Since reopening December 2nd, 2023, in Hutt Central, Neko Ngeru Cat Café has successfully adopted 48 cats. In the previous location, they adopted out 152 cats, so the total is 200. “Three cats a month is definitely slower than the average cat rescue,” admits co-owner Richelle Okada, “but we focus on older cats so getting to know them and finding the right match is very important to us. We have an application process including an interview. The cats are like children to us, so we want them to be placed in the best possible situation for them.”

The 200th cat is named Luna. He came to the café with his brother Beto from Rachel’s Rescues in Upper Hutt after being fostered in Eastbourne. A beautiful, long-haired boy with a calm, sweet disposition, it didn’t take him long to find his forever family.

Adoption is actually just one of the many things going on since most people visit without the intention or ability to adopt a cat. “Kitty Relaxation Therapy” is what is on offer and plenty of people are willing to pay an entry fee of $17 just for the privilege of being around about a dozen cats for a 55-minute session. “The time flies by and the hardest thing is leaving,” said one satisfied customer. “The snacks and drinks are delicious, well presented, and there are lots of little cat related details like how the ice forms a paw print or a silhouette of a cat is dusted onto the top of a cappuccino, mochaccino, matcha latte or hot chocolate.” There are events like movie nights, quiz nights and board games, cheese tasting as well as small private parties. Neko Ngeru has an on license so Umeshu (plum wine) tasting is planned for June.

Before people enter for the first time, a staff member goes over the ‘Three Respects’ for the cats, the other humans and the environment. Customers are asked to treat the cats as they would want to be treated: not to pick up or hold them against their will (unless the cats are trying to take customers’ food or drink) or annoy them with things like loud voices or sudden movements. Consideration for others includes sharing the small space thoughtfully and keeping conversation volume down. The environment is kept clean (a lot of hard labour goes into reducing litter box smells) and safe for the cats. We ask customers to use hand sanitizer as a way to try to protect the cats’ health.

Many people may have touched a cat or other animal before coming and diseases can be contagious long before they show symptoms. Once inside, the “catler” (a sort of cat butler who will speak up for the cats and help customers understand their needs) gives further instruction and direction, provides help with identifying cats, shares knowledge on their particular likes and dislikes, gives insight into general cat behaviour and facilitates the adoption process. In a very busy and noisy world, it is good to have a quiet place where the only judgement that counts is that of the ever-critical cat.

© Scoop Media