If you are looking for a unique experience in London, then look no further! Visiting a cat cafe was high on my London bucket list, and I was so glad I ticked this one off.
Cat cafe’s have increased in popularity in the UK over the past decade, as venues for customers to sip on coffees and sample baked treats, while sharing the spaces with free roaming cats and kittens that explore, play and nap as they please.
These cafes are the perfect place to animal lovers to hang out, and are also great for those that are unable or not quite ready to have pets of their own just yet. As each of the cats has their own distinct personalities and preferences, you can head to the website of your cafe of choice and read the profiles of your new feline friends before your visit, getting to know their likes and dislikes.
Sadly, the numer of pets being given to shelters has increased recently due to the rising cost of living pressures. By supporting these small independent businesses, you will be helping to fund the socialisation, rehablitation and rehoming process of kitties into loving families. There are often opportunities to adopt the cats yourself too! If this is something you are keen to do, contact your local café beforehand for information on the rehoming process.
I’ve listed three of the best cat cafes in London, and have included the admission prices for comparison, so there should be a suitable option for all size budgets! Expect to pay a little more than you would at a regular cafe; the funds raised by these indie businesses cover the usual café expenses along with pet welfare and cleaning costs, transportation from shelters, etc.
Also, if you’re struggling for gifting ideas, or looking to buy experience based gifts rather than material items, I have good news… all of the cafes on this list offer gift card options! This could make the purrfect gift for any cat obsessed friends or family members.
Let’s get into the list!
3 Best Cat Cafes in London to visit this weekend
Java Whiskers
Java Whiskers is based on Great Portland Street., Marylebone, and is a foster home to both cats and kittens, with the aim of raising public awareness of the growing number of cats in need of homes. The cafe is split in two sections; head to the cat lounge if you are looking for a more chilled, calm vibe, or pop in to the kitten lounge, for playtime with kittens aged up to one year old.
They offer a range of foodie packages, including afternoon tea and charcuterie board options. There is also a Birthday kit option, complete with a hot drink, cake, a tote bag, a mug, mint box and a birthday card!
Entry to the café starts from £17.99 per person. Java Whiskers do not admit any children under the age of 10.
Opening Times: Sun – Wed: 10.00 – 20.00. Thurs – Sat: 10.00 – 21.00
Address: 105 Great Portland St, Marylebone, London W1W 6QF
Head over to Java Whiskers’ Instagram page for more details, and take a look at their Tripadvisor page here.
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Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
I visited Lady Dinah’s WAY back (around 2016) with friends, and I had the best time!
The Cat Emporium is London’s first cat cafe, established in 2013. The cafe, based near Shoreditch, is Alice in Wonderland themed and has plenty to keep the cats amused including bridges, and a hamster style wheel.
There are a range of treats and drinks on offer, and the café offer a ‘Happy Meower’ (Happy Hour), which includes cocktails such as an ‘espurresso martini’! The novelty factor is high, but it makes for a memorable day out. Lady Dinah’s also offer a birthday package, a ‘Mad Catter Happy Purrday Pack’ if you are looking for birthday gifting ideas.
Prices start from £20.00pp for a 90 minute visit.
It’s worth noting that Lady Dinah’s don’t allow kids under 12, so keep this in mind if you are looking to plan a family day out.
Opening Times: Open 11:00-19:00 each day (except Wednesdays)
Address: 152-154 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG
Head over to the Cat Emporium’s Instagram page for more info, and take a look at their Tripadvisor reviews.
Whiskers & Cream
Whiskers and Cream, based in Upper Holloway, is one of London’s newer Cat Cafe’s and currently home to nine feline friends. The cafe vibe is luxurious, relaxing, and the perfect spot to head for a treat.
De-stress and enjoy a range of light bites, including cakes, pastries, and a range of afternoon teas, starting from £28.99pp.
Although Whiskers and Cream are the more ‘luxe’ option, they are also the most affordable on our list, with prices starting at £13.00pp entry for 90 minutes, plus a drink. The cafe welcomes children at a reduced entry fee.
Opening Times: 10am – 5/5.30pm
Address: 593 Holloway Road London N19 4DJ
You can visit Whiskers & Cream’s Instagram page for more details, and view their Tripadvisor page here.
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Cat Cafe London: The Ground Rules
If it’s your first cat cafe visit, then here are a couple of basic house rules to keep both you, and the kitties, safe and happy:
- Be respectful! The welfare of the cats is important. Give them space if they seem nervous
- Do not feed the cats, as it could lead to them feeling poorly or being overfed
- Some cafes have a no shoe policy; respect any ground rules upon entry
- Do not make loud noises, use flash photography, or behave in a way that may scare the cats
- Leave the cats to sleep in peace – don’t stroke them or disturb them if they are trying to rest
- Let the cats come to you and avoid overcrowding them
- Do not wave toys close to the cats faces
- Wash your hands before eating and when leaving the cat cafes
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Cat Cafe London: FAQ’s
Where do the cats from Cat Cafes come from?
The Cat Cafe’s usually partner with local cat shelters, and the cats are fostered while they wait for more permanent housing arrangements.
Can you bring your own cat to the Cat Cafe?
Unfortunately not. You can visit the rescue cats as part of your experience, but your own pets will have to stay at home.
Can I adopt the cats at a Cat Cafe?
Sometimes, yes! If this is something you are open to, it’s best to enquire into the process at your chosen cafe before your visit. If you’re lucky, you may be able to secure a new furry best pal!
What happens in a Cat Cafe?
When visiting a cat cafe, you will be able to enjoy a hot drink or snack of choice, whilst the cats play, snooze, and explore the cafe space around you. Often there are plenty of toys, cosy nooks for them to nap, and platforms or shelves for the cats to climb.
Are Cat Cafes sanitary?
The cafes are usually well maintained, clean and hygenic. The cats are separated from the kitchen areas where food and drinks are prepared, and typically the litter trays are stored away from the customers.
How many cats are usually in a London Cat Cafe?
There are usually between 8-12 cats per cafe. To allow time for plenty of rest, the cats are let into the cafe in shifts.
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Final Thoughts: 3 Best Cat Cafe’s in London to visit this weekend
If you are looking for a different experience in the city, then visiting one of London’s Cat Café’s is a great option.
Have you visited a cat cafe before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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