If you’re a cat lover with a penchant for travel, Europe’s cat cafes offer the perfect blend of cuddly companions and cosy atmospheres. From historic cities to charming towns, these establishments provide a unique way to relax with a coffee while enjoying the company of friendly felines. Here’s our curated list of must-visit cat cafés across Europe.
1. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium – London, UK
As London’s first cat café, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in Shoreditch has been delighting visitors since 2014. This Victorian-inspired tearoom offers a tranquil setting where guests can enjoy afternoon tea surrounded by rescue cats. The café has a strong focus on feline welfare, ensuring that the residents’ cats are well cared for and socialised.
2. Café Neko – Vienna, Austria
Café Neko holds the distinction of being the first cat café in Europe, opening its doors in 2012. Located in Vienna, this café offers a serene environment where visitors can unwind with a beverage while interacting with resident cats, all adopted from local shelters.
3. Le Café des Chats – Paris, France
Nestled in the Marais district, Le Café des Chats provides a charming Parisian experience with a feline twist. The café is home to several rescue cats and offers a menu of French delicacies. It’s an ideal spot for cat enthusiasts seeking cosy retreats in the heart of Paris.
4. Cat Café Vilnius – Vilnius, Lithuania
Cat Café Vilnius combines a modern café ambiance with the warmth of feline companionship. Housing around 14 cats, the café offers an extensive menu and a comfortable setting for guests to relax and interact with the resident cats.
5. Miau Cat Café – Bucharest, Romania
Miau Cat Café in Bucharest serves as both a café and a sanctuary for rescued cats. The establishment offers a bohemian atmosphere where visitors can enjoy vegan treats while spending time with friendly felines, many of whom are available for adoption.
6. Katzentempel – Munich, Germany
Katzentempel, Germany’s first cat café, opened in Munich in 2013. This vegan restaurant is home to several cats adopted from shelters. The café emphasises a peaceful atmosphere by allowing guests to enjoy plant-based meals in the company of contented cats.
7. Java Whiskers – Stockholm, Sweden
Java Whiskers in Stockholm offers a unique experience by combining a cafe with a cat adoption centre. Visitors can enjoy coffee and pastries while interacting with cats that are searching for new homes. The café operates with a strong commitment to animal welfare.
8. La Gatoteca – Madrid, Spain
La Gatoteca in Madrid is more than just a café; it’s a hub for cat adoption and education. Operating as part of a non-profit organisation, the café provides a space where visitors can learn about feline care and consider adopting one of the resident cats.
9. Kattencafé Kopjes – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Kattencafé Kopjes, Amsterdam’s first cat café, offers a cosy environment in which guests can enjoy drinks and snacks in the company of cats. The café focuses on providing a stress-free space for both humans and felines, with plenty of nooks for cats to retreat to when they need rest.
10. Paws Café – Shrewsbury, UK
Paws Café in Shrewsbury provides a unique experience where guests pay for their time rather than their drinks. With 11 resident cats, the café offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and a comfortable setting for visitors to relax and interact with the cats.
Final thoughts
Exploring Europe’s cat cafés offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences and feline companionship. Whether you’re sipping tea in London or enjoying vegan treats in Munich, these cafés provide a unique way to connect with local communities and support animal welfare initiatives. So, on your next European adventure, consider adding a cat café to your itinerary—you might just find a new furry friend along the way.
