Cat lovers can share fun times with their furry friends at Meow Cafe, the “purr-fect” spot to chill on a Ramadan evening.
The cafe’s first branch in the Kingdom, located near gate 6 of the Amwaj Mall in Dhahran, is split into three separate but connected spaces: a cafe serving snacks, and hot and cold caffeinated beverages; a cat play area, where children young and old can play with and feed the cats for a small fee; and a third area for cat grooming.
Tiny cat figurines and kitschy details, such as cat-silhouette napkin holders, add to the feline flavor, while the coffee menu has about 20 options, with offerings such as cafe affogato, rose latte, v60 from four different countries, and Turkish coffee.
Apple cider and marshmallow hot chocolate are also available, as well as five types of milkshake, including mango, various fruity mojitos, hot and iced tea, sodas, muffins, cookies, cakes and croissants.
According to the hostess, iced Spanish latte, costing SR24 ($6), is the most popular drink. There is ample seating and the round tables can accommodate several people. Customers can enjoy their drinks while watching the cats in the glass enclosure if they prefer.
Staff say that all cats are vaccinated and a vet on the premises checks on the animals regularly. On the door, a sign instructs people to follow safety rules before entering the cat space — for everyone’s wellbeing.
It costs SR35 ($9) to enter the glass room housing the cats and play with them for half an hour. For an additional SR10, customers can buy food to feed the cats.
A few kittens were on sale in a cage in the adjacent grooming room. The cafe also sells small fish in a bowl, as well as bird and cat food.
Meow Cafe’s Ramadan hours are between 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Visit @MeowCafe23 on Instagram for updated hours and costs.