Would you actually visit a cat themed castle in the UK?
Posted by Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 108 comments
Er so I know this sounds a bit ridiculous and I am totally fitting into the definition of a crazy cat lady…. But I keep thinking about this concept of having an attraction based hospitality business centred around a Cat Monarch. It would have themed rooms, menus, play areas etc and would feel high end but also whimsical (obviously!!)
The idea came from something quite personal and when I picture it in my minds eye I think it would be sooo much fun but I need a sanity check as to whether this is something people would actually go to…
Be honest - would you actually visit or is this just a nice idea in theory?
Glittering_Win_5085@reddit
It sounds like it would make a better children's book
Pyjama365@reddit
Honestly, I like cats, but I didn't even go to the cat cafe 30 seconds walk away when it was open. It lasted a few years but has now closed. Town population is about 80,000 people, plus reasonable tourist trade.
I was asked if I'd like to go once, around when it first opened. Initially I was like, "that's weird, I wonder how they get the cats to turn up for work reliably during opening hours", before I realised they were indoor-only cats (dense, but I'd never really thought about how a cat cafe operated before). I am still on the fence about whether they are ethical and wasn't asked to go again in the couple of years it was open, so I don't know how steady their trade was.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Fair, I think cat cafes are definitely a novelty. I went to one once and I never thought about going back. I think I’m thinking of cats literally ruling the manor and if you see them you’re lucky and can bow, or perhaps you might pay extra for a VIP experience where you can scoop poop 😂
Pyjama365@reddit
Not being rude, but if people want to feel like a cat rules the property, and pick up their crap with no guarantee of petting or affection in return, they'll probably just get their own cat. (Or visit a friend who has cats, if their own circumstances don't allow their own.)
SpaTowner@reddit
Are you intentionally making this sound so fetish-y?
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Haha afraid not - totally vanilla!
MJsThriller@reddit
No. I'd suggest you reach out to your doctor or mental health support practitioner for a wee chat in the morning
RainbowPenguin1000@reddit
No chance.
Unless it’s for kids then I’d consider taking the kids for a laugh but only if it’s cheap and small.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
That’s really helpful I think that’s exactly the kind of thing I’m trying to figure out. Something smaller and more low-key that people might visit as part of a day out rather than a full destination
PennyBunPudding@reddit
Basically, a cat cafe but medieval themed would be a niche. But as long as the cats were healthy and friendly and the coffee good it'd work.
My biggest issue is the price. The cat cafe near me, charges you to get in, charges you more for food and drink, and it's no better.
I just picked up a free rescue cat and made my own coffee at home
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Yes I wouldn’t want cost to be a barrier and would also want to limit people’s expectations - the Cat is King - if he decides to grace you with his presence then you are in his favour - I wouldn’t want them subjected to constant attention as it’s not really fair
TheClnl@reddit
So an attraction where the cat might come and see you? That's either going to have a strong enough offering without the cat king coming to see you or you're in for a world of disappointed reviews. Tbh even if you print it in massive letters on the website/tickets/walls you'll probs still get a tonne of not necessarily fair bad reviews.
PennyBunPudding@reddit
What he needs is to build the cat a massive social media following and create a cult.
when_music_hits@reddit
Solid no, even if I did like cats, which I don't
bleach1969@reddit
How about displays of medieval war machinery including a catapult.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Would be amazing to see but wouldn’t involve the cats! I think Warwick castle has something like this
bleach1969@reddit
Cat jousting? Ours spending most of their time fighting each other!
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Ha - love it. Because money is no object in the world of my imagination I had thought that their outdoor habitat would include a miniature medieval model village with motorised mice that would dart about as their minions to keep them (and me) entertained!
Ellajt@reddit
Not for me, I’m not a cat person
AdaandFred@reddit
I'm a crazy cat person myself but I wouldn't because I think things like pet cafes pay little more than lip service to animal welfare. The sooner they go the way of the fish pedicure, the better, in my opinion.
That said, you sound like my sort of person - cat lover, whimsical, loves a castle.
DifferentWave@reddit
The Cat Monarch lives in my house, so no.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
I fear you are mistaken for he lives mine 😉
Pristine_Intern178@reddit
Toxoplasmosis Towers sounds fantastic. Go for it.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Haha indeed! Apparently we all have it anyway - might as well memorialise it
Marvel--Jesus@reddit
You are mental. In a nice, but strange way.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
💓 Thank you, I’ll take that !
Katharinemaddison@reddit
I like a cat cafe. But if I was staying at a hotel I’d want dog themed - as in there are dogs you can play with a cuddle. Not just pictures etc.
Pockysocks@reddit
I'd visit a cat themed dumpster.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Haha, that seems more achievable to be honest
Ambitious-Elk-3350@reddit
Are you actually suggesting the sheer cruelty of crowds of people shoved into rooms with cats, just because you have a weird fetish?
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Oh wow, I see why that might sound concerning! No way would this ever be about shoving cats into crowds — the whole idea is about creating a calm, low-stress experience for one ‘monarch’ cat and making it a gentle, small-scale attraction rather than a busy zoo. I’m just floating the idea that’s been stuck in my head and seeing what people think!
SpaTowner@reddit
I would steer clear, tbh.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Each to their own, thanks for the feedback ☺️
Ambitious-Elk-3350@reddit
Are you on glue?
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
It would be easier to explain wouldn’t it
ramakitty@reddit
I would visit this. Have a look at the Catnip Festival in London.
https://www.timeout.com/london/blog/a-cat-themed-film-festival-is-coming-to-london-092316
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
This looks brilliant
catastrophicalised@reddit
We already have cat cafes, I don't know why someone would want to spend the night with a room full of cats that don't even know you.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
It’s not quite the vision I had, but I have actually experienced this at a dodgy Airbnb before.
Careless-Giraffe-623@reddit
Found Enya, lol! Doesn't she live in a castle with a load of cats? Likes her privacy though by all accounts lol
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
You got me. I’ve got a lot of cats to feed so thinking about new avenues!
Vequihellin@reddit
I think a whole attraction is pushing it, but you could 100% scale down the theme to something like a themed cat cafe. I would visit the hell out of that.
ChaiGreenTea@reddit
No. I’m assuming there would be cats there. In which case I’d worry about them becoming over stimulated and attacking guests. Not to mention non stop breeding. If there aren’t any cats, then what’s the point? I imagine so many people especially kids would end up with scratches and bites that the insurance policy would be astronomical. Especially with the risk of cat scratch fever, which, whilst extremely rare, can kill. But if you have a lot of people around a lot of cats who are over stimulated every day, I bet it would become less rare. If the cats are also free roaming in the castle/park, it’d destroy the local eco system and every bird around. Not to mention cat fights often. The vet bills would be so high.
I’m having all these worries just at the mere concept of this. So in reality, no I wouldn’t go. I’d worry far too much about the ethics and the animal rights that I wouldn’t even consider going and may actively campaign against it
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
I love the level of thinking here. To be honest I think that the wellbeing of animals would have to be paramount (of course) so wouldn’t imagine loads of cats but just a handful if that. Also, I pictured having contained walkways that the cats pass through overhead from room to room - so if they happen to pass you a small fanfare is played so you know they are there. Then you could have a meet and greet potentially in a controlled environment. Maybe some sort of conservation aim for scotlands native cats?
imtiramisu2025@reddit
Not a chance but im not s cat person so wouldnt be your target market
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Fair enough, is there anything that would give you FOMO if you didn’t go?
REDEYEJ3D1@reddit
yes definitely
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
This would be great - I was thinking that the cat king or queen would be a rescue who could live out days pampered, and that some proportion of surplus ( if it ever made one) would go to cat charities.
AromaticVacation3077@reddit
Would it have a clawbridge?
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Now that it’s in my brain it would have to 😂
Impressive-Car4131@reddit
I adore my cats but have no interest in anyone else’s.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
They have you right where they want you 😉
ClarifyingMe@reddit
But tell me this, Enya, will you sing for us if we go? Because if its affordable and manageable to get to, I would go. As long as my room can be cat free as I'm violently allergic.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
I could manage a rendition of smelly cat I’m sure !
Mediocre-Opinion@reddit
The RSPCA and Cats Protection have both opposed cat cafes. While they can operate ethically, the hospitality industry isn't in the best of shape and you may be forced into a situation where what's right for the cats and what's right for the bottom line aren't compatible.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
It’s really important, I wonder what happens to the cats when they close these businesses down. Cat welfare first and foremost all the way!
evenifihateit@reddit
No
I like cats and castles but...no
MobiusNaked@reddit
A catsle
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Love this!
I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS@reddit
Throw in an actual cat café (as long as you treat the cats nicely) and I would visit the fuck out of this.
Psychological-Bag272@reddit
Like a Hello Kitty theme park? Maybe.
If there're actual cats being used as part of the attraction, though, no. Never. I love cats but that'd be abusive.
Original_Bad_3416@reddit
As much as I would love this, My advice is to build this on The Sim and dream
knotatwist@reddit
Sounds like you've been reading dungeon crawler Carl
ClevelandWomble@reddit
Not even if you paid me.
the-TARDIS-ran-away@reddit
I think it depends how its executed. I dont think id be interested in cat theme as such but id like to visit a castle with cats in it. It would need to be kept clean though.
Iforgotmypassword126@reddit
I prefer where I sleep and eat to not have animal hair and I think that would be hard to achieve with what you described.
People who don’t mind animal hair in their hotels are usually people looking specifically for pet friendly hotels, which again, I don’t think your plan could accommodate.
mylifeisajokelel@reddit
It doesn't sound like a good idea to me because I don't like cats, but I'm pretty sure it's a great idea for people who like cats.
I think it all boils down to marketing; if you can sell it well enough, other cat lovers like you would definitely be interested.
im-quite-stupid@reddit
I hope you have watched The Cat Returns film! I think you’d rather enjoy it! 👑🐱 Has a cat kingdom in it C;
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Have never heard of this!! Will have to have a look
chippersbadger@reddit
Lumley castle has a cat and my wife absolutely loved it. More cats would be even better!
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
I’ll look into this sounds nice
weeble182@reddit
If you want to do it, do it!!
However, from my point of view is that it would either for children, or will be full of the kind of adults that refer to their pets as fur babies so I wouldn't want to go there
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Thank you ☺️ I think I’m just trying to ascertain what level of crazy I actually am! I get what you mean - a lot of people love cats - in my head it’s more peaceful but I hadn’t factored the screaming children yet
PsychologicalRise368@reddit
I'd visit anything with cats.
Spank86@reddit
Apart from a cinema.
MadamKitsune@reddit
Cats available for watching a film with? YES!
Cats the film? NO.
Rymundo88@reddit
Not even the infamous 'Butthole Cut' if they were to ever release it?
MadamKitsune@reddit
I have four cats with zero understanding of personal space and a liking for sleeping on me every night. My day usually begins and ends with an unwelcome exposure to a pink wink, so I can live without the "Butthole Cut."
Anyway, it has James Corden in it, and he's butthole enough on his own.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Haha that’s reassuring I think I might be the same!
Maleficent_Day_3869@reddit
yes! i adore cats but don’t have one because i know i couldn’t afford the vet bills if it were to get sick. i volunteer at a cat shelter and buy cat food to feed the local strays in my area. i have a cat cafe nearby me and visit quite frequently so if a cat castle opened near me, i’d love to visit
i’m also not a child and don’t have children. it’d be just for me :)
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Love this, could have dukes and duchesses too! What a great idea
Electronic-Country63@reddit
So have you lined up the millions of pounds in investment you’d need to make this high end and whimsical?
Do you have experience running a prestige tourist destination with a restaurant and accommodation and the ancillary services needed like cleaning, stock ordering, guest services, financial management?
Because otherwise this sounds like that Willy Wonka land with extra steps.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Super valid points, at this point I am just trying to see if it’s actually a decent idea. I’m definately not sitting on millions I’m very much thinking start small and see if it has legs
CatsCoffeeCurls@reddit
A literal castle is something I'd go to, but there's some serious money needed there unless you're buying on the Hebrides - and that would make travelling there pretty unrealistic. A more general cat hotel? I think cat cafes struggle quite a bit already.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Yes I think you’re right I would need the big bucks to make it a reality! I do love Scotland though… I love cats but I’m not really into cat cafes myself
Riovem@reddit
Sick of Ireland Enya?
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
lol 😂 I’ve never been
MrPogoUK@reddit
I wouldn’t travel specifically to visit I t, but would if the price was reasonable and I happened to be in for area.
getoutmywayatonce@reddit
To be clear, are cats actually in it? If no, no. If yes, I probably would visit depending on how far it is lmao. It sounds weird in a way that appeals to me.
Take that with a pinch of salt though, I’m in the zone of being just mental enough to not exactly fit in with social norms, but also not quite mental enough to need any particular treatment. Ie treat my opinion as an outlier until proved otherwise 🤣
Friskystarling0@reddit
As a business model I could see this turning into a catastrophe
bigmoviegeek@reddit
Cat themed? No. Thundercat themed? Where do I sign up?
TMI2020@reddit
Snarf Snarf
PurrPaul@reddit
I fear if I visit I'll never want to leave.
internalpatterns@reddit
Check out the cathedral cat in Wells. He even has a book in the gift store
ambergriswoldo@reddit
Will there be loads of cats wandering round? If so yes
Spank86@reddit
Cat cafes exist. As do petting zoos and theme parks.
It sounds like something that could work more at the low end than high.
If youre going to have actual cats then your going to need a decent level of supervision to have animals interacting with the general public, otherwise youre looking at essentially a cat themed soft play or amusement park.
Prestigious_Emu6039@reddit
A nice idea however those of us that enjoy real castles probably won't enjoy a plastic castle paradise
EvilRobotSteve@reddit
If you mean an attraction where there would be an abundance of cats roaming and napping and looking for head scritches. Then yes, I absolutely would.
It kinda sounds similar to the existing cat cafes though so I'm not sure what you'd do to make people choose your attraction over those.
VolcanicBear@reddit
No. No I wouldn't.
Well, if I was in the area with my wife I guess I'd kinda have to.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
Haha - happy wife, happy life!
hypoxiafox@reddit
It's a nice idea and it might generate a little interest in terms of curiosity, but ultimately it sounds like it'll be hard to build something like that from the ground and fill it up with people straight away unless you go MAD on marketing and introductory offers.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
That’s a really good point — I think that’s the bit I’m trying to get my head around. Whether it could be something people actively choose to visit, or just something they’d check out if they happened to be nearby
Neddlings55@reddit
No. I find themed hotels etc rather tacky.
I would visit a well restored castle that had resident cats though.
Environmental_Pay336@reddit
The amount of cat lovers out there I'm sure you'd make a killing.
coastalkid92@reddit
No I wouldn't.
I like cats, but this is a bit much and sounds more like a child's attraction.
Brave_Trifle_2493@reddit (OP)
That’s really fair — I think that’s exactly the balance I’m trying to figure out. In my head it’s more of a cosy, well-designed place with a bit of character rather than something over-the-top or gimmicky, but I probably haven’t explained that very well.
Pippin4242@reddit
Not in a million years. Not only am I allergic, "cats for the sake of cats" have always been highly offputting to me, no matter how much I may like individual animals.
AutoModerator@reddit
Please help keep AskUK welcoming!
When replying to submission/post please make genuine efforts to answer the question given. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' you may receive a ban for violating this rule.
Don't be a dick to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on.
This is a strictly no-politics subreddit!
Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.