Cat Cafes In New Jersey

Cat cafés are a relatively recent phenomenon but are becoming wildly popular all over the world. In fact, we have three of our very own cat cafés right here in New Jersey. What exactly is a cat café? Well, if you’re thinking food and beverage you’re half right. It’s the other half of that equation that makes cat cafés so popular. While you’re enjoying a delicious beverage and a pastry you can also cuddle a cat. It’s the perfect ending to a stressful day for a lot of people which is why more and more are being established all over the world. The best part? You don’t have to scoop litter, worry about cat hair, or take them to the vet.

The first cat café opened in Taiwan in 1998. While it was popular, the idea of cat cafés really became well known when they reached Japan. Most apartments in Japan prohibit pets which left a large portion of the population unable to own a cat. Now, when people need to unwind with a feline friend they can just go to one of many cat cafés and enjoy some company.

Most cat cafés are pretty standard. Patrons usually pay a small cover fee to be able to play with the cats while enjoying a drink and light refreshments. Studies have shown that owning a cat offers many health benefits such as lower rates of stress and anxiety, better cardiovascular health and improved sleep habits. For people that can’t own a cat because of property restrictions or family members with allergies, a cat café is the perfect spot to simply enjoy being around cats. For people who are considering being cat owners, a cat café is a chance to get your feet wet. In fact, all three Jersey locations work with local rescue shelters to help the cats find forever homes. So, if you’re in the neighborhood you should check out some of these locations.

Catsbury Park Cafe

Located on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park, Catsbury Park Café is a perfect place to have some feline fun. Local health regulations require that the café maintain space between the restaurant and the area that the cats roam in. Therefore, half of the space is a casual restaurant while the other half is a kitty play space. Catsbury Park Café can host 15 people and 15 cats at one time. They do work with local shelters and focus on the older, hard to place cats who are having trouble finding their forever homes. Their efforts have been successful, adopting out 160 cats in just eight months. Children are more than welcome at this café, but must be accompanied by one adult to one child.

Rahway Kitty Hall

If you happen to be in Rahway, NJ you should check out Rahway Kitty Hall on Main St. This café is set up to look like a living room and even includes sofas, coffee tables and lots of comfy furniture to help make your experience with the cats enjoyable. The owners want you to be able to imagine what your life might look like if you owned a cat. Rahway Kitty Hall is open every day except Wednesday. Children are welcome but must be at least 5 years old. Since opening in 2017, this cat café has averaged two to three adoptions each month, helping place cats with loving families.

PURRsonal Space

PURRsonal Space on Market St in Palmyra is the newest cat café to hit New Jersey. Open Friday through Sunday, families can come to enjoy a limited menu while playing with some feline friends. In fact, the owner of this cat café encourages children to come because she sees time interacting with cats as valuable learning experiences for all kids.

All guests visiting Purrsonal Space receive a handout about kitty “language” and the walls are full of eye-catching educational resources to help you know all about the lovely cats you’re interacting with. This space also includes a private party room that can be closed off from the rest of the space in case a guest has allergies.