With 29% of UK households owning a dog and 24% owning a cat, it is fair to say that we are a nation of pet lovers. And it isn’t only in our homes that we love to interact with animals. In fact, plenty of cat and dog cafes are cropping up across the country, providing customers with some much-needed furry-friend time.
Lynne Fisher, Associate Director, at Cliverton, providers of dog walkers insurance, says: “Animals are known to be stress relievers. So, it is no surprise that cat and dog cafes are becoming so popular. This gives people, both with pets waiting at home and those who cannot have a pet, a chance to spend time surrounded by man’s best friend while enjoying a coffee.”
But what are some unique and interesting cafes you can visit to have this special bonding time with cats and dogs?
Cat cafes
Shakespaw Cat Café
Starting off with one of the most unique and somewhat historical cat cafés on the list – Shakespaw Cat Café. There is no misunderstanding about what this café has in store. The William Shakespeare theme is appropriate for the Stratford-Upon-Avon location. So, if you’re looking to visit for the day, or even a few, this is a must-stop.
Voted the number two spot for quick bites in the area, you won’t just get the chance to meet some cute cats but also a good bite to eat. So, if you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea but with the addition of furry friends, then you’ve come to the right spot.
And with plenty of canal side to spend walking with your own pets, there is something for everyone here.
Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium
Or, if you’re in London, why not try out one of TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice 2022 recommendations? Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is great for any traveller or tourist looking to spend some downtime with cats in the capital city.
The décor is like stepping into a wonderland, making this a cat café like no other, and the cats don’t mind the intrusion. You can sit back and relax with afternoon tea or coffee with a paw-print design on top. Located in Bethnal Green, it’s the UK’s longest-running cat café, and the owners really know what they are doing.
Dog cafes
Dog and Scone
For those in the North East looking for a place to catch up with friends and find some of the cutest animals around, the Dog and Scone in Newcastle is a must-visit. Spruce up your usual coffee trip by visiting these adorable pups in their relaxed and wide surroundings. The only dog café in Newcastle, there are plenty of adorable faces to see here.
And right next door is Mog on the Tyne – offering great café options while being surrounded by cats – making these cats and dogs neighbours! Another Traveller’s Choice 2022 location, you won’t be disappointed in your options on Pudding Chare.
Paws For Coffee
Or if bringing your own dog along is more your style, then Paws for Coffee in Hampton Hill is a great option. Open to everyone from dog owners to dog walkers and the general dog-loving public, this location is the best place to bring your pooch for a break.
And with two menus, including one dedicated to feeding the furry friends, you won’t be disappointed in the choices. So whether you want to spruce up your dog-walking game with a trip for tea or you want to find a bit of rest and relaxation with dogs nearby, this is the café for you.
And with Bushy Park right outside, this is the perfect place to land after a long day of dog walking.
So whether you’re a dog walker looking to find somewhere to bring your borrowed pooch or looking for inspiration to start your own cat and dog café, these are some of the most unique you can find. From the oldest cat café in the UK to a cat and dog café right next door to each other.
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