Cat café opens in Baqubah, offering safe space for pet lovers

DIYALA — Cat lovers in Baqubah city, Diyala, who cannot keep pets at home now have an alternative with the opening of Bashona café.

Visitors can interact with cats in a dedicated area after sanitizing their hands and wearing shoe covers, or sit separately to watch from a distance. The café houses cats abandoned by their former owners, which staff have taken in, vaccinated, and provided with daily care. Entry costs 5,000 IQD ($3).

“We opened ‘Bashona’ to bring people and cats together in one place,” said café owner Mohammed Omar. “The cats’ area is completely isolated, and we’ve created a full environment for them while visitors can play and spend time with them.”

Aya Mustafa, who cares for the cats, said: “These cats were abandoned by their owners, and we provided them with the right conditions. All of them are vaccinated, sterilized, and clean. I take care of them every day to make sure the atmosphere is safe and healthy for visitors.”

Regular visitor Aya Saad explained: “I come here often because many families don’t allow cats at home. The cats are friendly and clean, and the place gives us a chance to enjoy spending time with them.”

The café has also become a spot for families to gather, with children spending hours playing with the animals while others enjoy drinks and food.

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