If you want to relieve the fatigue of work or school, spending some time relaxing at a cat cafe is one option. You can spend some time relaxing and feeling lighter in your heart by interacting with the free-spirited cats.

In this article, we will explain popular cat cafes in Shin-Nakano, must-visit spots in the Nakano area, and tips for enjoying a cat cafe.

Recommended cat cafes around Shin-Nakano

While the options are limited in the immediate vicinity of Shin-Nakano Station, if you expand your search a little, you'll find plenty of unique and charming cat cafes. Below, we'll introduce some recommended cat cafes in the Shin-Nakano and Nakano areas.

If you're in Shin-Nakano, we recommend "Miagolare"

If you are looking for a cat cafe near Shin-Nakano Station, we recommend the cat shelter cafe "Miagolare."

There are many friendly rescued cats here, and they will even come and sit on your lap, making this a space cat lovers will love. The admission fee includes free drinks, and manga is also available, so you can spend a quiet and relaxing time watching the cute cats.

Address	〒164-0012 2nd Fujio Building 3F, 30-26 Honmachi 4-chome, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
access	1 minute walk from Shin-Nakano Station Exit 1
Opening times	11:30-21:30
Closed Day	Thursday

2 Cat Cafes in the Nakano Area

If you go a little further from Shin-Nakano, you'll find a variety of unique cat cafes around Nakano Station, ranging from shops located in bustling shopping districts to cafes with unique concepts that focus on cat rescue activities.

・Cat Cafe Sorarikuya Plus Nakano Sun Mall Branch ・Shirasagi Cafe

Cat Cafe Sorarikuya Plus Nakano Sun Mall Branch

"Cat Cafe Sorarikuya Plus Nakano Sun Mall Branch" is a cat cafe where you can also work in a spacious space.

The store, which is attached to a pet shop, is lined with many cat towers, allowing you to view the cats from various angles. It also comes equipped with Wi-Fi and desk space, so you can work or study remotely while being soothed by the cats.

Address	〒164-0001 5-67-10 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
access	3 minutes walk from the north exit of Nakano Station
Opening times	Weekdays 11:00-20:00 Weekends 10:00-20:00
Closed Day	Irregular holidays

Shirasagi Cafe

Shirasagi Cafe is a cat cafe attached to a veterinary hospital that is looking for foster parents, where you can interact with cats in a safe environment, with their health being well-managed.

The shop has a homely, cozy atmosphere, and you'll be greeted by calm adult cats, so you can spend a peaceful time here. The price is one drink, and it's great that it's not just for people hoping to become foster parents, but also for those who want to spend some relaxing time with cats while waiting at the vet's office.

Address	〒165-0035 2-33-8 Shirasagi, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
access	9 minutes walk from the south exit of Saginomiya Station
Opening times	Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10:00-12:00 Sat 16:00-18:00
Closed Day	Wednesday and Thursday

Things to know before going to a cat cafe

Cat cafes are places where you can interact with adorable cats, but there are rules to follow to ensure the cats have a comfortable stay. If you're planning on going to a cat cafe, be sure to check the following four points.

・Do not forcefully hold the animal ・Do not use flash photography ・Do not feed the animal human food or drink ・Avoid strong-smelling perfumes

Don't forcefully hold

In most cat cafes, forcible picking up of cats is prohibited to ensure their safety and comfort. Cats naturally dislike being restricted and find it extremely stressful.

If you ignore your cat's protests and restrain it, it may scratch you out of fear, which could lead to poor health. The key to enjoying a good time with your cat is to interact with it gently at its own pace, such as waiting for it to naturally come and sit on your lap.

Do not use flash

Flash photography is prohibited in most cat cafes because it can cause serious damage to the cats' eyes.

Cats are sensitive to light, so a powerful camera flash can not only damage their retina, but can also cause them great fear and stress. To protect your cat's health and safety, always turn off the flash when taking photos and use natural light.

Do not give human food or drink

Feeding human food and drinks to cats in cat cafes is prohibited as it is seriously harmful to the cats' health.

Human food contains too much salt and sugar, which puts a strain on cats' kidneys. Also, many foods, like chocolate, contain dangerous ingredients that can be life-threatening and cause poisoning even in small amounts. Cats' diets are strictly controlled, so even if they want to eat them, you should never give them to them.

Avoid strong perfumes

When visiting a cat cafe, avoid using perfume or strongly scented hand cream.

Cats have a sense of smell that is tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands times stronger than humans, so artificial scents can cause great stress and discomfort. The essential oils and alcohol contained in perfumes cannot be broken down properly in cats' bodies, and can cause poisoning and other health problems.

Therefore, it is important to take care to ensure that cats feel safe, including by using fabric softeners with strong scents.

What to wear to a cat cafe

Choosing the right outfit is surprisingly important for enjoying your visit to a cat cafe. To ensure a safe and comfortable time for both you and the cats, keep the following points in mind.

・Wear clothes that are easy to move in and don't mind getting dirty. ・Wear clothes made of materials that don't attract cat hair. ・Remove any accessories.

Comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting dirty

To make the most of your time at the cat cafe, we recommend wearing clothes that are easy to move in and don't mind getting dirty.

When playing with a cat, you will often be sitting or standing on the floor, so it is best to wear active clothing such as pants. Also, your clothes may get covered in a lot of cat hair or get scratched by the cat's claws when playing with them.

Avoid expensive clothing or delicate materials in case of an accident or spill.

Clothing made of materials that don't attract cat hair

You'll have a more comfortable time at a cat cafe if you choose clothes made from materials that don't attract cat hair. Recommended materials are smooth materials like cotton, denim, polyester, and nylon.

Fabrics with a smooth surface are less likely to tangle with cat hair, and even if they do get on, they are easier to brush off with your hand, making for a more enjoyable experience with your cat. On the other hand, avoid brushed materials such as knits, fleece, and corduroy, as hair can get stuck deep into the fibers and become difficult to remove.

By being a little conscious of the materials you wear, you can enjoy yourself without worrying about getting fur on your clothes.

Remove accessories

When going to a cat cafe, it is best to remove any jewelry to prevent the cats from getting hurt.

Cats have a habit of playing with things that sway or shine, and they see earrings, earrings, necklaces, etc. as toys. If a part comes off while a cat is playing and accidentally swallows it, it could lead to serious, life-threatening conditions such as choking or intestinal blockage.

There is also a risk of injury to cats or people, or damage to your precious jewelry. Many stores have issued warnings about jewelry, so be sure to remove it before entering the store.

Tips for interacting with cats at a cat cafe

If you've visited a cat cafe, you may want to make friends with lots of cats. To get the cats to open up to you and share a fun time with you, try keeping the following tips in mind.

・Wait for the cat to approach you ・Let the cat smell you first to make it feel at ease ・Choose a place to gently stroke it ・Ask the staff if you have any questions

Wait for the cat to approach you

The best way to make friends with the cats at a cat cafe is to respect their pace and wait for them to approach you.

Cats are naturally cautious and will feel frightened if chased by a person bigger than them. Therefore, instead of aggressively pursuing them, try to create an environment where the cat feels safe approaching by sitting quietly on the floor or attracting their attention with a toy.

If the cat shows interest, it's a great opportunity to build trust. The key to deepening your bond with your cat is to wait patiently until the cat approaches.

First, let them smell it to make them feel at ease

To become friends with a cat, don't try to touch it suddenly, but let it smell your finger first.

For cats, sniffing someone they meet for the first time is an important greeting to confirm, "Who are you?" It's proof that they're using their excellent sense of smell to gather information and determine whether the person is safe. If your cat shows interest, slowly hold out your index finger.

If your cat sniffs your finger and rubs its face against you, it's a sign that it's open to you. Greeting it in a cat-like way will ease its guardedness and make subsequent interactions smoother.

Choose a place to gently stroke

When interacting with your cat, choose a place where they will enjoy being petted.

Generally, many cats like to be petted on their heads, under their chins, at the base of their ears, and on their backs, as these are areas where they have a concentration of scent glands that leave behind their own scent. When petting, gently stroke your fingertips slowly along the fur.

On the other hand, avoid areas that cats dislike, such as their stomachs, which are sensitive areas, or their tails and paws, where nerves are concentrated. The key to building a trusting relationship is to pay attention to your cat's facial expressions and tail movements, and stop immediately if they show any signs of dislike.

If you have any questions, ask the staff

The quickest way to become friends with the cats at a cat cafe is to not hesitate to ask the staff.

The cats at the shop come in a variety of breeds and fur colors, and each one has a different personality, ranging from friendly to wary. The staff who take care of the cats every day are familiar with each cat's name, personality, favorite toys, and how to pet them to make them happy.

Therefore, if you ask a cat you're interested in, "What kind of cat is this?", you'll be able to learn how to interact with the cat in a way that suits it, and you'll be able to safely get closer to the cat without annoying it.

If you're looking for relaxation, we recommend the cat cafe in Shin-Nakano!

We've introduced places where you can meet charming cats, from Miagolare in Shin-Nakano to the unique cat cafes in the Nakano area. Each shop is home to lovely cats who warmly welcome visitors.

If you keep in mind some manners and tips for interacting with cats properly, they will surely open up to you and provide you with the ultimate in comfort. Please use this article as a reference to find a place you like and be sure to visit.