Taiwan is famous for its cafe culture where coffee shops double as places to study, relax, and
socialize. However, beyond the typical cafe, Taiwan also offers something a little more unique:
animal cafes. These spaces combine food, comfort, and interaction with animals, creating an
experience that feels both relaxing and memorable. During my time in Taiwan, I visited two very
distinct animal cafes—a cat cafe and a capybara cafe, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Photo 1: Inside the Cat Cafe
(嵐貓 Lazy Cat)
The cat cafe I visited was in Danshui, not too far from campus. Before entering, customers were
asked to take off their shoes, with the cafe providing slippers or plastic shoe covers. This small
detail made the space feel clean and home-like, almost as if you were stepping into someone’s
living room. Inside, there were tables for eating and studying, as well as cushions and cat trees
that created a playful and relaxed environment for both the people and the cats.
Photo 2: Cats Eating Dinner
Around 5:50 PM, the cafe staff brought out food for the cats and lined up their bowls in a neat
row. Watching all the cats gather and eat together was adorable and felt like a daily ritual. It gave
visitors a glimpse into how well the animals were cared for and added to the cafe’s charm.
One of the best parts of this cafe was how easy it was to balance studying and relaxing. I spent
time working at a table, and whenever I needed a break, I could simply reach out to pet a nearby
cat or use the toys provided to play with them. The menu was also quite extensive, offering
coffee, tea (including milk tea), and foods like hashbrowns, tiramisu, and chicken nuggets. The
combination of good food, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly animals made it an ideal place to
spend the afternoon.
Photo 3: Dessert at the Capybara Cafe
(MOGU KABI 豆塔專賣店)
Unlike the cat cafe, the capybara cafe focused less on drinks and more on desserts. In order to
enter and interact with the capybaras, visitors were required to purchase a dessert. I chose a
blueberry tart, while my friends opted for lemon and chocolate. Although the capybara cafe
didn’t serve coffee or tea, they did provide complimentary juice and water.
Photo 4: Two Capybaras
The cafe itself was divided into two sections: an indoor dining area and an outdoor animal
interaction space. Outside, there was a small pond where the capybaras could swim and relax,
along with an area where visitors could gently touch them. Seeing the capybaras up close was
fascinating, especially because of how calm they were. When I finally got to pet one, I was
surprised to find that their fur felt more like straw than soft fur.
Photo 5: Capybara and Duck Together
Interestingly, the outdoor area wasn’t home to just capybaras—there were also a few ducks
wandering around. Seeing a capybara and a duck peacefully coexisting in the same space added
an unexpected and slightly humorous element to the experience. The environment felt relaxed
and natural, almost like a small petting zoo rather than a cafe. While it wasn’t a place I would go
to study, it was definitely worth visiting for the experience of interacting with such unique
animals.
Overall, animal cafes in Taiwan offer more than just novelty, they create spaces where people
can relax, connect with animals, and take a break from busy daily life. The cat cafe was perfect
for studying, with its calm atmosphere and cozy setup, while the capybara cafe was more about
the experience of seeing and touching animals you wouldn’t normally encounter.
Both cafes highlight how creative Taiwan’s cafe culture can be. Whether you’re looking for a
productive study spot or a memorable outing, animal cafes provide a unique blend of comfort
and interaction that’s hard to find elsewhere