The owners of some establishments are beginning to understand the needs of certain sectors of society and are adapting them (or reinventing them). This is how “pet-friendly” establishments are emerging. Hotels, cafés, restaurants, bookstores, and a long list of other places where customers can go accompanied by their pets.
When you think about it, why were we denied the right to do so for so long? Why have we sometimes had to choose between going out for coffee or staying home with our pet? Enjoying our leisure time with our pet is one of life’s great pleasures. Don’t you agree?
That said, now that the “pet-friendly” concept is becoming established, another one is beginning to emerge that goes a little further and that we love: establishments where you can meet pets while having a coffee and, when the time comes, adopt them.
Espai de gats
The people behind “Espai de gats” in Barcelona have created a “cat café” that is also a cat adoption center and a school.
At “Espai de gats,” you can enjoy a coffee in peace while meeting the beautiful abandoned cats that live at the establishment. If there is chemistry between the person and the cat, if they suddenly feel they cannot live without each other, adoption is possible.
You can also learn about felines and animal welfare, because they organize workshops and courses on behavior, health, communication, enrichment of the cat’s environment, rights…
At “Espai de gats”, outside cats are not allowed access. In other words, you cannot bring your cat with you. This is because the cats at the establishment are subject to strict veterinary and preventive monitoring, making it impossible for other cats to enter. However, although you cannot bring your cat, you can leave “Espai de gats” with one if the magic happens. So the experience is well worth it.
La gatoteca
The physical headquarters of the ABRIGA Association was created to help homeless cats. These are cats that were in other shelters or other associations and rescue organizations, whom no one has shown interest in and who are growing older…
These cats are part of the controlled colony at “La gatoteca,” where they recover physically and emotionally, with the aim of finding them a permanent home.
“La gatoteca” in Madrid defines itself as the Cat Club, because it offers educational, therapeutic, and recreational activities related to the feline world. They hold courses and talks, as well as assisted therapies for people with disabilities and all kinds of entertainment activities: yoga with cats, acoustic concerts, arts and crafts workshops, festivals, flea markets…
But what stands out most is its permanent cat café service, where you can have something to drink while meeting cats, petting them, and playing with them. If love blossoms, you may even arrange an adoption.
The café works the opposite way from a normal one: here, the cats are what matters, so you pay for the time spent with them rather than for the drink. The interior is like a living room: it has sofas, low tables, books, free Wi-Fi, and… lots of cats. So when you go, be prepared to relax and enjoy feline company.
And now it’s your turn, aristopeters. What do you think of these initiatives? Do you know any of these establishments? Tell us about your experience on our social media!