Difficulty: Challenger (Level 2)
As cats cautiously roam a cafe, watchful students analyse how the animals are feeling.
The cat cafe is located at The Yuen Yuen Institute MFBM Nei Ming Chan Lui Chung Tak Memorial College.
Here, the animals lend a comforting paw to pupils. They also help them practise their conversational English.
“Speaking here doesn’t feel like a test … because the cats give me the reason to talk,” said 13-year-old Form Two pupil Hei Hei Chan Ka-hei.
Relaxing way to learn
The idea for the space started about two years ago. That is when Yen Chan Yuen-yan joined the school as its English language panel head for junior forms.
“The cat cafe idea was … inspired by using a more relaxed, social space to make English feel less like a test and more like real communication,” Chan said.
Students are encouraged to speak English at the cafe. They use English when chatting with teachers, ordering drinks or taking part in activities.
A reward system even allows them to collect stamps. These stamps contribute to their English marks.
The English panel head serves drinks as a barista during every lunch period. Other teachers gather with students. Some days, they play English songs. They also have film screenings and play games.
The atmosphere is different from an ordinary school canteen.
Form Two pupil Yanis Tsang Yu-ying, 16, said she liked watching the cats.
“It feels respectful – like we are guests, and the cats are hosts, who look at us from above,” she said.
Yanis noted that the start of conversations in the cafe usually revolves around the cats.
“But we also talk about daily life and school topics. For example, if we are waiting while petting, I will mention a class topic or a school event, and teachers usually join us,” she said.
The cafe has helped her feel more confident in English.
Well-being and life skills
The cafe’s furry mascots are also companions. They teach lessons that extend beyond the classroom.
Yanis said she learned how to understand cats’ body language and respect their feelings.
“Cats communicate through body language more than sound,” she said.
“When I notice any uncomfortable signals, I adjust immediately, reduce touch, slow down or let the cat rest. Respect is the main rule.”
The cats have become a source of comfort as well.
“School stress is real … but spending time with cats lowers the pressure in a positive way. I commit more patience, and honestly, it improves my focus,” Yanis said.
For Chan, teaching students to care for animals is just as important as teaching grammar.
“The goal was to help students develop empathy and responsibility by caring for stray animals,” she said.
“English education can be combined with life education, animal care and student well-being in a creative way, instead of staying only in the traditional classroom.”
