They cite high costs and strict regulations, such as having separate kitchens for humans and animals, as reasons the businesses do not thrive, despite the large number of registered pets in Singapore.
From only one licensed food shop where pets are allowed in 2004, there are now 15, said the National Environment Agency (NEA). TODAY understands that the first licence was issued in 2004.
The recently-opened Cat Cafe Neko no Niwa, the first of its kind here, attracted much buzz and is often fully booked on weekends. A second cat cafe, TheCatCafe, has garnered more than 9,000 “likes” on its Facebook page, even though it has not yet opened.