Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium – Visiting the Cat Palace

September 18, 2016

I've been living in London for a while now, and long work hours forced me to leave my beloved furry friend in Poland with my mom. The cat is happy, but I'm not so happy. I'm suffering from a dearth of cuddles, hugs, and kisses from the Devil. So when I discovered a cat cafe in London, quite by accident, I was thrilled. What's more, it turned out to be a stone's throw from my apartment.

My enthusiasm was somewhat dampened when I tried to make a reservation; I only managed to snag a single spot two weeks later. Fortunately, time flies, and THE day has arrived.

I know that there are many opponents of such cafes, some say that it is animal abuse, but after visiting Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium I state that these allegations are completely unfounded, at least in this case.

The café is small; you first enter a sort of hallway where everyone is asked to wash their hands. Staff accompany you as you enter, so there's no need to worry about the furry creatures scurrying away when the door opens. You're also given instructions on what you can and can't do. You're not allowed to pick up the cats or disturb them while they're sleeping, eating, or bathing. There are plenty of toys available, and if they're willing, you can play with them. This is a cat house, and we were guests, so you have to respect the owners; they have the right to do whatever they want, including wandering around the tables. But no one minds; that's what they came for! All the cats are house cats, foundlings, and cuddly creatures. You can see they're happy. I spoke with the staff member; she said that if they see a cat isn't fond of people or isn't comfortable there, they'll find it a permanent home.

The cafe has two floors, and there are scratching posts, beds, and shelves for cats everywhere. Downstairs is even better. An artificial tree leads via bridges to further shelves where the cats can run or rest in privacy. There's also a wheel, just like the one for hamsters, only in a larger version. The staff is very friendly; you can tell they know these cats well, and most importantly, they love them, and the feeling is mutual. It's a dream job.