and animals.
There are all kinds of cheap eats on offer, such as £5 pepperoni pizzas and afternoon tea for only £12.50. And if you'd like to give the cats a treat too, they sell these for only £1.
This relaxing spot houses permanent feline residents.
3. Shakespaw Cat Cafe, Stratford-upon-Avon
- Location: 6 Union Street, CV37 6QT
- Price: £7.50 per person for 80 minutes
- Why we recommend: this place really helps foster cats to get used to socialising, and you're likely to meet a new adorable kitty each time you visit
Head to the birthplace of Shakespeare to meet some adorable furry friends, with some permanent rescues and a rotation of foster cats before they are adopted. Their time at Shakespaw Cat Cafe helps them to socialise and readjust, while also providing therapeutic fun for anyone visiting.
They serve bubble tea, rose pistachio hot chocolate and even cocktails on their unique drinks menu. Hungry? Get stuck into the likes of chorizo-topped macaroni cheese, Biscoff and banana pancakes, vegan cream cheese sandwiches or a full afternoon tea.
Meet the ever-revolving residents at Shakespaw.
Best Cat Cafes In The North Of England
1. Catpawcino, Newcastle
- Location: 77 Quayside, NE1 3DE
- Price: £7 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: their selection of sweet treats is second-to-none, and we love the peaceful setting with riverside views
Situated opposite the River Tyne, Catpawcino is an ultra-cosy cafe with pretty views from its large windows. There are eight cats that live here permanently, as well as a selection of rescues that are waiting to be rehomed. Many of them have been reared from kittens by the owner, meaning they all get on well.
Several of their cute cakes and biscuits are often cat-themed, and they've got a range of savoury bites on offer too - including toasties and cheese scones. Plus, they serve coffees for as little as £1.80, as well as fruity smoothies.
The North East's best cat cafe can be found by the Tyne.
2. Cat Cafe, Liverpool
- Location: 10 Bold Street, L1 4DS
- Price: £4 per person for every 15 minutes, including unlimited drinks
- Why we recommend: everyone receives unlimited drinks here, and we love all the wholesome events they offer
Doing things a little differently, Cat Cafe in Liverpool offer unlimited hot and cold drinks for all visitors. They charge £16 per hour, and an extra £4 for every additional 15 minutes, so you can stay as long as you like. They take walk-ins, though booking is advised, and there are child-friendly hours from 10am to 12pm, or 11 until 1 on Sundays.
Their mission is to make animal assisted therapy accessible to everyone, and they host regular events, from cat yoga to movie nights. You can get your hands on an indulgent afternoon tea too, complete with cat-themed treats. They also sell cute merchandise on-site and online, from mugs to gift hampers.
Check out the events on offer at this cat cafe.
3. The Cat's Whiskers, York
- Location: 46 Goodramgate, YO1 7LF
- Price: from £8 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: these guys have got one of the biggest crews of cats around, and all their food is made by local producers
A gorgeous, Grade II-listed building in the heart of York, The Cat's Whiskers is a peaceful space for locally sourced eats and quality time with cats. They've got a large number of kitties living here at any one time, all of which have been rescued, and there are plenty of toys for them to play with.
Their cakes and traybakes are made by The White Cherry Bakery near York, using local ingredients where possible. We're talking double chocolate brownies, indulgent red velvet cake, salted caramel shortbread and much more.
These friendly cats have all been rescued.
4. Tabby Teas, Sheffield
- Location: 7 Cemetery Road, Highfield, S11 8FJ
- Price: from £8 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: the coffee here is excellent, and they've got a particularly cosy atmosphere inside
A happy home for eight rescue cats, Tabby Teas can be found in Sheffield. They're committed to creating a relaxing environment where humans and cats can enjoy each other's company, exclusively for adults and children over 12 years old.
They serve artisan coffee from local company Frazer's Coffee Roasters, accompanied by delicious treats like carrot cake, flapjacks and brownies. What's more, they sell stickers, calendars, magnets and more.
Sip locally sourced coffee in this welcoming venue.
Best Cat Cafes In Scotland
1. Purrple Cat Cafe, Glasgow
- Location: 2 Trongate, G1 5ES
- Price: from £8 per person, per hour (or £1 for members)
- Why we recommend: this place is a real home to its cats, and it's clear that welfare is a priority here
Purrple Cat Cafe is the first of its kind in Glasgow, and they're home to more than 30 rescues. They provide a forever home to all their cats, meanwhile bringing you an adorable outing. You can become a member for frequent visits, or simply pay a welfare charge to support the project.
They serve a wide variety of savoury snacks and cakes, with plenty of vegan options. On the drinks front, expect coffee, milkshakes and soft drinks, to be enjoyed as the kitties roam freely around you.
There are more than 30 cats to meet here.
2. Meow Cafe, Glasgow
- Location: 12 Woodlands Road, G3 6UR
- Price: from £7.99 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: the selection of baked goods here is second to none, and we love the unique drinks options too
A paradise of feline fun, Meow Cafe is another great pick for Glasgow. Their cats have all got a little profile with information to help you better understand them, and they'll all roam freely and climb around the room as you kick back with a drink - with lots of colourful toys to keep them busy.
They serve everything from peach iced tea to caramel frappes and pumpkin spiced lattes, catering to all tastes. When it comes to food, they specialise in sweet - we're talking Biscoff cheesecake, strawberry sundaes, sticky toffee pudding and so much more.
These cats are spoiled for choice with toys.
3. Maison de Moggy, Edinburgh
- Location: 17 West Port, EH1 2JA
- Price: from £12 per person, per hour
- Why we recommend: these cats are all part of the family, and their team is fully committed to looking after them
Scotland's first cat cafe, Maison de Moggy is a custom-built play space for cats, which doubles as a relaxing spot for a hot drink and snack. All their fluffy residents have been raised from kittens by the owners, and the team are dedicated to helping their feline family thrive.
The room is filled with all sorts of nooks and crannies for them to explore, and you can chill out amongst them playing. Their drinks options range from loose leaf tea to house lemonade and matcha lattes, with an ever-changing menu of cakes to get stuck into as well.
Sip unique drinks as you play with cats.
For more wholesome activities, take a look at our guide to dog cafes in London.
