by VICTORIA
CTFashionMag.com
Born of a concept created by MOFF, a corporation that runs animal cafes in Japan, the objective of Cat Cafe Moff is to provide an educational, yet fun, environment where people can learn about, as well as better understand and appreciate, the feline species. Undeniably unique and exceptionally fun, Cat Cafe Moff is much more than your standard “cat cafe”; rather; it embodies a haven of affection and nurturing for our invaluable feline companions, in an intimate, stylish and clean environment.
I was given the opportunity to visit one of three locations in Hawaii, the one in Ala Moana Center, (the other well reviewed cafes include stores at the International Market Place in Waikiki and the Pearlridge Center in Aiea).
Our visit began with the quick and easy signing of a waiver and a safety briefing by one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff members, before we were presented an extensive drink menu, from which we chose the beverages to enhance our overall experience.
I selected the cappuccino, adorned with foam art of the beautiful and bashful Momi; Lynn and “Mimi” chose a strawberry smoothie and a Plantation iced tea respectively; Kei Segawa (who helped facilitate our visit for this spotlight feature) opted for a Strawberry Lychee Jelly Soda; while Sasha Koki (vice president of Media Company Inc) selected a latte with art of a beautiful American shorthair, Olina.
Visitors are given the chance to customize their experience with a30 minute or hour long session with the cats (we highly recommend the hour long session, as we found it very hard to break away from our new feline friends even after an hour) as well as an option to purchase nutritious gelatin and/or crunchy snacks for an up-close and personal feeding experience.
The staff highly recommends visiting during Kau Kau (meal times) where the kitty caregivers provide fascinating insights on the cats’ various breeds, personality types, dietary and veterinary needs, and much more.
The “cast” of resident felines create lasting familial bonds with one another ( as well as their care-takers ) and settle into the Cat Cafe Moff as their permanent home, since adoption is not the specific focus or objective of this experience (although these cats are not adoptable, Cat Cafe Moff does partner with the Hawaiian Humane Society to help felines in need find their “fur-ever” homes).
Custom “play-stations,” “cat condos” and even a “hamster wheel” are stationed throughout the cat cafe as well as assortments of toys enabling guests to further interact with these precious cats.
A few of the many “stand out” residents include Maine Coon Kaleo (who is highly empathetic, patient and intuitive, often standing “guard” beside my grandmother’s walker and graciously refusing to be pushy at meal and snack times), Olina (an American Shorthair who acts as a “treat bandit” often guiding the spoons into her mouth to obtain as many “crunchy snacks” as possible and leaping out of nowhere to poke her nose into the gelatin) and Hoa (a mischievous long-haired beauty with dog-like personality traits and a penchant for fetching.)
A memorable and serotonin infused educational experience that is “much cheaper than therapy,” the Cat Cafe Moff simply cannot be missed.
WEBSITE: https://moff-usa.com
ADDRESS: 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard #1207, Honolulu, HI 96814
PHONE NUMBER: (808) 679-9106
INSTAGRAM @catcafemoff.alamoanacenter
