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Catonomy: A New Pet-Friendly Cafe With Resident Kitties & Japanese Rice Bowls In Penang

Catonomy cafe in Penang


Fussing over adorable felines – who just want to be left alone – have become everyone’s favourite new hobby. This would very well explain the mushrooming of cat cafes all over Malaysia in recent years, where people can be charmed by manja cats as they enjoy their meals.

Catonomy Penang is yet another new cat cafe that cat lovers wouldn’t want to miss. This neighbourhood cafe in George Town, Penang, has adorable felines to accompany you as you dine on their delectable spread of homely Japanese dishes.


Make some kitty friends in a quaint cafe


Catonomy penang - cafe exterior
Image credit: @catonomy_pg via Instagram

A new cat cafe, Catonomy, beckons with its traditional Chinese exterior – this is fitting as it is located right in the vicinity of the Khoo Kongsi clan temple in George Town. Inside, the cafe’s interior is rustic and tasteful, accented by wooden furniture and bricked countertops that give the space a gorgeous zen-like quality.

Catonomy penang - cafe inside
Image credit: @_at.the.moment_ via Instagram

While the cafe’s down-to-earth ambience charms patrons, it is also home to the true stars of the cafe – three adorable felines that go by the names of Colby, Dawn, and Aki. De-stress with the feline hosts companionship, and watch them laze or slink around.

If you’re lucky, one may be keen enough on playtime and you may get in an affectionate scratch or two.

It’s important for diners to take note of some “catiquettes“, such as washing your hands before handling the kitties and being gentle with them. These also include a no-carrying and no-feeding rule. And as no one can resist taking photos of the adorable felines, do turn off the flash on your cameras before doing so.

Catonomy penang - cats
Image adapted from: @catonomy_pg via Instagram

Diners can also spot several cat art portraits hanging on the cafe’s walls. There are playful takes on famous paintings, with chubby cats becoming part of the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Scream.

Catonomy penang - cat protraits
Image adapted from: @_at.the.moment_ via Instagram & @catonomy_pg via Instagram

Fur-parents are welcomed to bring along their pets while dining here as well, with certain rules to be adhered to for the safety and comfort of all guests, such as keeping them leashed and wearing a diaper at all times. 


Homely Japanese meals & snacks


Catonomy penang - food
Image credit: @_at.the.moment_ via Instagram

Catonomy doesn’t just delight with their furry friends. Much thought is put into their Japanese-inspired menu as well, with a decent selection of rice bowls, sides, and beverages.

Comforting and wholesome, their rice bowls have various condiments and proteins served atop fluffy warm rice, with choices such as Teriyaki Salmon (RM25.90), Katsu Chicken (RM17.90), and Mentai Scallop (RM18.90).

Catonomy penang - meals
Image adapted from: Catonomy via Google Photos & @_at.the.moment_ via Instagram

Add on some sides from their menu, such as the sweet-savoury Mentai Tamagoyaki (RM11.90), Sesame Tofu (RM6.90), or Wafu Fries (RM10.90) that are all great for sharing among friends.

If a drink is enough to tide you through your cat-watching session, you won’t be disappointed by the choices available. There are caffeine options for coffee drinkers – the Spanish Latte (RM11) is highly recommended. Non-coffee drinkers can go for Yuzu Hojicha (RM11) and fizzy sodas such as Pink Guava and Honeydew (RM13.90) instead.

Catonomy penang - drinks
Image credit: @_at.the.moment_ via Instagram


Hang out with cats and savour Japanese rice bowls at Catonomy in Penang


It is simply impossible to not fall in love with cat cafes, especially when it is a sanctuary that offers everything that we love – cat and food. So, if you’re a cat lover who simply cannot get enough of kitty cuteness, drop by this new cafe to have a sweet session with kitties and a good meal. 

Address: 117-A, Annex Building B, Lebuh Victoria, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 014-988 9980

For more cafes in Penang, here are Cafe Mangga, Penang cafe in a historical mansion where you can dine under a Mango tree and Breakfast In The Fort, an open-air brunch spot within the historical Fort Cornwallis.


Cover image adapted from: @_at.the.moment_ via Instagram & @catonomy_pg via Instagram