Are you a cat lover looking for a unique and relaxing way to spend your afternoon? If so, a visit to a cat cafe might be just what you need! Cat cafes have been popping up all over the world, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while surrounded by adorable feline friends.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing our experience visiting Java Whiskers, a cat cafe located in Westfield London. I’ll discuss the cafe’s facilities, the kittens we met there, and what sets it apart from other cat cafes in the area. So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in a little bit of feline therapy!
Our Experience at Java Whiskers Cat Cafe in London
1. What is a cat cafe?
Cat cafes are a relatively new concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The first cat cafe was opened in Taiwan in 1998, and the idea quickly spread to Japan, where it became a cultural phenomenon. Today, cat cafes can be found all over the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
A cat cafe is essentially a cafe or coffee shop that is home to a number of resident cats. Visitors can enjoy their drinks and snacks while interacting with the cats, who are usually free to roam around the cafe. Cat cafes can be a great way to de-stress and unwind, as spending time with cats has been shown to have a calming effect on people. Many cat cafes also have a social mission, such as promoting cat adoption or supporting local animal shelters.
Are cats allowed on tables in cat cafes in London?
In order to ensure the well-being of the cats, most cat cafes have rules in place that govern how visitors can interact with them. These rules might include restrictions on handling the cats, or requirements to wash hands before entering the cat area. Some cat cafes may also have age restrictions, or require visitors to sign a waiver before entering. Whilst Java Whiskers has clear house rules, there is no rule that states that cats are not allowed on tables.
2. Java Whiskers
Java Whiskers is a cat cafe located in Westfield London and Marylebone. It offers a unique and cosy environment where visitors can enjoy delicious food and drinks while surrounded by adorable kittens. The cafe is not only a great place to relax and unwind, but it also serves as a foster home for homeless cats. Since its opening, Java Whiskers has successfully facilitated 230 adoptions, making it a great place for anyone looking to adopt a new feline friend.
The cafe is divided into two separate lounges: the Cat Lounge and the Kitten Lounge. The Cat Lounge is home to adult cats who are generally more relaxed and less playful than kittens. The Kitten Lounge, on the other hand, is where visitors can play and interact with cute, energetic kittens.
Before entering the lounge, visitors are required to remove their shoes and wash their hands in a separate room to maintain the hygiene of the cats. Visitors can order drinks and snacks from the cafe menu, which is served inside the lounge while they enjoy the company of the cats.
Java Whiskers is a great place for people of all ages, as long as they are over 10 years old, due to safety concerns. The cafe is open from 11 am to 7 pm every day, making it a convenient spot for an afternoon break or an evening relaxation.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience in London, Java Whiskers is definitely worth a visit!
3. The experience
Visiting Java Whiskers was a memorable experience for me and my daughter. We were greeted by a separate room where we had to remove our shoes and wash our hands before entering the lounge. The staff was very friendly and informative, making sure that we knew how to interact with the cats and informing us of any safety concerns.
As soon as we entered the Kitten Lounge, we were surrounded by cute and playful kittens. We had pre-ordered a latte and a chocolate muffin, which were served to us inside the lounge. It was so relaxing to sip on our drinks and indulge in the delicious muffin while playing with the adorable kittens. The atmosphere was cosy and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to unwind and forget about the hustle and bustle of the city.
We spent 55 minutes in the Kitten Lounge, and it was such a joy to interact with the kittens. They were so playful, and we enjoyed petting and playing with them. The lounge was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of seating and toys for the kittens.
We also appreciated that Java Whiskers is a foster home for homeless cats. It felt good to know that by visiting the cafe, we were also supporting a great cause. The staff was knowledgeable about each cat’s personality and history, which added to the experience and made us feel more connected to the cats.
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Overall, our experience at Java Whiskers was fantastic. It was such a unique and memorable way to spend time with my daughter and the kittens. We left feeling relaxed and happy, and we’re already planning our next visit!
4. Age restrictions
Java Whiskers has an age restriction policy in place for the safety and comfort of the cats and visitors. Children under the age of 10 are not allowed in the cat lounges, as they may not understand how to interact with the cats safely and respectfully. Additionally, young children can be unpredictable, which can cause stress for the cats. Bella is almost 13 years old so this was the perfect experience for her.
While this age restriction may be disappointing for families with young children, there are still ways to enjoy the cafe. Java Whiskers has a separate viewing area where visitors can watch the cats playing and relaxing from a distance. This area is open to all ages, and it’s a great option for families with young children who still want to experience the cafe.
Families with older children who meet the age requirement can still enjoy the cat lounges. It’s important for parents to teach their children how to interact with the cats properly so that they don’t accidentally harm them or cause stress. The staff at Java Whiskers are happy to provide guidance and tips on how to interact with the cats safely.
It’s also worth noting that Java Whiskers is not a playground, and visitors should always respect the cats’ boundaries and space. Visitors should refrain from picking up or chasing the cats and always approach them gently and calmly. This will ensure that the cats feel comfortable and happy, which will make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
5. Timings & Prices
What time do cat cafes in London open?
Java Whiskers cat cafe at Westfield is open from 10 am to 9 pm every day, making it a convenient spot for an afternoon break or an evening relaxation. You can find information in google maps on Java Whiskers Westfield opening times and location
How much does it cost to visit a cat cafe in London?
The cat lounge experience is available for:
- 55 minutes for £16.99
- 1 hour and 25 minutes for £22.99
- 1 hour and 55 minutes for £27.99
The kitten lounge experience is also available for:
- 55 minutes for £21.99
- 1 hour and 25 minutes for £29.99
- 1 hour and 55 minutes for £34.99
It’s important to note that prices are subject to change, so be sure to check the Java Whiskers website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Do you have to book in advance to visit a cat cafe in London?
Java Whiskers recommend you to book in advance online to guarantee your slot, due to a limited number of seats in the lounges. I understand that other cat cafes in London operate in a similar way.
6. Other cat cafes in London
What are the best cat cafes in London?
While Java Whiskers is one of the most popular cat cafes in London, it’s not the only one worth visiting. Here are a few other cat cafes in the city that you might want to check out:
- Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium – located in Bethnal Green, this cafe was the first cat cafe to open in London. It’s home to a number of rescue cats who are available for adoption, and visitors can enjoy tea, coffee, and cake while spending time with the cats.
- Paws for Coffee – located in Richmond, this cafe is also a foster home for rescue cats. Visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, and cakes while spending time with the cats.
- Meow Tea Moment – located in Greenwich, this cafe has a variety of cats and kittens for visitors to interact with. They offer a range of drinks and snacks, as well as cat-themed merchandise
Visiting multiple cat cafes can be a great way to experience different atmospheres and meet different cats. Each cafe has its own unique vibe and set of cats, so it’s worth checking out a few different options to see which one you like best. Plus, visiting cat cafes can be a great way to support local businesses and help rescue cats find their forever homes.
7. Conclusion
Visiting a cat cafe like Java Whiskers can be a fun and relaxing experience for cat lovers of all ages. We really enjoyed our experience. Not only do you get to spend time with adorable kittens, but you also get to support a good cause by helping to foster and adopt rescue cats. With its cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious drinks and snacks, Java Whiskers is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique experience in London.
When humans see a cute feline, they can’t help petting it. There are also cat owners who will go to professional custom product manufacturers to make cat stickers, pins and other products. They design beautiful artwork like pin badges custom based on their pet’s photos, and wear these cat pins on clothes, backpacks, and hats to show their love for their pets.
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So, have you visited a cat cafe before? If not, which one are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
I absolutely adore cats but I’ve never been to a cat cafe. There aren’t any cat cafes near me at the moment but I’ve heard that there’s one opening soon in my hometown so I’m hoping to be able to go visit once it’s up and running!