Cat cafes have quietly become a feature of urban life, offering coffee and cake alongside whiskers and purring. While the idea seems straightforward, cats and caffeine, expectations often don’t align with reality. Many first-timers arrive anticipating a feline free-for-all or a stress-relief sanctuary, only to find a very different experience. Misconceptions are widespread, and it’s time to lay some of them to rest.
If you’ve avoided stepping into a cat cafe due to something you’ve heard, this might help shift your perspective. Let’s explore the most common myths about cat cafes and why they rarely hold up under scrutiny.
1. It’s Just a Café with Cats Wandering Around
The name “cat cafe” might give the impression of a coffee shop where cats roam freely from table to table, but most establishments operate under strict welfare guidelines. Visitors often enter dedicated spaces where interaction happens on the cats’ terms, not yours. The layout prioritises the comfort and safety of the animals first. In fact, the café element sometimes plays second fiddle to the well-being of the cats, which is the primary focus of many such venues.
2. The Cats Will All Want to Cuddle
One of the most enduring myths about visiting a cat cafe is the expectation that the cats are there to entertain you. In reality, cats are independent creatures and their willingness to interact varies greatly. Some may enjoy a pat on the head, others prefer a quiet corner and minimal human interference. Staff typically provide guidance on how to approach the animals respectfully. Think of yourself more as a guest in the cats’ space than a participant in a petting zoo.
3. Cat Cafes Are Just a Gimmick
There’s a belief that cat cafes are a novelty with no real substance, designed more for social media than any meaningful purpose. But many of these establishments contribute to cat welfare through fostering or adoption programmes. A well-run cat cafe in Singapore often works in partnership with animal shelters, helping socialise cats and find them long-term homes. The café simply becomes a middle ground between rescue care and permanent placement, and your cup of coffee helps keep the initiative running.
4. It’s Not Clean to Mix Food and Animals
Hygiene concerns are understandable, but regulations ensure that food preparation and animal interaction are kept separate. In most cat cafes, there’s a clear distinction between where food is made and served, and where guests spend time with cats. Staff undergo training to maintain cleanliness and monitor both cat health and visitor hygiene. You’re unlikely to find fur in your latte and if a cat jumps onto the table, staff will usually intervene appropriately.
5. All the Cats Are Purebred or Exotic
Some visitors come in expecting a line-up of rare breeds lounging around in plush beds. The truth is more grounded. Many cats in these cafes are rescues or mixed breeds, chosen for their temperament rather than pedigree. The idea is to provide a comfortable, low-stress environment where the cats can thrive and be adopted if possible. If you’re expecting a showcase of designer pets, you’ll likely be surprised.
ALSO READ: Lessons We Can Learn from Our Feline Friends
6. You Can Just Walk In and Play Anytime
Unlike traditional cafés, many cat cafes operate on a reservation system or charge an entry fee to control visitor numbers. This ensures the cats aren’t overwhelmed and that each guest gets a more relaxed experience. Booking in advance is often required, especially on weekends. Time slots allow the staff to manage the flow and give the cats the needed rest between sessions. It’s not about limiting access, it’s about sustainability and animal care.
7. It’s Only for Hardcore Cat Lovers
You don’t need to be a lifelong cat enthusiast to enjoy a visit. Some people go simply for the calm atmosphere, the unique concept, or the slow-paced environment. For those living in places that don’t allow pets, a cat cafe offers a small taste of animal companionship without long-term commitment. It’s more inclusive than it sounds, and often attracts curious first-timers rather than just devoted feline fans.
8. The Cats Are Always Happy to See You
This is a gentle reminder: cats don’t perform on cue. A cat’s mood depends on the time of day, their routine, or even the weather. At a cat cafe in Singapore, staff monitor behaviour closely and may temporarily remove cats who need a break. You’re observing them in a semi-domesticated space, not a controlled exhibit. That unpredictability is part of what makes the experience authentic.
9. It’s a Trend That Won’t Last
Sceptics sometimes label cat cafes as fads destined to fade out. However, their growing presence and community involvement suggest otherwise. As long as they remain rooted in ethical treatment and serve a clear purpose, such as supporting rescue efforts or educating visitors, they offer more than just novelty. In a city like Singapore, where pet ownership can be restrictive, cat cafes fill a real gap.
10. You Can Treat It Like a Normal Café Visit
This final point might be the most important. A visit to a cat cafe should be approached with a different mindset. It’s not a place for loud conversations or quick coffee runs. You’re entering a shared space designed around animal comfort, which means respecting rules, slowing down, and adjusting expectations. That shift in attitude is exactly what makes the experience memorable for those willing to embrace it.
If your assumptions about cat cafes have kept you from visiting, it might be time to look again. They’re not just about sipping tea next to a tabby, but about fostering connections between people, animals, and the idea of slower, more mindful interactions.
Contact NekoTown to learn how to enjoy a calm, cat-friendly experience that supports ethical care and responsible engagement.