We all have our own reasons why we can’t resist playing that cat video on Facebook, why you watch feline videos on YouTube when you can’t sleep, or why you follow Emergency Kittens on Twitter. Some of you might have even clicked on this link just because you saw a cute cat on the thumbnail (worry not because there are more photos ahead).
Peek-a-boo! (Photo taken during my second visit: November 2015)
Cats are already taking over the Internet and they’re also taking over this growing cat café in the Metro. In case you haven’t heard of them, Velvet Friends Cat Café opened its doors in 2015 to visitors who would like to dine with their furry babies over at Blue Bay, Pasay City.
Velvet Friends is at the second floor of Building H.
The entrance of the cafe looks like this.
Cat lovers are in for a treat because Velvet Friends houses a lot of breeds which freely prances their way around the café. Prove that you’re a feline maven and identify which ones belong to what breed — Scottish Fold, Scottish Straight, British Shorthair, Ragdoll, American Curl, Maine Coone, and more!
Cats are all over the place so keep your eyes wide open.
This cat’s officially my favorite.
Definitely photogenic.
What you’ll need: Money for entrance fee, an I.D. so you can leave your things in a locker, socks, and lots of patience and courage to cradle a cat.
Here I am, channeling my inner Baymax. Hairy baby!
When all else fails, just grab the stuffed toys. They’re cats, too.
This one’s a toughie even though he’s only got one eye.
Blue eyes are so charming!
Visitors are allowed to pet and carry any cat as long as they’re awake. Play with them and watch them chase after toys, too.
Here’s one playing with a metal bangle.
There are those who look grumpy… but really aren’t.
And there are those who prefer to observe from afar.
The place is very clean, well-decorated, and cozy. You can sit anywhere you like because chairs are not an option when you’re running after cats!
They have everything — cat paintings, cat figurines, fun facts about cats, cat stuffed toys, cat pillows, you name it.
I really love these “Catmopolitan” pillows. Cats deserve their own magazine cover, of course.
Here’s a peek at the interiors of the place.
And this is the off-limits area which houses more cats.
If you’re worried about getting covered in fur or getting peed on, I can assure you that their cats know how to use the litter box and they always have rollers to remove cat fur on your OOTD. I’ve been in this place for three times and not once have I stepped out feeling messy.
Love me or leave me be, there is nothing in between. Don’t disturb the sleeping kitties. They might get cranky.
See that glare? That means “don’t disturb me”. Still cute, though.
In case you get tired (I doubt you’ll be), you can grab refreshments at the counter which cost from P55 to P119. They offer both hot and cold drinks, blended beverages, and milkshakes in different flavors. Their strawberry and choco milkshakes (P99) are to die for!
Two thumbs up for these. We ordered iced teas, a cupcake, and a revel bar.
Yum, yum, yum.
Brownies, muffins, cupcakes, cakes, and revel bars are usually part of the choices. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to get your hands on a kitty cupcake. Cat and dog food are also available for purchase.
Cat not included in the menu.
For a discounted price of P199, you can spend an hour with their cats while enjoying a glass of iced tea and a complimentary snack when you visit from Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular entry fees range from P190 to P290. Discounts apply, so make sure to bring your student I.D.
Most of them were sleeping when we visited. Luckily, the ones who were awake agreed to be carried around.
One minute they’re awake…
Then the next minute, they’re off to dreamland.
They sleep everywhere they can. As the popular meme goes “If I fits, I sits”.
Again, do not disturb the sleeping cats.
But it’s okay to take photos… as long as you keep quiet.
Velvet Friends Cat Café is located at Unit 218 Cluster H of Blue Bay Walk in EDSA cor. Macapagal Boulevard, Pasay City. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.
P.S. Don’t forget to wear socks, sanitize, and visit their Facebook page — Velvet Friends Cat Café Company, for more information.
Ces the millennial says: I used to identify myself as a dog person who happened to like cats but I can’t help but fall in love with these happy-go-lucky felines.
Another photo taken in November 2015. All other photos in this post were taken on July 5, 2016.
Velvet Friends may not be that big but it has enough space for fourteen cats roaming around. They used to keep their cats inside a separate room but they’ve recently let them loose so visitors can spend more time with kitties. I love this set-up more! Before dropping by, make sure you’re not overly sensitive to the smell of cats. They’re clean but that won’t save you from your allergies.
According to a friendly staff, they’re planning to expand their business and open a dog café near one of the top universities within the Metro soon. Now that’s definitely worth waiting for! We’ll be on the lookout for you.