My first time at a Cat Café!

I often think about my pets back home. I know that they are well taken cared of. Still, nothing compares to the joy of seeing them, cuddling and playing with them.

It was one of those days I got really homesick for my cats and dogs I sought out a cat café, a growing attraction in Seoul nowadays. A cat café is a coffee shop where cat-lovers can interact with various kinds of cats. Relying on pictures we saw on the internet, we scoured the streets of Hongdae to find one. We took a few wrong turns but eventually found Toms Cat Café.

I chose this cat for my model. He looks and behaves so much like my cat, Mimingjoy

Toms Cat is on the third floor of the same building as Making Hair. It is quite inconspicuous by day, side by side with stores with bigger and flashier signboards.

Before we entered, we were asked to change to slippers, keep our stuff in a huge plastic bag and disinfect our hands. We do not want to bring in those nasty germs. There are many cat café's in Seoul. I'm glad this one is professional and clean - no stinky smell of dirty cat litter.

Next, we were ushered to the counter to read simple rules on how to handle the cats such as "don't pull the cat's tail, do not wake sleeping cats, no flash when taking pictures, feed them only with our food, etc." Then we had to order a drink from their menu. Everything cost an average of 8,000 krw. It is slightly more expensive than regular cafés but fair enough considering I get to enjoy the company of cats for as long as I like.

This cat made friends with us as soon as we took our seats to wait for our drinks. Sweet! 

The place was busy as expected on a Saturday. Mannie, Rey and I were the only foreigners. There were mostly young people, who I suppose are students from nearby Hongqik University. Everybody seem so relaxed, stroking, playing and feeding the cats. I was as happy and excited as the next kid. I wished I had become a vet. I really love animals.

Cat cafés originated in Taiwan and have become hugely popular especially in Japan. As most tiny flats in Japan do not allow pets, Japanese people pay for time spent in the company of felines sipping their favorite coffee or tea. 

There are more than thirty cat residents in Toms Cat Café. Each kitty has his/her own picture I.D. on the wall with name, gender, age, birthday and character description. Well, not all the cats are toms, some are mollies. Lol!

A typical cat café would have tables, chairs, a carpet for the cats to lie down or play on and some cool piped-in music to set you in a relaxed mood.

The cats are definitely used to lots of people in the room with them. In my experience taking care of cats which at one point reached up to twenty cats, I know that they sleep for long periods of time. But I could also tell that some cats are just stressed from too much prodding and playing. Rules say sleeping cats should not be disturbed.

I love this blueberry smoothie.

Young people chilling out with cats and giving them kibbles.

This is one kitty with an attitude so better leave him alone!  Some cats wear scarves to let people know if they are friendly or not, or if they are feeling unwell.

Can you guess a cat's character just by looking at it? I believe cats are one of the most mysterious and unpredictable of animals. One thing for sure, those yummy snacks always get them excited.

Special cat food can be bought at the counter. 

Bonding with my favorite cats here. 

Going to a cat café is a great option for those who can not have a pet of their own.

I would say the cats here look generally healthy. They are well fed and well groomed. They also get a lot of love and attention from visitors. 

Though sometimes they want some private time for themselves too. According to one of the owners, the cafe opens from 1:00 P.M. till 11:00 P.M. during weekdays and from 12:00 noon till 11:00 P.M during weekends. This gives time for maintenance and for the cats to have real peace and quiet.

There are scratch posts, cat walks, shelves, perches and cubby holes all around the room for the cats to exercise, hide or simply keep an eye on what's happening around them.

There is a cat in every corner, watching my every move. 

We stayed for two hours and had an enjoyable experience. Next time I would come on a not too busy day. Someday, I wish to have my own cat cafe and provide a home to cats who do not have one.

Here's how to get to Toms Cat Café in Hongdae: Take Hongqik University Station Seoul Subway Line 2, exit 9.

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