Articles

The first cat café in the world opened in Taipei, Taiwan in 1998. From there they spread to Japan and also Hong Kong and then all over the world (including even Reykjavik, Iceland). The first in North America was in Montreal, and the first in the U.S in Oakland, California.

We now have two in Chicago: <https://www.windykittychicago.com> and <https://thecatcade.org/>.

Also, Tree House Humane Society, which was supposed to be the first cat café in Chicago, has opened their sleek new shelter/adoption facility near me, but the café aspect of it seems to have been delayed by health department regulations, something that has hampered the growth of cat cafés in the U.S. in general. Meanwhile, there seems to be no such problem in Japan: <https://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/02/22/a-guide-to-tokyos-best-cat-cafés/>. 

More about cat cafés: <https://www.catcafésd.com/us/whats-a-cat-café/>. For further information, google "cat café" and "first cat café". For information on cat cafés near you, google "cat café near me" or cat café "[location]".

Speaking of Japan, they also have a number of "cat islands", which are COVERED with cats. Google "cat island japan" for further information and some AMAZING video.

When I die and go to heaven, I hope that it will be like one of those "cat islands". Or at least like a cat café.

Bob Blau, Chicago, US