Cats from Paris {France}

When I was in Paris earlier this month, I had the chance to test out its two cat cafés: Le Chat Mallows (which you can read about here) and Le Café des Chats.

Le Café des Chats

Whereas Le Chat Mallows is decorated with bright colors and is totally cat-obsessed, Le Café des Chats goes for a more moderate approach with warm shades and few cat-themed decorations. In fact, Le Café des Chats looks very much like a normal café, except that you have a dozen cats roaming the premises. You can easily take your cat-hating friends here and they wouldn't mind.

The cats

All the cats were adopted at cat shelters and have been given a second chance at the cat café. Le Café des Chats is now their permanent home. They stay here day and night.

Unfortunately, though the cats were chosen based on their sociable behavior towards humans and other animals, it was obvious some of them were unhappy.

The problem is the staff was too busy serving the many customers rather than making sure the cats were well treated. This resulted in the cats being picked up against their will, poked in the face with toys, and chased by children.

While the cats can go downstairs to the “cats only” area, it was obvious that some of them just wanted to be left alone in “their” home instead of having to hide. The white and ginger kitty tried to get away from the children at all cost, but his attempts were in vain. If he were up for adoption, I would have probably taken him home.

The food

The food portions are ginormous and the prices normal. This makes Le Café des Chats a better place to have brunch or dinner than Le Chat Mallows. On the other hand, because Le Café des Chats is so crowded and much bigger, you'll have less direct contact with the cats.

Good to know is that part of the revenue of Le Café des Chats goes to animal welfare organizations.

Practical information:

Address: 9, rue Sedaine, 11ième arrondissement, Paris.

Nearest metro station: Bastille or Bréguet-Sabin

Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 10:30 pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 11 pm).

Reserving a spot isn't necessary, but on busy days you can have long queues outside of the café.