Established December 2015 in Hachinohe, Aomori, Matatabitei (猫処またたび亭) relocated in March 2023 to a dedicated facility in the Shiroshita neighborhood, upgrading from previous shared-space operations to a standalone establishment. Operating exclusively with protection cats rescued from various circumstances—including displacement from animal welfare centers and problematic owner situations—Matatabitei functions as both visitor sanctuary and active adoption facilitator under official animal handler registration (225004号展示) and membership in the Protection Cat Cafe Association (一般社団法人 保護猫カフェ協会). The cafe philosophy emphasizes that protection cats deserve recognition as equally adorable and adoptable as breed-standard cats. Owner/staff operate with transparency and humor, maintaining detailed records of successful adoptions with documented follow-ups—including YouTube videos showing cats settling into new homes, birthday celebrations, and life updates from adoptive families. The adoption track record spans dozens of successful placements over a decade of operation.
The roster showcases remarkable individual personality: Katsuo (shop leader, large-bodied male "famous for Katsuo's opening pose"), Anmitsu (plump female who scoops water with paws), Tange (short-haired male named after a boxing manga character), Kon (timid-becoming-confident male), playful siblings Pia no and Latte, gentle Mocha, bold Toramaru (distinctive short tail), affectionate Matsu (continuous head-rub soliciting), energetic young Sudachi, blue-eyed fluffy Shirayuki, and temperamental Clair. Reviewers extensively praised staff dedication—one long-term monthly visitor noted comprehensive cat care: meticulous facility cleaning, professional nail trimming, comfortable temperature control, careful socialization, and transparent adoption outcomes. Multiple reviewers highlighted personal relationships developing over repeated visits: learning which cats prefer tail-pom versus being left alone, discovering personality nuances, and feeling genuinely welcomed by increasingly-familiar staff. Parents specifically commended parent-child discounts (¥1,800/hour for parent+child) and the educational value of understanding each cat's unique history and adoption journey. One reviewer noted the satisfying affordability through loyalty points (¥100 treats accumulating toward free purchases) while emphasizing staff's genuine animal-first priorities.
Operating hours: 11:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30); closed Tuesdays. Pricing structured by session (varies by age/return status): basic courses approximately ¥700–1,500+; student discounts, family discounts (adult+child), loyalty card system. Payment includes post-interaction lint-roller cleanup. Wi-Fi and complimentary beverages available. Located 〒031-0072 Hachinohe, Shiroshita 3-6-3; phone 0178-32-0032 (reservations accepted by phone or in-person, not via SNS). Parking available. Entry process: shoe removal, slipper change, pre-visit rule confirmation, hand washing/sanitizing, locker usage (provided during visit). No flash photography; abandoned toy rods removed to prevent accidental ingestion. Semi-transparent rules page emphasizes cat priority over visitor convenience. Affiliations: Protection Cat Cafe Association member. The facility maintains YouTube presence documenting adoption outcomes and daily cat life. This cafe appeals to repeat visitors building relationships, adoption-seekers thoroughly evaluating protection cats, families wanting ethical interactive experiences, and regional visitors seeking authentic, transparent rescue mission engagement.