Review: Neko no Niwa
The cat café theme is nothing new – popular in countries like Taiwan and Japan, it was only fair a cat café would arrive on our shores too!
Enter Neko no Niwa. Some more than others at the Honeycombers could not get there fast enough.
On the second floor of a shophouse unit amongst the restaurants and bars of Boat Quay, the location of the cat café resembles the personality of a cat – unassuming, unpredictable and full of surprises. Purrfect.
With 13 cats in residence, the occasional moggie may cozy up to you as you enjoy your cuppa and a cake. But don’t expect a circus – cats, like all animals, like their own space sometimes and it is always best to let sleeping cats lie. Cuddling is encouraged, smothering is not!
The owners of Neko no Niwa are advocates of cat therapy – and we were there to experience the pure joy that comes with it! Their cats are all profiled before they are chosen to live in the café – that means lots of playful, sociable cats that enjoy human company.
All these cats are rescued or adopted, unlike most cat cafes that feature only pedigreed cats. They are clearly beloved by owner Sue Lynn Tan who says she hopes her cafe will encourage the adoption and rescue of cats.
Tip: As cats are nocturnal, most of them were snoozing during our visit around five in the evening. Go along in the morning if you can for optimal play time.
Neko no Niwa has a 1st hour cuddle charge of $12 per person, with subsequent ½ hour blocks at $5 per person. Children visitors must be at least 7 years old and supervised by an adult at all times.
Neko no Niwa, 54A Boat Quay Level 2, Singapore 049843, p. 65365319. Open Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm & Sun 2pm-9pm.