Interesting ideas come out of Japan. The latest trends over the years is the Cat Cafe. I wonder if such a cafe business would work in the U.S., but probably not as successful as in Japan.
I have heard of dogs for rent, where people can rent dogs for the hour and just take them out for the day.
At Cafe Nekorobi all the cats have their own photograph albums for visitors to look through. Image source.
Norimasa Hanada, owner of Neko no mise (Shop of Cats) was among the first to open up a cat cafe. Handa explained, cat cafe are popular with young urbanites who live in rental apartments that prohibit pets. While most family condominium allow pets, it’s really the young single people who could use some comfort and companionship of a pet.
Here is Megumi, 33, an office worker. She noticed that each cat cafe has it’s own vibe. This one at Neko no mise, has more friendly cats that are less stressed out. Image source.
The fees are charged by the hour, from $7 - $10. In order to survive in the cat cafe business, they need a high turnover rate of visitors. Despite the recession, the folks here don’t mind spending the money to hang out with these furry creatures. Maybe it is due to work or other stressful events, that cat cafes are so popular. Consider it “pet therapy”.
