While wandering down the streets of Harajuku in Tokyo, we passed a sign outside that was all in Japanese, but had pictures of cats all over it, and a map. We decided to follow the map to find the cats, but I was sure we were going to find a pet store or a pet hospital.
When we arrived at the building, we saw a sign for "Cat Cafe, 5th Floor". We got in the elevator and I started to hyperventilate. Could this be real? A cafe with LIVE cats?! While thousands of businessmen rove the streets for a venue to oogle LIVE girls, I was drooling at the chance to get my hands on some LIVE cats.
At a cat cafe, which is currently a popular phenomenon in Tokyo, you pay $5 to enter and get to enjoy your cup of coffee in a room full of cats and kittens. Upon entering, you are instructed to disinfect your hands and then pick your toy from a pile of feathers, bells and balls.
The cats were lying all over the room---just waiting to be pet. We spent an hour moving from cat to cat, and I don't think I let my smile drop the entire time. After 8 months of living without our Honeybucket, it was so nice to be around cats again.
When we got home from Japan, I learned that my family cat, Silverbell, had passed away. I'd like to think we went to the Cat Cafe for a reason...Silverbell was sending her Japanese brothers and sisters to say goodbye for her.
Cash Register