Germany’s First Cat Cafe

Upon hearing about it and as a cat lover and guardian to two cats myself, Coco and Fuego, I was there the next day.

Close-up photo of Jack who is missing one leg, and is one of the resident cats at the Cafe-Katzentempel

Jack one of the cafe’s resident cats, who is missing one of his rear hind legs.

Anyone who knows anything about cats knows who is the boss – hint… it isn’t you. Cafe-Katzentempel is no different. It’s home to four cats from the animal shelter; Gizmo (who’s the boss), Ayla, Jack and Balou. The cats live there, you are simply a guest in their home. You can play with them or pet them, IF they decide to let you. There are lots of high shelves where they can look down on you, but also lower cat beds, where they just may welcome a chin rub…if they’re in the mood of course. They also have a private space in the back when they need to get away from it all. The decorations are simple and designed for the cats – as it should be.

Cats and people mingle at Cafe-Katezentempel, but the cats are the first priority.

Jack sleeping like a baby, while everyone enjoys their coffee and cakes around him.

Despite it being all about the cats, the coffee and cakes are good. We didn’t eat, but a light vegan menu of soups, sandwiches and curries are also served.

Each time you go it will be a different experience. You may see different cats and depending on their moods which change with the wind, they may be playful, cuddly, aloof, or do a disappearing act if your presence is too much to bear. Cafe-Katzentempel is definitely worthy of repeat visits – I’ve been twice already.

Cat enjoying the atmosphere from the comfort of his bed.

Know Before You Go to Cafe-Katzentempel:

The website is in German only, but more info is available here.
It is open Tue – Fri from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm and Sunday and holidays from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, closed on Mondays.
It’s located at Türkenstr 29, just a short walk from the Universität U-bahn or nearby tram stops.
You are not allowed to pick up the cats and bring them to your lap (if they come to you it’s fine).
Photos are allowed, but without the flash.
Please treat the cats with respect, this is their home.
Cafe-Katzentempel also donates part of their earnings to animal welfare causes.
In many places in Germany, you can bring your dog, for obvious reasons this isn’t one of them.

Note: I did not receive any compensation or freebies for writing this post, as a cat-lover I just wanted to share it.

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