Asia Was Doing the Cat Cafe Long Before NYC

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Meow Parlour, the first cat cafe in New York City, got a ton of press -- including from The New York Times -- earlier this year. But in Asia, cat cafes are de rigueur and have been for some time. Fortunately for traveling cat lovers, Oyster now covers Banilah, a cute hostel in the Chiang Mai Province where feline companionship can easily be found. In the cozy Cat Cafe, no fewer than 11 cats have the run of the place, which includes indoor and outdoor seating on carved wooden and wicker furniture for humans, and cat beds for cats. Cat statues and feline-inspired artwork also decorate the space. Coffee and drinks are served, but no food. However, a chalkboard illustration of a cat with a thought bubble encourages guests to mingle while drinking coffee and chat with other cafe goers -- we assume about their mutual love of cats?

What do you think -- crazy or cool, or a little bit of both?! Take a look at more photos and then let us know in the comments section below. 

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See more photos and read our full review of Banilah >>

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