A Cozy Afternoon at Brighton’s Cat Café
By Megan Lowe on 26 November 2025
A Cozy Afternoon at Brighton’s Cat Café
A rainy winter afternoon is often a cue to retreat somewhere warm, comforting and a little out of the ordinary. Brighton’s Munchies Cat Café turned out to be exactly that for me. As the drizzle softened the pavements and the sky hung low, I made my way through the twisting Lanes toward my booked visit. The combination of trying a new activity and escaping into a cosy indoor space felt instantly uplifting. Research shows that engaging in novel, sensory rich environments can improve mood and attention by offering a break from routine and stimulating positive emotions (ScienceBlog 2025).
A Gloomy Day Turns Wholesome
Navigating puddles and peeking into shop windows made the walk to the café feel like part of the adventure. Upon arriving, I was greeted warmly by the staff, who follow a double door system to keep their feline residents safely indoors. Inside, soft lighting and gentle ambient music created an immediate sense of calm. The atmosphere felt intentionally soothing, both for visitors and for the cats themselves.
Research into animal assisted interactions shows that spending time with animals can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety and trigger positive emotional responses, often within minutes of entering a shared space (Compitus 2024; Yoo et al. 2024). Cat cafés tap into this gentle form of comfort, offering a setting where guests can unwind in the presence of animals without the responsibilities of pet ownership.
The café’s layout included quiet zones with high shelves and cosy hiding spots designed specifically for the cats to retreat whenever they needed space. This respect for the cats’ wellbeing added to the peacefulness of the environment. As I scanned the tempting menu, offering everything from tapas to themed cocktails and indulgent baked goods, I felt myself settling into the moment.
The Sweetest Surprise
One of the highlights of my visit came when a beautiful grey cat decided to curl up inside my handbag. He looked far too comfortable to disturb, and in that moment I realised fully that I was a guest in his home. Interactions like this can trigger a release of oxytocin, often called the bonding or “feel‑good” hormone, which contributes to warmth, trust and relaxation (Liu et al. 2024). Watching other customers quietly play with the cats while sipping my cappuccino, complete with a paw‑print dusting, added to the gentle joy of the afternoon.
My slice of chocolate cake arrived just as a pair of curious kittens trotted past, and the combination of comfort food, warm drinks and feline company created an atmosphere that felt both playful and restful. Research also suggests that animals can increase alpha‑wave brain activity associated with calm, relaxed attention, which helps explain the soothing effect of simply being in the same room with them (Yoo et al. 2024).
A Cat First Philosophy
What stood out most about Munchies was its thoughtful, cat centred approach. The café is not a rehoming centre. Instead, each cat has been adopted into the café as a permanent resident, allowing them to adapt fully and build trust in a stable environment. Staff encourage guests to speak softly, move slowly and always let the cats approach first. This reflects best practice from animal assisted wellbeing research, which emphasises the importance of a calm, predictable space where animals feel safe and free to choose interaction (Compitus 2024).
The house rules were clear and kind. Never wake a sleeping cat. Avoid flash photography. Use toys to encourage play gently. Above all, respect the comfort and autonomy of the animals. This structure not only protects the cats but also enhances the guest experience by setting a serene, mindful tone.
Why Cat Cafés Feel So Comforting
Cat cafés like Munchies offer more than novelty. They create an environment where sensory calm, gentle social interaction and animal companionship come together in a way that supports emotional wellbeing. Research consistently shows that interactions with animals can reduce stress, increase positive feelings and even support attention and focus (Compitus 2024; Yoo et al. 2024; Liu et al. 2024).
On gloomy winter days especially, experiences like this provide a soft, grounding break from the rush of everyday life. For a couple of hours, you can slip into a world of warm drinks, purring cats and quiet conversations, leaving with a lighter mind and a slower pulse.
Sources
- Compitus, K. (2024). Exploring the Benefits of Animal‑Assisted Interactions. Psychology Today. [bluebell-railway.com]
- Yoo, O. et al. (2024). Interactions with dogs increase brainwaves associated with stress relief. PLOS ONE via ScienceDaily. [southernrailway.com]
- Liu, H. et al. (2024). Cognitive mechanisms of companion animals’ role in enhancing wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychology. [jcqtravels.com]
- ScienceBlog (2025). Attending Live Events Boosts Happiness and Engagement. (Used for novelty and sensory variety benefits.) [livingmags.co.uk]