Exploring the first Cat Café in Athens: A new concept with a heartwarming touch
In a bustling city where innovation and creativity thrive, we had the opportunity to step into the first Cat Café in Athens and meet the duo behind this unique concept: Natali and Dimitris. They courageously left their jobs to bring to life a place they had only seen abroad. Alongside them are the charming cats that will capture your heart from the moment you walk in.
- 23/04/2024
Nestled in a quiet alley in the area near Thiseio, downtown Athens, there is a place that easily escapes the casual observer’s eye. The only distinguishing feature from the outside is the vibrant turquoise door, standing out against the urban landscape. However, once you step through this door, you will find yourself in a feline paradise that you won’t want to leave.
This hidden gem is a sanctuary for both cats and cat lovers alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. As you enter, you are greeted by a world filled with whiskers and purrs, where time seems to stand still. The cozy atmosphere and the gentle presence of the cats create a sense of serenity and joy that is truly captivating.
Natali and Dimitris, with their passion for animals and their dream of creating a space that combines coffee culture with feline companionship, are behind the project. The cat café they have opened is not just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it is a haven where people can unwind, connect with cats, and experience moments of joy and tranquility.
As we approached the door, we were eagerly greeted by Pablo, the charismatic (albeit a bit loud) protagonist and mascot of the café, along with Jordan, the true heart and soul of the establishment. Pablo wasted no time in welcoming us with his exuberant energy, while Daphne, the mischievous little one as Natali fondly calls her, added her own playful charm to the mix. Just to clarify, all three of them are cats.
Upon entering the foyer, a sign reminded us (yes, it’s mandatory) to wash our hands and familiarize ourselves with the rules to be followed. After adhering to the necessary protocols, we proceeded inside, where we were greeted by a beautiful and cozy space adorned with tables and chairs, inviting us to relax in the company of friends. The walls were adorned with fun paintings featuring, of course, the stars of the show… cats!
To the right, the picturesque courtyard immediately caught our eye, and we hurried to find a spot next to the cats that had already settled on the cushions. Some cats were lounging among the pillows, while others roamed between the tables or played with scattered cat toys. A few were peacefully napping. Among the latter group were Selene, the quiet one of the bunch, and Phoebus, the lively prince (another nickname given by Natali), who had just been adopted.
The scene in the courtyard was a delightful mix of relaxation and playfulness, with each cat exuding its unique personality and charm. Selene, with her serene demeanor, seemed to bring a sense of calm to the group, while Phoebus, the spirited prince, added a touch of energy and liveliness to the atmosphere. It was heartwarming to see the cats interact with each other and with the visitors, creating a sense of camaraderie and joy that filled the space.
Natali, a southern girl at heart, and Dimitris decided to leave their jobs behind to create the café, inspired by similar ventures abroad. “The idea stemmed from our experiences during our travels, mainly in Europe. We had the opportunity to see how they operate, so we made the bold decision, left our jobs, and opened the first cat café in Athens. We took the risk, and here we are today,” Natali confessed.
Their journey from corporate life to café owners was driven by a passion for animals and a desire to create a unique space that combined their love for coffee culture with their dedication to animal welfare.
In foreign countries, cat cafes have a quite different concept. They usually do not host strays, as there is no need for that. Here, the children have adapted to the needs of our country, which counts millions of strays from one end to the other. “We really wanted to help at least some of them find a home and their forever family.”
As Dimitris explained to us, the purpose here is for each visitor to get to know the cats, interact with them, play, socialize, and why not, adopt one of them.” The cats come from the Animal Welfare Association of Ilioupoli and you can adopt them through it, following all legal procedures. The cat cafe operates as a mediator so that you can have a first and beautiful contact with the cats and, if you bond with one, you can take it home.
The space is just right for a social outing, but not only. You can easily bring your book to read or bring your laptop to work. There will be plenty of distractions, but that’s okay! On the menu, you will find coffees, drinks, and some sweets (like the crazy red velvet that passed in front of us and we almost grabbed), vegan ice cream, while some savory dishes will soon be added to the menu, all following a vegan philosophy.
Throughout your stay at the cafe, the cats will be roaming around you, jumping from table to table and from lap to lap. Needless to say, that they are also very affectionate. This is due to the fact that they lived for a while with volunteers from the Animal Welfare Association of Ilioupoli, so they are fully accustomed to human contact.
Keep in mind that the store operates by reservation only, the maximum duration of stay is an hour and a half, and the minimum consumption is 7€ per person. Part of the proceeds go to selected organizations for animal protection, while inside you will find a stand with all kinds of things, such as accessories, books, or bags with cats theme. There is also a donation box if you wish to make a donation – small or large, it doesn’t matter.
And one more thing worth knowing is that they started the initiative “Food on Hold,” according to which a visitor can prepay for a food or any product they want in the store, and this product will remain there until requested by someone in need to take care of their pets. Essentially, any store can participate in this initiative in its own way, helping those in need. “The idea behind ‘Food on Hold’ is exactly this. To promote solidarity and help people in need,” Dimitris commented.
Natalie then shared with me a very tender moment with one of the cats at the cafe. “A while ago, we welcomed our baby. When I was pregnant, Jordan, our cat here, would approach me, lay on my belly, and sleep on me. Cats have a tremendous empathy.” They, of course, have their own cats, Nirvana, who is three and a half years old, and Emiri, one year old.
It is easy to see the love they have for what they do, how much effort and work they put in to create the magical cat world of the cat cafe. After all, they have taken care of the space themselves with the help of their friends, wanting to put their own character and personal elements in everything in the store.
Once you exit the cafe, you leave with the promise that you will return soon. And who knows, next time you may not leave alone.