Are The Happiest Cats in Finland? |

Finland has ranked #1 on world happiness report in 2023, for the sixth yr in a row. I needed to search out out whether or not the cats within the happiest nation on this planet have been glad as effectively. Right here’s what occurred. A brief model was printed in Animal Wellness Journal a number of months in the past however I believe you’ll get pleasure from this expanded model.

Full disclaimer: I’m a Finnish citizen despite the fact that I grew up in Canada and I’ve by no means lived in Finland. My complete household on either side are Finnish and final summer time I made a decision it was time to reconnect with household there and see what all of the happiness fuss was about. And naturally try Finnish cats at Helkatti Cat Cafe in Helsinki.

FYI: by the point you learn this, I could be again in Finland till the top of August. I do not know what or after I’ll be posting however I promise one thing recent quickly. The cat cafe in Tallinn, Estonia appears inviting and is a ferry journey away. Keep tuned. I can now say with out reservation that Finland is my glad place.

On a scorching summer time day, I visited Helkatti Cat Cafe in downtown Helsinki. Finland isn’t recognized for warmth waves but it surely was scorching for Finland. Helsinki is straightforward to navigate by foot and public transport and my favourite are the trams. I seen plenty of canines being walked however not one cat. On a tram, I did see a really chill and contented wanting cat on her technique to their nation cottage. Nearly everybody has one with a sauna which I think is a contributing issue.

Whereas cats aren’t roaming the streets, cat tradition is alive and effectively in Finland. The scaffolding for a brand new artwork museum begged for a selfie.

A nice tram journey introduced me to the artsy downtown space north of Punavuori and my vacation spot of Helkatti. Cat Cafe names are typically intelligent and cute. Helkatti Cat Cafe or Kahvila (cafe in Finnish) is not any exception. Helvetti means hell in Finnish whereas helkatti is a softer model match for kids. Hel is brief for Helsinki and their airport code. Kissa or Katti are Finnish for cat.

There are three cat cafes in Finland. The 4th one within the arctic circle of Rovaniemi has closed. Not dangerous for a rustic with solely 5.6 million and strict legal guidelines regarding animals and meals prep. All three cat cafes in Tampere, Kuopio and Helsinki are owned by Tiina Altonen, a cat lover with 9 cats and no earlier expertise however shortly discovered what works.

In the event you don’t communicate Finnish, it’s simple to overlook the cafe entrance. The signal is tiny and the signal with opening hours is in Finnish. It says: Cat cafe open Monday to Friday, 11 am- 8pm and Saturday 11 am to 6pm. Tervetuloa is welcome.

Don’t fear when you don’t communicate Finnish, nearly everybody speaks English particularly the youthful technology.

As quickly as I used to be ushered via the double doorways into the steamy cafe by the workers, I noticed there was no air con. Warmth waves are uncommon in Finland and older buildings are hardly ever retrofitted with A/C. Nobody complained in regards to the warmth, least of all of the motley crew of contented cats with unique sounding names like Puu (means wooden or tree), Namitassu (yummy paw) or Tyylilyyli (model information). Yup, Finnish is a tongue-twisting language.

Eradicating footwear on the door just isn’t an enforced rule however most complied. It’s extra hygenic for the cats but it surely’s additionally a Finnish factor. Just like the Japanese, Finns all the time take away their footwear on the door at house or visiting somebody.

Finland has among the finest espresso, I’ve ever had wherever and the Finns drink extra espresso per capita on this planet. I anticipated good espresso and was not disillusioned.

The cattuccino was wonderful however the foam like me was melting just like the depraved witch of the West within the warmth. The lovable kitty water bottles graced each desk and cat decor and cat every little thing shortly knowledgeable the customer, you’re not in a daily cafe otherwise you’re not in Kansas anymore.

Make no mistake: cats rule right here. With each menu, company are given a web page of kitty guidelines and so they’re purrfect.

Solely the kitchen is off limits and don’t be stunned if a cat follows you into the bathroom. Company are allowed to sit down wherever they need within the cozy, cut up degree area. There’s a funky Nordic meets Morocco vibe of mismatched furnishings, cat artwork and plenty of cushions. An enormous aquarium provides curiosity in the midst of the area however the principle attraction is after all the cats.

There are 9 present full time kitty residents. Every so often, one could be adopted but it surely’s uncommon.

Cat adoption in Finland differs from the U.S. If somebody needs to undertake a cat from a shelter or rescue, there’s a 7-day ready interval. It permits time for a possible adopter to organize their house, collect provides and keep away from any cut up second selections. It’s not low-cost. The typical cat adoption price is 300 Euros.

Cat adoption is a severe duty in Finland and it makes me glad simply how severe. That is what an adoption contract appears like from The Humane Society in Helsinki. (PDF in English). A breach ends in a 500 Euro fantastic.

The cats at Helkatti are in plain view like they personal the place (which they do) hidden below furnishings and above on the kitty freeway.

Cats rule everywhere in the world.

Kitty camouflage anybody? That is Puu which interprets to “Tree” or I believe Lumipallo AKA Snowball is best.

I sat throughout from Nestori, the regal tabby lounging on his leather-based armchair and puzzled what it could be prefer to spend the evening there. They don’t promise a very good evening’s sleep however hey, consider the purring firm. If that’s not your cup of tea, there’s kitty yoga on Mondays.

Cat cafes aren’t often recognized for his or her meals however Helkatti surprises with their menu of fantastically offered candy and savory objects. They’ve a liquor license however they’re well-known for his or her expertly drawn kitty lattes. There are surprises of every kind. I regarded below my chair and did a double take. Sure, there are two candy bunnies.

There are every kind of cat artwork.

What I really like about cat cafes whatever the nation is the curiosity of cats.

And it’s no shock cats in Finland like containers.

The relaxed crowd included largely aspiring younger cat women with their mothers but additionally {couples} and some toddlers. This little boy had his first lesson within the idea, “Cats Rule”. Cats don’t do something they don’t need to do. The cat ignored him it doesn’t matter what.

It was equal components absorbing kitty love pets and taking images.

So are the cats happier in Finland? I’d say they’re as glad as the typical Finn. The self-deprecating Finns are all the time somewhat shocked after they discover out about their happiest on this planet standing. They take it with a grain of salt and I believe the cats do too. They’ve it good but it surely’s rude to boast in Finland so let’s simply say, they’re feline fantastic in Finland. Go to Helkatti Cafe at https://helkatti.fi/

Be aware: Have you ever seen our Worldwide Cat Cafe Listing?