Cat Lovers, These Are The Best Cat Cafes Around The World, According To Customers

If you're looking for a relaxing moment during your travels or crave time with some kitty companions, a cat cafe is the perfect solution. The first cat cafe opened in Taiwan in 1998, and the trend quickly spread. Today, there are more than 250 cat cafes worldwide. Japan is the country with the most, which is why you'll see the word "neko" ("cat" in Japanese) in the name of many cat cafes around the world.

Each cat cafe has its particularities and quirky cat residents, but there are some general rules. For instance, you'll often have to pay a cover or per-hour charge in addition to food and drink purchases. Some don't allow children. It's also usually a good idea or even required to reserve a table in advance, as most venues are small and (understandably) popular. Whether they're available for adoption or "purrmanent" residents of the cafe, the cats should also be healthy and comfortable. For instance, quality cat cafes always provide places for their cats to hide and tell customers not to disturb sleeping cats.

Cat cafes usually offer coffee, tea, and pastries, and sometimes full meals and alcoholic beverages, and for cat lovers, these cafes are a fantastic concept. To find those that stand out in the clowder, we've combed through lists created by travel experts and compared promising establishments with reviews on sites like Tripadvisor and Google Reviews to highlight some of the world's best cat cafes.

Some people go to cat cafes to play with cats, while others just want to pet kitties and relax while enjoying the atmosphere. If you're the latter type, Tokyo's Cat Cafe MONTA could be the "purrfect" cat cafe for you. Housed in a large room that reviewers often praise for its coziness and cleanliness, around nine cats of different breeds roam, lounge, and sleep while visitors enjoy the soothing ambiance and have a snack or drink. Cat Cafe MONTA's calm feline vibes are so memorable that cat cafe travel expert Paula LaBine of The Neighbor's Cat ranks it among her top cat cafes in the world. Many online reviewers agree that it's an excellent place to take a break and enjoy the presence of cats. On Google, Shiv Rajurs writes, "Owner cares a lot about the cats. Great atmosphere and friendly animals." On Tripadvisor, Emily T calls it a "Tranquil cafe with well loved and beautiful cats."

Part of this tranquility comes from the fact that the cafe's owner is known for being very strict about rules regarding the well-being of the cats (which is a good thing). Cat Cafe MONTA is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Monday. It's closed on Tuesdays and some Wednesdays. Children under 11 aren't permitted.

Founded in 2013, Cat Café Budapest seems nearly universally loved. Almost all of its more than 7,500 Google reviews are 5-star, and Tripadvisor also includes many glowing recommendations. One Tripadvisor user writes, "This was one of the nicest cat cafes I have visited in Europe," finishing her positive review by observing, " All cats very well looked after and relaxed in their environment. If you are a cat lover it's a must!" Cat Café Budapest is also a favorite among cat cafe travel experts, with The Neighbor's Cat's Paula LaBine calling it "A treat all around." Emma from the blog Adventures of a London Kiwi ranks it as one of the best cat cafes in the world, saying that it's "So good we've been there twice on two separate trips."

With its cozy atmosphere and population of friendly cats who seem full of "purrsonality", it's no wonder. The welcoming cafe's resident felines include both cats and kittens, many of which are rescues. Reservations aren't required, although the cafe warns there might be a wait to be seated at times. Children under 8 are allowed only on weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

One of two very popular cat cafes in New York (the other is the nearby Meow Parlour), Koneko is the more unique option, first for its Japanese-inspired decor and menu items, and second (and most importantly) because it's one of the few cat cafes to have an outdoor catio in addition to its indoor spaces. No wonder reviewers often mention how particularly relaxed its cats seem. These chill, charming cats are rescues from local shelters and are all available for adoption, so if you bond with one during your visit, you might end up with a new kitty roommate.

Like many cat cafes, Koneko charges an entry fee. It's a bit pricey, but then again, so is pretty much everything in one of the most expensive destinations in the U.S. The only major downside is that Koneko is often very crowded, so reservations are a must. Families should also know that kids under 8 are only allowed at Koneko during Kids Hours, on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Still, it's worth braving the crowds and finding a time slot to have a special moment at this unique cat cafe. One glowing Google Review says, "Cafe is cute and cozy ... If we could have adopted any [of the cats] we would have." They also appreciated the decor: "our 8 year old who watched Japan vlogs with me was absolutely infatuated and excited to be there."

Located in Prague's Smíchov district, Kočiči Kavarna has everything you'd want from a cat cafe, including charming decor, cozy ambiance, cute desserts (including a cat-face cupcake), food and drinks at reasonable prices, and cats who are not only healthy and adorable, but also friendly. It's no wonder that Kočiči Kavarna has over 2,700 rave reviews on Google alone. One reviewer sums it up: "Very nice place with very nice cats." Cat cafe expert Paula LaBine of The Neighbor's Cat echoes this sentiment, writing, "The cats, the environment, the food/drink and service were all top notch, making a visit to Kočiči Kavarna a wonderfully satisfying and highly recommended break when in Prague."

True to its cozy charm, Kočiči Kavarna doesn't have a website, although it does have a very active Facebook page. Kočiči Kavarna is open every day from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cafe is cash-only (for the time being), children seem to be allowed, and reservations aren't required, though there may be a wait to get in. Interestingly, there's another cat cafe in Prague with the name in reverse: Kavarna Kočiči. These aren't run by the same people, but if you get confused and end up in that one, it is also a lovely cat cafe, so this isn't the worst travel mistake you could make.

Founded in 2004, Neko No Jikan was the first cat cafe in Japan, and it's beloved by locals and visitors alike. Located on the second floor of a building in Kita ward of budget-friendly Osaka, it's a reasonably small space with traditional Japanese features like tatami flooring. The cats have windows to look out of and lots of spots to sleep — but customer reviews often mention that many of them are also fond of sitting or even sleeping on people's laps, one of the best cat cafe experiences anyone could hope for. In a Google Review, one happy client writes, "Cats are very well taken care of. Nice, comfy and reasonably priced place to spend an hour ... Cats are all comfortable around you and happy to be petted or sit on you."

Neko No Jikan is open Wednesday through Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations are required but remember that, like all cat cafes, Neko No Jikan can get crowded, so you may still want to make one. If you're traveling with children, be aware that young ones are only allowed in the cafe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and only for 30 minutes. Ages aren't listed on the website, so you may want to contact the cafe to find out which ages this applies to.

Of the dozens of cat cafes in Tokyo, Rescue Cat Cafe Meooow! stands out for all the right reasons. It's not as glamorous or whimsical as many of Tokyo's other cat cafes, but it offers a cozy, relaxing environment and helps rescue cats, including some with very specific requirements. Drinks and snacks are far from the stars here — instead, it's more a place to play or get lap time with cats. You can even borrow a blanket to make your lap more inviting. Visitors and regulars frequently describe the cats as friendly and clearly loved. All of them are up for adoption, and the cafe is proud that many of its former residents have found "furr-ever" homes. The ambiance is no-frills but cozy. One Google reviewer writes: "Compared to other cat cafes, it feels like a part of your home." No wonder Tokyo Weekender featured Rescue Cat Cafe Meooow! on its list of ethical cat cafes.

The cafe is generally open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and reservations are required. However, the cafe often temporarily closes on short notice and advises people to check the reservation calendar for hours and availability. The calendar may not be updated far in advance, so if you're planning a trip to Tokyo, it may be better to contact the cafe by email for details and opening hours.