New trends in cafe culture: Cats, kids and more

A cat joins its owner reading a book at a Tokyo cafe Friday, Feb. 13. 2004. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

Toronto's first cat cafe is in the works. Jennifer Morozowich and her business partner are behind the idea of Smitten Kittens. The cafe is exactly what it sounds like. Hang out with some felines in a cafe setting.

The trend comes from Tokyo where customers pay a small fee to play with cats. Tokyo boasts more than 100 cat-friendly coffee venues.

In Toronto, Morozowich's idea is in the early stages of planning as she eyes venue options in the Koreatown neighbourhood around Bloor and Christie streets.

While cat lovers wait for Smitten Kittens to open its doors. Here's a look at other cafes in the city that offer a different experience.

All human life forms welcome!

With their tagline, "Come In. Take Off," Intergalactic Travel Authority (ITA) is every space dreamer's cafe spot. This space hub designed by Lars and Jason Dressler includes command centre seating and a terminal for humans to travel through. In addition to coffee and baked goods, there are souvenirs…

Crayons with your coffee?

Lil' Bean N' Green, located in Toronto's Leslieville neighbourhood, is a spot where parents can bring their children to. There's space to park the stroller and a fun play area for the kids. This cafe may get bonus points for having a babysitting service moms and dads can use.

Battleship, Monopoly and coffee

Here's one we couldn't keep off the list.

Snakes and Lattes, Toronto's first dedicated board game cafe, has been open since 2010. It costs $5 to get in and provides access to a library of over 1,500 games. The baristas provide game tips if you're a little rusty on the Monopoly rules.

Part vinyl shop, part cafe

Do you remember record shops?

The Sublime Cafe in Toronto's Kensington Market neighbourhood offers costumers that kind of experience. The hybrid shop sells vintage records and local artists play live music on the weekends. On weekdays, the cafe plays jazz and blues records.

Latte art

Bull Dog Cafe is known for adding art work in your coffee cup. Founded by award-winning barista Stuart Ross in 2003, the cafe offers signature espresso-based drinks. "The Bull Dog" is a cappuccino/latte hybrid and the "Blanco Bull Dog" is a white chocolate drink with dark chocolate designs.