And why not? They’re cute, they’re clean, they calm you down as they purr in your lap and they keep your feet warm when you lie in bed on a cold night.
Today is International Cat Day and to mark the occasion, FMT Lifestyle visited a cafe that is also home to 24 adorable felines.
The place is called “Monster. A Garden Cafe Sunway”. Yes, that’s a full stop, not a colon, in the quirky name.
It’s a charming spot, much like its four-legged residents, and it’s cosy, with plenty of sunlight beaming through the large windows. Some of the cats were having a siesta in the afternoon sun. What a purrfect life indeed.
The cafe’s founder, 33-year-old Nelson Tham, explained why he chose such an odd name for the place. “Everyone deals with some form of monster,” he said. “I wanted people to find comfort in this place.”
Tham’s own monster was social anxiety. “I even had panic attacks when I had to go out and meet new people. Having cats has helped me with my loneliness.”
Having experienced the joy cats can bring, he now hopes that his customers will feel the same way at the cafe, especially those who don’t have the opportunity to have cats as pets.
As for those thinking of getting their own cats, he encourages them to spend some time at the cafe before deciding so they can understand felines better.
Tham has certainly made a lovely home for the 24 cats here. They have unlimited kibbles to snack on, enough toys to play with and, certainly, a stream of doting humans who lavish them with affection.
Cafe patrons would find various breeds here, such as Maine Coon, British shorthair, Devon Rex, Ragdoll, Persian and Bengal. Hercules, a cheeky Devon Rex, especially enjoys hanging around humans. He likes to taste their food.
The cafe was opened only last year, but there was a branch already on Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur. “I wanted a second location so those living around here do not have to travel all the way to KL,” Tham said.
Patrons can look forward to enjoying waffles, popcorn chicken, fries and a selection of coffee and non-coffee beverages.
The chocolate waffle, served hot, is simply decadent. Buttery and fluffy, it comes topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup.
The crispy popcorn chicken is a lovely option if you want something savoury to munch on. It’s served with a tangy and slightly spicy sauce made in house. You may just find yourself finishing the entire serving before you know it.
As for beverages, don’t miss trying the rich and creamy hot chocolate, which is especially delightful on a rainy day.
Be prepared to dress comfortably as most of the seating is on the floor. According to cafe manager, Teng Yuan Jing, this is to allow customers to play with the cats as they enjoy their meal.
The 22-year-old also said Monster recently introduced movie nights, perfect for those looking to wind down after a long day.
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy some downtime, this is certainly a place you should check out. But be warned: you’ll most likely leave feeling like cats have worked their magic and charmed their way into your heart.
Learn more about Monster. A Garden Cafe Sunway on Instagram.
Monster. A Garden Cafe Sunway
40-2, Jalan PJS 11/28a,
Bandar Sunway,
46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Business hours: 2pm-10pm (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 016-525 1292