Canterbury Tails Cat Cafe — Restaurant in Canterbury

Went in having heard a couple concerns from people on the welfare of the cats. Was immediately impressed of just how happy, healthy and relaxed the cats were.

The cafe runs strictly on a booking system as it has unsurprisingly proved very popular! They have a double entrance 'airlock' system to prevent the cats running out.

Inside the cafe, it's very homely, very comfortable and not your typical cafe layout. We found the layout encouraged strangers to talk to each other, move around to admire the various cats playing and snoozing in their baskets.

My mum found it completely changed her perspective on the Sphinx hairless cats and they're very affectionate and lovely to pet.

Rules are on the website and advise generally against picking the cats up, although if a cat is reaching to lick the cream off your hot chocolate or something you're welcome to gently lift them away. Clever - the coasters double up as lids for the mugs to keep curious kitties away. The rule is not to feed cats the human food - a great idea as such creamy treats could upset their bellies.

We found the service to be charming, wholesome, welcoming and very professional - working wonders to deliver cakes and beverages with cats sprinting around their feet. The man (possibly the owner?) had a very relaxed and passionate demeanour - the cafe is run with love. I wouldn't be happy seeing a cat cafe run by a multichain brand with shareholders to appease but it's clear this small business has the cats as their top priority.

The cats have lots of scratching posts made from the pillars of the old tudor building with sack cloth around them! Lot's of places to climb, they're free to leave the cafe space into one of the backrooms for privacy and to use their litter trays. The cats looked very happy and healthy, some relishing the attention, some just happy to snooze.

One woman from the local fudge shop had a sphinx wrapped in a blanket for our entire hour visit - no doubt a very relaxing and therapeutic experience for both her and the cat.

Booking is £10 per person, wonderful hot chocolate was £3.60, cakes are about £3 and are very generously portioned. We left a tip that went towards treats for the cats. You get an hour slot. Very fairly priced.

Canterbury Tails is no doubt also helping those on the fence about adopting particular breeds of cats. We'd never considered a sphinx before but would certainly consider one having seen how excitable and playful they are - whilst also so warm and affectionate.

Can't wait to return but it might be a while, they're weekend slots book up quickly. Please enjoy the...

Wow! Best cat cafe in the southeast by a country mile! As soon as we stepped inside Canterbury Tails, we knew we were in for an amazing experience. The environment is clean, warm and cosy with an abundance of feline "superhighways" and plush resting spots that would make Jackson Galaxy beam with pride. We particularly appreciated all the feline themed furnishings and paraphernalia and quirky art and design. A lot of thought and creative passion has gone into the decor and this enhances the overall indulgent atmosphere and experience. All of the cats are beautiful of course, but our favourites were: Cheez, Waffle, Chai and Bao. Chai greeted us immediately (a most gracious host!) and Bao was highly amusing as we watched him play with the noticeboard upstairs. Cheez and Waffle are the most distinguished of gentlemen, both fully aware of how handsome and dashing they are as we fawned over them. My children took enough covert pictures to rival a paparazzi! The cat nannies and cafe staff were all warm and welcoming, and it is abundantly clear that they adore all of the residents in their care, and this affection is visibly reciprocated. The food and drinks selection are impressive and of the same high quality you would expect to find in an independent artisan coffee shop. Well known coffee franchises on the high street have got some serious competition on their hands. My party also enjoyed a slice of cake each, all were scrumptious. Thank you Canterbury Tails for a truly memorable experience, we will certainly be back in future. Love and best wishes,...

I cannot understand how this fine establishment would have any less than constant 5 star reviews. I visited in late August 2024 with my husband and we had the loveliest experience. We were a group of 4 and had orders of drinks and snacks. All items were delicious and beautifully presented, and the service was reasonable in waiting and very kind. The staff are absolutely lovely and work so hard, always on the know of what's going on with each and one of the cats. They are willing to talk to you about anything you may ask them and demonstrate deep knowledge and care for the animals in their care. It is very important to note that this is no generic cafe experience. There are house rules, which need to be acknowledged before visiting, and this is made abundantly clear by the time of booking. Customers are guests, not entitled to play and cuddles, but if a cat shows interest in you, you may play with them. Animals are not toys or entertainment, they are living creatures in their home, and need to feel safe. I can see the few low reviews seem to have this in common: a lack of understanding and general entitlement. Also, complains about wellbeing of the cats need to take place on the same moment of your visit, if you truly care about the animals: the team are aware of everything most likely, but you may enquire with them if worried. Silent treatment and subsequent bitching about it on Google reviews, is counterproductive and plain cruel and spiteful towards this beautiful family business which is a pride and joy in the city...