Due to the strict nature of Tokyo, and by extension Yokohama, building code, many people aren't allowed to have cats. So of course, "Cat Cafes" sprung up everywhere. These are places you can go and pay cash money to hang out with adorable felines. For our first Yokohama adventure, we headed to one right next to Machida station. The pretty lady to the left is Charlotte. She's quite the princess, isn't she?
To the right, you can see me with Shiratama. This is a relaxed, awesome cat who tolerated bunny ears, a Santa hat, and some maneki action (a classic Japanese representation of cats where one paw is lifted and one down, inviting wealth and customers). The clerk at the store, who has the best job in the world, would pick the cats up and play with them like that. Below is a video of Agari getting the maneki treatment.
To the right, Matt and Nik cuddle with Konatsu, a mustached cat (female) who is quite temperamental. She curled up with the boys for awhile, but decided to swat and bite at me when I disturbed her too much. I think she got a bit ashamed of herself because later she decided to come perch on my lap.
Where is the toy? (Under the pillow.)
Cat quiz lightning round: how many cats can fit under a kotatsu (heated table)?
Answer: at least 15, or the total number of cats in the cafe.
Friendly little Pokki, zonked on a computer for most of our visit, gives me loves.
Nik plays with Mikumo, a scruffy, mangy little dear.
Pokki again, dancing goodbye to us. What a great cat! No temper whatsoever, just lovely and loving. And very, very tolerant. I think if I lived in Yokohama I would come to cat cafes regularly, as it is a relatively low-cost way to interact with felines. It's a great way to get the fun of cats without the long-term financial and time investments. One day I do want to be a cat owner, but for now, living in an apartment with no way to tell what my next living situation will be like, I am happy to be one of the many people visiting cats now and again.
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