Java Whiskers

Escape the busy streets of London and de-stress with rescue cats and of course cats are the most theatrical animals.

So, here's the first addition to 'Tab's Mental Health Corner', and it's the purrfect opener! London life is busy, crowded and sometimes overwhelming. Sometimes you need a short escape for an hour or so and that's where the fantastic cafe 'Java Whiskers' comes in.

There is a cafe in White City and Marylebone, filled with unique cats and kittens filled with a wide range of personalities. The aim of the cafe is to give the rescue cats a comfortable, fun home and the opportunity to find their forever home. It's also for humans to relax, beat the loneliness and be enlightened by these funny and loving characters. It's a real life jellicle ball.

I had a little mental health day and went with my theatre loving friend to the Marylebone cafe to brighten my soul. The cafe is filled with some beautiful cat art, merch and before you go in to spend your time with the cats or kittens you need to sign a waver to say you will follow house rules to respect the cats and confirm you are well enough to ensure the cats don't catch any bugs. It is of course important to respect the cats, not crowd them or pick them up and if they want to chill with you they will come to you. They do have some little hidden areas just for them to get away if they need a rest from socialising with humans. They have a kitten and cat room; you book on to which ever one you fancy or if you want to do both! If you go in to either you have to take your shoes off and there are hooks for coats, and before you go into the kitten room you are sprayed down.

Both rooms are perfectly made for the cats to climb, relax and play, as cats do. There are images of homely fires with the sound of the crackling, bundles of toys so you can play with the cats and an array of different areas for them to have many of naps and pets from the humans if they want attention. It is a fun experience if you are a lover of cats and kittens like me!

You can take your coffee and cake in to enjoy in the company of them... of course do not share your treats, they have their own. I had a red velvet cake, and I still crave that cake, it was the best red velvet cake I've ever had! Super moist, light and the perfect level of sweet. I also had a hot chocolate, which added to the calming and heart-warming experience.

As previously mentioned, these kitties have a range of fun personalities, playful, sleepy and sometimes a little sassy. They have in both rooms 'Nice and Naughty Cat/Kitten of the week' and a little story as to why they have been chosen, helps you get to know the residents. You can apply online to adopt any of the cats if you build a relationship with them and want to take them home. Java Whiskers have re-homed over 700 cats and kittens, which is beautiful. These rescue cats, just like the words from the marvellous musical Dear Evan Hanson: "When you need a friend to carry you and when you're broken on the ground, you will be found. So let the sun come streaming in, Cause you'll reach up and you'll rise again. Lift your head and look around You will be found". It's so important to look after animals and it's so uplifting for your mental health to have a furry companion forever or even if it's for an hour or so.

So, as you can probably tell I had a beautiful time at Java Whiskers, this cafe is 10/10, because of the top tier customer service it provides, great sweet treats, the safe haven filled with kitties and their bigger aim to look after the fluffy residents. I highly recommend visiting the cafe, it's great for the soul, you will leave with a huge smile on your face and your heart full of love from spending time with cats. Get yourself down to Java Whiskers! Thank you for having me.

Now for more cat pictures!