Cat Cafe Wish

Cat Cafe Wish operates as Hokkaido's first protection cat café, located in Obihiro and run by the NPO "Neko-tachi wo Mamoru Tokachi Wish no Kai" (Protecting Cats Tokachi Wish Society). Established in 2008, the facility has become a central hub for rescue operations, housing all residents from its extensive sanctuary work. Since its founding through 2019, the organization has rescued 1,073 cats, including 338 from the local health center, and successfully placed 943 into adoptive homes. The two-story facility maintains different populations of cats according to their health and socialization status—the first floor houses cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and newly arrived or special-needs cats in a separate care room, while the second floor provides spacious accommodations for healthy, vaccinated adult cats that have completed medical assessments and sterilization.

The visitor experience at Cat Cafe Wish emphasizes both companionship and adoption potential. Standard pricing runs ¥600 for 30 minutes and ¥1,000 for one hour during regular months, with modest seasonal increases during winter. Each visiting group receives a complimentary cat treat to use during their time, and the café observes a special "cat day" discount of ¥200 off all courses on the 22nd of each month. Visitors interact with healthy, sociable cats in clean, well-maintained spaces, while staff provide clear explanations about each cat's background and care needs. The facility accepts PayPay and other digital payments, reflecting modern accessibility, and allows patrons to bring beverages purchased from the onsite vending machine into the interaction areas.

Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional temperament and health of the cats in residence. Visitors praise the affectionate, people-oriented nature of the residents, noting that individual cats often form immediate bonds with guests—some so intensely that time passes quickly without opportunity for photographs. Staff are commended for their friendliness and clarity in explaining the facility's rescue mission to international visitors, with English explanations readily provided. The emphasis on cleanliness and transparent health practices, with visibly separated accommodations for cats requiring special care, demonstrates the organization's serious commitment to feline welfare beyond the commercial café aspect. Guest experiences reflect a strong emotional connection, with visitors expressing hope for the cats' adoptions into loving homes while becoming invested in the facility's broader animal protection work.