PSA: This is from my own personal experiences while in Japan. If you liked going to one, this post is not meant to bring judgment to you.
In 2024, I was walking around Kyoto for a bit, and came across a Cat Cafe that recently opened. I was curious, and walked inside to what seemed like a clean spot, with tons of cats. I was the only one in there, so I felt rude not at least purchasing a beverage.
The staff were very nice, and the cats seemed somewhat well kept, however here is where the interesting part comes in. There were a LOT of cats in that level of the building. I'd say somewhere from 35-50 cats. All seeming to be fighting for your attention, which includes food you may be feeding them.
They gave me some cat food to feed them, and the moment I tried to feed them, they each got food aggressive and started going after eachother violently, for the food I had on my plate. I felt incredibly awkward, but didn't want to seem rude.
However, here is where the depressing part comes in. They didn't just have cats, they had raccoons you could take pictures with, and a dog you could walk. I saw this big beautiful bernese mountain dog just sitting alone in a tiny room, with no human interaction. Not another dog, person, anything!
You could pay to walk them, so I decided to give this dog some activity, or who knows how long it would be isolated. I didn't really want to, but I'd figure I'd make that dogs day just a little better. I will admit, if it wasn't for doing that, I probably wouldn't have seen this incredibly beautiful hidden spot.
I've come to realize that a lot of these things tourists do, have unintended consequences. I wish I never walked into that place. I wish I never knew what I know now. I'm hoping that was just my poor experience, and that animal cafes are much better throughout the country, but if you ask me; I wouldn't contribute to an industry like this, that could have incredibly negative consequences for the animals they use for their income.
by Howtobe_normal