Cats have a very limited range of visible colors. The majority of what they see are shades of gray, however they do have the ability to see yellow, green, and purple. I’ve tested this theory with my own cat and his favorite sparkle balls, noting that his reaction time and interest is always better with yellow, purple, green, and bright white balls. In order to maximize the experience for the cats, the 24/7 tenants of the space, and give the humans visiting the unique perspective of seeing nearly the same thing, I’m proposing sticking to using colors only the cats themselves can see. Since this isn’t necessarily the most appealing color combination to draw someone in, this would have to be advertised, but that could become an Instagram worthy moment on its own: show us your cat-fit (like outfit)!
I envision the space having a large storefront window with plenty of ledges for the cats to sun on, the passerby to watch them, and the cats to be entertained through. The space would have a mid-rail separating the upper and lower walls, the top of which would be a beautiful whipped cream white, allowing the activity at standing level to take the focus: cats climbing on kitty castles, people smiling and laughing, toys whizzing through the air. The lower portion of the wall would be iron ore colored however in either an Aristoshield or Scuffmaster type product, something more durable with the ability to be scrubbed. The rail itself will be constructed of thin reflective pyramids, giving the cats opportunity for reflected and refracted lights, but not being so low to potentially scare them when they see themselves. The shape will also help maintain privacy for the guests who choose to do things they’d rather the public didn’t see while on their phones in the cat-fe. Maintaining a monotone backdrop throughout the café allows everything filling the space to take the forefront. Focusing on using the yellows, greens, and purples for the tables, chairs, and most importantly, toys, lets the cats see those things differently.
And then there’s the effects! While the colors are important, there is more that can be done with them than just placement. What comes to mind when you think of cats? Sleep, eat…PLAY! A ball of yarn, a laser pointer, your fingers. Cats like to play with everything that moves. The counter is a perfect opportunity to make a statement piece as it takes up much of the space, but let us not lose the opportunity to also make the most magnificent cat toy! Much like this example from a café in Perth, I want to cut the shape of grasses into the front of the counter, however unlike this counter, the lights inside will not provide a full uniform glow. Each of the “blades” will be filled with a series of green LEDs which will illuminate in chase sequences, blinks, fades, and a series of random light patterns to keep the cats, and the people, entertained.
The finishing touches on the space will come in the form of the scents and other living things that fill it. The café itself will be serving teas, coffee, and pastries to enjoy, but there are certain scents that are off-putting to cats, some that are even dangerous. Many essential oils, and scents in general, are too strong for cats to be around. Beyond that, there are certain oils, which would be released in the vapor of particular teas, which would cause harm to the cats’ respiratory system. Luckily, flavors/scents like lavender, helichrysum, geranium, frankincense, ginger, and even catnip, fit very well within the color palette of the space, unifying everything from the toy mouse you’d be dragging across the floor, to the scone on your plate. Many of these have beneficial effects for both the patrons and the cats as well, from promoting relaxation to assuaging allergy symptoms.
Adding silver vine, catnip, and cat thyme around the café will bring a different element to the space while providing the cats their own form of goodies. Rounding out smaller pockets of these plants that the cats can hunt for with more general plants that are not toxic to the cats promotes cleaner air, a more inviting space, and breaks up the cleanable hard surfaces. Palms and ferns are both great options as they’re not toxic to cats, easy to care for, and both clean the air well. Ponytail palms and spider plants are Matt’s particular favorites to hide in!
