Rescue Cat Cafe Katsuo

Located upstairs from ramen restaurant 「麺とかつおの物語」near Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Rescue Cat Cafe Katsuo operates under NPO Neko no Shiawase (Cat Happiness Organization) as a rescue-focused shelter and adoption space. Originally opened as a paid cat cafe, the facility transitioned to a free-entry shelter model in November 2024 to expand accessibility and shift operational focus toward rescue intensity. The philosophy emphasizes "connecting lives and bridging hope from despair"—recognizing that human action becomes rescue cats' rebirth opportunity and seed of future hope. The facility houses cats from diverse difficult circumstances: abandoned at previous homes during owner crises, discarded in plastic bags, and survivors of hoarding situations where they lived atop death.

The rotating rescue cat population demonstrates diverse backgrounds and personalities reflecting varied rescue origins. Named personalities include Suzu (9-year-old tsundere female, initially appearing energetic but displaying stress-induced fur loss from separation trauma, bonded with Hana) and Hana (8-year-old calm male, remarkably composed and protective of kittens despite rescue background, accepting petting while maintaining masculine demeanor), both successfully adopted together to a warm, cat-proofed home in November 2024. Additional residents include Kiku (Scottish Fold rescued from hoarding situation in Hiroshima where multiple purebred cats were abandoned and breeding, initially hand-fearful but transformed through visitor interaction into a human-loving cat) and Nori (Kiku's brother, naturally people-friendly personality maintained throughout rescue process). One first-time cat cafe visitor, initially nervous and expecting sleeping cats, described the experience as transformative—staff demonstrated exceptional kindness and cats engaged in active play rather than lethargy, resulting in an "overwhelming healing moment" that contradicted cat cafe stereotypes.

Hours: Saturday/Sunday/Holidays 12:00–17:00; Weekdays irregular (confirm via X/Twitter @hogoneko_katsuo for operating status). Pricing: Free entry (transitioned from paid cafe model November 2024 following shelter model adoption). Socks required. Adoption: interview and conditions apply; facility emphasizes matching rescue cats with appropriate families rather than entertainment-focused operations. NPO-operated with volunteer support and couple-run management. Volunteer recruitment active (contact nekonoshiawase2024@gmail.com for support opportunities). Located 2nd floor above ramen restaurant; access via shared entrance. Address: 20-15 Koshien 7bancho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo (〒663-8177). Contact: Instagram @hogoneko_cafe_katsuo, X @hogoneko_katsuo, Email nekonoshiawase2024@gmail.com.