Leading animal welfare organizations in the UK have called for the gradual closure of cat cafes across the country. The RSPCA and Cats Protection issued this warning following the rise in these businesses, where customers can interact with cats and even adopt them.
Both charities argue that the cafe setting makes it “almost impossible” to meet the cats’ welfare needs. The proximity to other animals and strangers can cause stress for the cats, who may not be comfortable in such environments.
Alice Potter, a cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, stated: “While cats, cake, and coffee may seem like a delightful combination for people, the reality for the cats living in these cafes 24/7 is likely quite different. We don’t believe these environments can consistently offer a good quality of life for cats, and we’re extremely concerned that many cats may experience unhappiness as a result.”
Potter further explained that cats are generally solitary animals and many prefer to live independently or form social groups with only their close relatives. The cafe setting conflicts with these natural behaviors, adding to their distress.
Currently, there are over 30 licensed cat cafes in England, with almost half of these licenses issued in the past year. However, both charities express concerns that there may be additional cat cafes operating without proper oversight due to ambiguous regulations.
Cat cafes are regulated by local authorities under rules pertaining to animal exhibition. The RSPCA and Cats Protection advocate for a halt in the issuance of new licenses and the non-renewal of existing ones, believing this would allow these businesses to phase out gradually.
Potter emphasized that cats in these cafes are primarily being used for entertainment, which she believes negatively affects their well-being. “Cats are essentially being used for amusement, and we are worried that they are suffering a poor quality of life as a result,” she said.
Daniel Warren-Cummings, the central behavior officer for Cats Protection, pointed out that cats often conceal signs of stress. He explained, “Some cats may pretend to sleep when they’re stressed, which can lead customers to wrongly assume they’re simply resting.”
On the other hand, some believe that instead of completely eliminating cat cafes, stricter monitoring and regulation could improve conditions for the cats.
Lauren Pears, the owner of Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium in east London, argued for responsible practices within the industry. “A reputable cat cafe should have age restrictions, capacity limits, and dedicated staff who are well-versed in cat care,” she said. Pears also recommended that those wanting to open a cat cafe should hold qualifications in animal husbandry to better understand the welfare implications of their business decisions.
“I support regulation and oversight of the industry to ensure better conditions for the cats,” she concluded.
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