Some business owners are starting to understand the needs of certain segments of society and are adapting (or reinventing) their establishments. This is how "pet-friendly" places are emerging. Hotels, cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and a long etcetera of establishments where customers can bring their pets.
It makes you wonder: why has this right been denied to us for so long? Why have we sometimes had to choose between going out for coffee or staying home with our pet? Enjoying leisure time with our pet is one of life's great pleasures. Don't you think?
That said, as "pet-friendly" establishments are becoming more common, another type of establishment is emerging that goes a little further and which we love: places where you can meet pets while having a coffee and, when the time comes, adopt them.
Espai de Gats
The creators of "Espai de Gats" in Barcelona have opened a "cat cafe" that is also a cat adoption center and a school.
At "Espai de Gats," you can enjoy a coffee calmly while meeting the beautiful abandoned cats living in the establishment. If a connection forms between a person and a cat, if they suddenly feel they can't live without each other, adoption is a possibility.
Additionally, you can learn about felines and animal welfare, because they organize workshops and courses on behavior, health, communication, enriching the cat's environment, rights…
At "Espai de Gats", external cats are not allowed. That is, you cannot bring your cat with you. This is because the cats in the establishment undergo strict veterinary and preventive control, which prevents other cats from entering. However, while you cannot bring your cat, you can leave "Espai de Gats" taking one home with you if the magic happens. So the experience is definitely worthwhile.
La Gatoteca
The physical headquarters of the ABRIGA Association was created to help homeless cats. Cats that were in other shelters or other associations and rescue organizations, for whom no one has shown interest and who are getting old...
These cats are part of the controlled colony of "La Gatoteca", where they recover physically and emotionally, with the goal of finding a permanent home.
"La Gatoteca", in Madrid, defines itself as a Cat Club, because it offers educational, therapeutic, and recreational activities related to the feline world. They hold courses and talks, but also assisted therapies for people with disabilities and all kinds of entertainment activities: yoga with cats, acoustic concerts, craft workshops, festivals, markets...
But what stands out most is their permanent cat cafe service, so you can have a drink while meeting cats, petting them, and playing with them. If love blossoms, you can even process an adoption.
The cafe operates differently from a normal one: here, the cats are the important thing, so they charge for the time spent with them, instead of 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 the feline company.
And now it's your turn, Aristopeters. What do you think of these initiatives? Do you know any of these places? Tell us about your experience on our social media!