CATEA, a cat teahouse in Singapore, has captured attention for its unique concept—combining Chinese tea with the charm of Ragdoll cats. Initially, the idea seemed like just another cat café, but upon deeper investigation, it became clear that CATEA stands apart from other pet cafés by offering a calming and culturally rich experience.
The founder and owner of CATEA, Chen Jiade, known as JD, shared that his deep passion for Ragdoll cats and Chinese tea led him to create this distinctive business. A self-described “passionate Ragdoll enthusiast,” JD had adopted several Ragdolls over the years before deciding to open a cat-friendly café. “Ragdolls are known for their laid-back and friendly personalities, which is why I love them,” JD explained. Unlike more independent or high-energy cat breeds, Ragdolls are known for their affectionate nature, making them ideal companions for a café setting where interaction with customers is encouraged.
JD, who has a background in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, wanted to merge his two passions—cats and hospitality. However, with many existing cat cafés in Singapore, JD sought to differentiate CATEA by integrating his Teochew heritage. Having been raised drinking tea daily, JD envisioned a café that would combine Chinese teas with the soothing atmosphere of spending time with cats.
The idea for the teahouse took shape after several months of planning. JD faced challenges in finding the perfect location—one that was centrally located but still offered a tranquil ambiance. The renovations, which required significant investment, were time-consuming, as the space needed to be divided into areas for both the cats and the café’s food and beverage services.
For a first-time visitor, CATEA’s peaceful and minimalist atmosphere stands out. On a visit to the teahouse, a reviewer noticed the quiet, calming vibe that set it apart from other cafés. The lack of an entrance fee and the absence of hourly charges, which are common in other pet cafés, make CATEA’s pricing more justifiable, though drinks typically range between S$16 and S$25.
JD emphasized that the teahouse’s drink menu features a range of “beginner-friendly” teas, many sourced from China, catering to the preferences of younger Singaporeans. The reviewer, accustomed to Western teas at other pet cafés, found this a refreshing change and enjoyed one of CATEA’s bestselling teas, the Yashi Duckshit Dan Cong tea, which offered a subtle floral scent and light taste.
Though many of the Ragdolls were sleepy during the visit, they were affectionate and welcomed guests’ petting. The cats’ friendly nature, a hallmark of the breed, contributed to the overall positive experience. JD’s choice of Ragdolls as the café’s sole breed proved successful, with visitors, like Natalie, a cat lover, noting the cats’ calmer temperament compared to other cafés in the area.
CATEA’s popularity has soared since its opening, with consistent growth in customer visits and social media engagement. JD shared that the teahouse received more than 200 reservations in a single month, reflecting the strong public interest in the unique experience CATEA offers. Despite the success, JD remains cautiously optimistic about the long-term sustainability of the business.
Looking ahead, JD has ambitious plans to expand CATEA’s brand presence both online and internationally. He hopes to sell packs of Chinese tea leaves so customers can enjoy the experience at home. JD is also considering the possibility of opening new locations, aiming to break even within the first year of operations.
As CATEA continues to grow, its distinctive fusion of Ragdoll cats and Chinese tea is solidifying its place as a unique attraction in Singapore, offering both cat lovers and tea enthusiasts a new way to unwind and relax.
Related Topics
