Cats have managed to purr their way into one of France’s most coveted social institutions – the café. Cat cafés have become an immensely popular addition to Paris’s café culture, over the past few years. The concept, which originally hails from Taiwan, allows patrons to enjoy their usual cup of tea or coffee with the added bonus of admiring and stroking the fluffy residents.Purr TherapyFor those who are unfamiliar with the concept, “purr therapy” refers to the therapeutic effects resultingfrom the purring of a cat. When a personstrokes or pets it, a catmost oftenelicitsapurr, the vibrations of which fall within a range of about 40-120 Hertz. These low-frequency vibrations have been linked to some pretty impressive health benefits including lowering blood pressure; promoting bone strength; healing muscles, tendons and ligament injuries; and providing stress relief. A recent study even indicated that cat owners have a 40% less risk of a heart attack. These apparent health benefits coupled with the overwhelming fondness humans have for our furry friends has seen purr therapy– and indeed cat cafés– quickly gain momentum.Where to get your Feline FixIn 2013, Parisians witnessed the opening of France’s first ever cat café in the Marais (where else?). Le Café des Chats opened its doors on rue Michel Le Comte to a flurry of feline fanatics and has enjoyed what can only be described as inexhaustible popularity ever since. The phenomenal success of Le Café des Chats in the Marais prompted the launch of a second branch on rue Sedaine in the 11tharrondissem*nt.Le Café des Chats (Marais) is open from Tuesday to Sunday and serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. While these cafés are not new, both branches of Le Café des Chats are still in such high demand that we recommend booking, especially if you are planning a cat-related coffee over the weekend. Chat Mallows Café is the newest kid on the block opening just last year. Located in the 15tharrondissem*nt on rue des Volontaires, the owners have opted for a more Asian approach to the concept creating a relaxing atmosphere wherecustomers and cats can chill and interact. It is an intimate space with no more than, say, six tables. Those who do manage to nab a seat can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and cat-inspired snacks. Expect to pay a little more than usual for a café au lait or a cup of tea but keeping in mind the novel company provided – it is pretty good value.It is no secret that urban living can be stressful and at times lonely. It is equally well known that pets are thought to provide their owners with relaxing companionship. In urban cities, however, where space is at a premium, city-dwellers are often prohibited from owning a pet. Cat cafés, therefore, may offer the purrfect solution.
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courtesy of Le Le café des chats
Cats have managed to purr their way into one of France’s most coveted social institutions – the café. Cat cafés have become an immensely popular addition to Paris’s café culture, over the past few years. The concept, which originally hails from Taiwan, allows patrons to enjoy their usual cup of tea or coffee with the added bonus of admiring and stroking the fluffy residents.
Purr Therapy
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, “purr therapy” refers to the therapeutic effects resultingfrom the purring of a cat. When a personstrokes or pets it, a catmost oftenelicitsapurr, the vibrations of which fall within a range of about 40-120 Hertz. These low-frequency vibrations have been linked to some pretty impressive health benefits including lowering blood pressure; promoting bone strength; healing muscles, tendons and ligament injuries; and providing stress relief. A recent study even indicated that cat owners have a 40% less risk of a heart attack. These apparent health benefits coupled with the overwhelming fondness humans have for our furry friends has seen purr therapy– and indeed cat cafés– quickly gain momentum.
A cat at Le café des chats. Photo: Sarah Breathnach
Relaxing cats Le café des chats. Photo: Sarah Breathnach
Where to get your Feline Fix
In 2013, Parisians witnessed the opening of France’s first ever cat café in the Marais (where else?). Le Café des Chats opened its doors on rue Michel Le Comte to a flurry of feline fanatics and has enjoyed what can only be described as inexhaustible popularity ever since. The phenomenal success of Le Café des Chats in the Marais prompted the launch of a second branch on rue Sedaine in the 11tharrondissem*nt.
Le Café des Chats (Marais) is open from Tuesday to Sunday and serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. While these cafés are not new, both branches of Le Café des Chats are still in such high demand that we recommend booking, especially if you are planning a cat-related coffee over the weekend.
“Yoga Cat,” photo courtesy of Le café des chats
Chat Mallows Café is the newest kid on the block opening just last year. Located in the 15tharrondissem*nt on rue des Volontaires, the owners have opted for a more Asian approach to the concept creating a relaxing atmosphere wherecustomers and cats can chill and interact. It is an intimate space with no more than, say, six tables. Those who do manage to nab a seat can enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks and cat-inspired snacks. Expect to pay a little more than usual for a café au lait or a cup of tea but keeping in mind the novel company provided – it is pretty good value.
It is no secret that urban living can be stressful and at times lonely. It is equally well known that pets are thought to provide their owners with relaxing companionship. In urban cities, however, where space is at a premium, city-dwellers are often prohibited from owning a pet. Cat cafés, therefore, may offer the purrfect solution.
Some of the cat residents of Chat Mallows café. Photo via Chat Mallows café
Lead photo credit : A cat at Le café des chats. Photo: Sarah Breathnach
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Sarah Breathnach is a Psychology graduate of Trinity College Dublin. Following the completion of her degree, she took the opportunity to move abroad and experience "La vie en France". Sarah is currently living and working in Paris, writing on the topics of life-style and culture.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topic, allow me to share my expertise on the phenomenon of cat cafés, a trend that has seamlessly integrated into the fabric of Paris's café culture. The concept, originating from Taiwan, has burgeoned into a significant social institution in France, particularly in Paris, over the past few years.
Let's delve into the fascinating world of cat cafés and the associated concept of "purr therapy," a term denoting the therapeutic effects resulting from the comforting purring of cats. I'll provide a comprehensive overview of the key concepts touched upon in the article:
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Cat Cafés in Paris:
- Cat cafés have become a popular addition to Paris's café culture, offering patrons the unique experience of enjoying their regular cup of tea or coffee while surrounded by adorable feline residents.
- Le Café des Chats, the first cat café in France, opened its doors in 2013 in the Marais district, followed by a second branch in the 11th arrondissem*nt on rue Sedaine. These establishments have experienced enduring popularity, necessitating advance bookings, particularly on weekends.
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Purr Therapy:
- "Purr therapy" refers to the therapeutic effects resulting from the purring of cats. When a person strokes or pets a cat, it often elicits a purr, characterized by vibrations falling within the range of about 40-120 Hertz.
- These low-frequency vibrations have been linked to various health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, promoting bone strength, aiding in the healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and providing stress relief.
- A recent study suggests that cat owners have a 40% lower risk of a heart attack, highlighting the potential health benefits associated with interactions with cats.
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Cat Cafés in Different Arrondissem*nts:
- Le Café des Chats (Marais) and its second branch in the 11th arrondissem*nt are recommended destinations for cat enthusiasts. Both cafés continue to enjoy high demand, necessitating reservations, especially on weekends.
- Chat Mallows Café, the newest addition in the 15th arrondissem*nt on rue des Volontaires, offers a more Asian-inspired approach to the concept. The intimate space provides a relaxing atmosphere for customers to interact with cats.
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Addressing Urban Stress and Loneliness:
- The article touches upon the stressful and sometimes lonely nature of urban living. While pets are known to provide relaxing companionship, the constraints of space in urban areas often prohibit city-dwellers from owning pets.
- Cat cafés are presented as a potential solution, offering individuals the opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with cats in a café setting.
In conclusion, cat cafés in Paris, with their fusion of coffee culture and the joy of feline companionship, exemplify a unique and appealing trend that addresses both the challenges of urban living and the desire for relaxation and companionship. The article provides valuable insights into the origins, health benefits, and popularity of cat cafés in Paris, making it a delightful read for cat enthusiasts and café culture aficionados alike.
