The Purrfect day?
Temperature – 18c
One of my favorite trends that originated in Japan is the concept of animal cafés. In the UK, these cafés have emerged as a unique way to promote the rehoming of animals looking for their forever homes. I have visited several in the UK and have been very impressed. I understand that there are some reservations about this practice. But with research and also seeing some of the rehoming that has been done I am mostly concluding this idea is positive.
The few I have visited in the UK have all been centered around the animals’ comfort and attempt to rehome. They are also good ways to raise money for much-needed healthcare as many of these places are charities.
I had the opportunity to visit a cat café in Saga, and I was pleasantly surprised. The café was small and charming, located close to the city center. Situated on the first floor, it offered an escape from the outside world, filled with numerous feline companions. There were multiple hiding spots and various toys for the younger members of the cat community to enjoy. There seemed to be a set number of furry residents at any given time.
I enjoyed browsing through the cat-related reading material from the bookshelf. The cats observed my choice of books from a distance, seemingly judging my selections. I appreciated the much-needed strokes and enjoyed giving snacks to the adult members of the cat society. Overall, it was a calming experience, and I was fortunate to have the place to myself for the few hours I was there, which made everything even more relaxing.
Given how stressful life can be at times, it’s a blessing that there are places in major cities offering a place to relax or escape, even if just for a few hours. Japanese apartments tend to be small, providing little space for residents to have their pets. However, these cozy spots allow people to enjoy the company of animals for a short while. The costs are reasonable, and generally, most of the money goes towards caring for the furry residents.