Cat cafe owners The Straits Times spoke to said that they have measures to ensure their cats' welfare, such as high overhead bridges or hiding places into which the animals can retreat.
Ms Tan Sue Lynn, co-owner of cat cafe Neko no Niwa in Boat Quay, said that as cats sleep an average of 15 hours daily, customers are informed beforehand that interaction with the cats will be limited if they visit in the afternoon.
At The Cat Cafe in Bugis, all employees have previous experience in handling cats, said its co-owner
Jefferson Soh. While Mr Soh agrees that the Cuddles Cat Cafe incident has tarnished the industry's reputation, he remains optimistic. "A cat cafe might not be the best place for a cat, but... cafe cats (that are given) quality care and attention are in a much better place than (living in a) shelter or being on the street," he said.