Starbucks may have staked out over 900 shops in Japan, but the major coffee franchise, whose retail locations are popular leisure spots, better watch its back. A new kind of hangout- one with whiskers - is growing in rapid popularity in Japan: the "neko" or cat cafe.
Japanese patrons, especially in the Tokyo area, are paying to spend time at these cat cafes, where they can read a book, chat with friends, or yes, even drink coffee, in the presence of some feline companions. The business has been likened to renting a pet for a day. Customers can interact with a wide variety of cat breeds, read biographies on their favorite animas, and even share a meal with them. (newjerseynewsroom.com)
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