Taipei’s Cat Flower Garden has been frequently referred to as the world’s first cat café, but it didn’t experience a bustling start when it first opened nearly two decades ago.
What Is The Cat Flower Café
The title of the world’s oldest operating cat café belongs to Kitten Garden, which is located in Taipei, Taiwan, China, and has been in business for an impressive 24 years. Known alternatively as “Cat Flower Garden” this unique establishment first opened its doors in 1998, situated near Zhishan Station in Taipei’s Shilin District.
Currently, Kitten Garden boasts a diverse animal family, which includes 12 cats, along with two dogs and a bird. Visitors can enjoy the novelty of cats freely roaming, even hopping onto tables and interacting with patrons. Additionally, treats for the feline residents are available for purchase at the café. The menu offers a wide variety of food and the café’s shelves are stocked with an assortment of cat-themed books. Kitten Garden’s success has paved the way for the emergence of similar cat café not only in Taipei but also around the world.
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Inside, these feline residents have the liberty to roam as they please, which includes jumping onto tables and mingling with the guests. Snacks tailored for these delightful creatures are available for purchase, making it an ideal spot for those who relish the company of furry companions while sipping a beverage. When left undisturbed, the cats can often be found indulging in lengthy catnaps, sprawled out on chairs or nestled in cozy corners. They tend to wake up when food is on offer, but by and large, they appear to thoroughly relish their peaceful moments of slumber.
Cat Flower Garden’s menu presents a delightful selection of beverages, including fruit teas, coffee, and the occasional sweet treat such as cakes and cookies, some of which are freshly baked in charming cat-shaped designs. The café’s interior is adorned predominantly in shades of pink, radiating an aura of sheer adorableness. As an added bonus, their shelves are thoughtfully stocked with an assortment of books dedicated to our feline friends.
Learn more about this unique cat café in Shanghai here!
According to the manager, cafés with cats had been in existence prior to Cat Flower Garden’s establishment. However, this café was the initial pioneer of combining cats and cafés and they were the first to gain extensive media attention on a global scale. That’s how they earned the title of the “first cat café“.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of the iconic Cat Flower Garden, a pioneering establishment that holds the title of the first cat café still in existence, we hope you’ve enjoyed this journey through the heartwarming world of feline companionship and cozy café culture.
Sources: vice, guinness world records
