No, not those kinds of Cathouses! These are cafes in Tokyo were patrons can spend some time enjoying the company of cats! I know this sounds ridiculously odd, but it’s Japan Ok? How is this any odder than this? It’s actually infinitely way more sane if you ask me. Just look at the guy up above just waiting to me you!

The concept behind these is very similar to Japanese hostess bars where you can select from a wide range of girls in a variety of outfits ranging from maids, school girls, gothic lolita to just your favorite anime characters and enjoy some drinks or even some video games in their company. Above is the “menu” of all the lovely cats you can select to spend your time with for ¥900 (about $10) an hour.

Coilhouse recently took a visit inside one of these Tokyo Cat Cafes and has a great rundown of this very surreal experience that was filled with highly trained cats and I’m sure some pretty creeped out Japanese patrons. I mean who wants the presence of a weird westerner as you try and get your cuddle on with some sweet, sweet kitties.

As with any good cathouse, there are some rules of conduct patrons must adhere to. Above is said rules of the house… just like with strippers, you must also be gentleman with these saucy felines. Why Cat Cafe’s you say? Most people unfortunately just do not have the space in their Tokyo apartments to house a cat, let alone deal with it’s litter box. Plus the work environment in Japan can be very, very stressful and who wouldn’t want to relieve some of that stress by stroking one of those guys for a little while?

Best believe I’m hitting one of these up in a week or so! Just don’t tell my girlfriend… I’m just kidding she’s coming with me. We actually visited something sort of similar to this in Amsterdam, De Poezenboot!

- My Pal the Crook