I almost feel guilty liking Red Cat Ramen as much as I do. A show about either cats or ramen would already have a big  head start with me (though there are plenty – they still have to actually be good). But one about both? That’s a first as far as I’m aware. Layer in the fact that it’s also part of that niche that I love so much, and it probably didn’t have that high a bar to clear to win me over. But irrespective of any of that, I think this show is just really good.

As usual we have three stories to work with. In the first, Tamako hatches a plan to help sell the Akaneko special, a slow mover (at ¥1800 I’m not surprised). She drafts a flyer (advertising was her game in her black company days) showing a tiger hard at work preparing the “tiger-paw made” noodles. It looks great, but Sasaki – correctly – figures the ultra-shy Krishna will want no part of it. In the end it’s Hana who saves the day with her irrefutable arguments, but the real significance is that this is her way of telling Tamako she’s accepted her.

Next up, a mysterious bearded man (Kusumi Naomi) shows up for ramen, which he eats in a very analytical fashion. It turns out he’s a famous Italian chef, Pietro Romario, though the staff doesn’t know that (I’m guessing he’ll be back). He pipes up to ask a question about the soup, as busy at the shop is – why doesn’t Bunzou use green onions? He uses qin cai, Chinese celery – for the very good reason that all allium plants are toxic for cats. It’s all part of the sacrifice, Bunzou says – there are ingredients he can’t use, and he can’t even taste test the soup unless he waters it down. No matter – Romario has no trouble understanding the appeal of the place.

Finally, “The Masked Handyman” finds Sasaki calling in Shirosaki-san (Uchiyama Kouki) to fix the dishwasher (for Tamako’s benefit). Shirosaki is so allergic to cats that he wears a gas mask (!) while he works, leaving Hana and Krishna to stew over his rumored good looks. Like Bunzou he’s never tried Red Cat Ramen, though for different reasons. Tamako decides to fetch him a bowl to go, and he gives Krishna and Hana the show they’ve been waiting for (Sabu just wanders over because everyone else was doing it).

None of this is going to change your life, but Ramen Akaneko is just good at what it’s trying to do. Of course I appreciate that it nails cat details in a way it never could unless it were written by someone with experience. Like Sabu – I’ve had voids before and they all have that cheeky, semi-frantic energy and those eyes that look as big as ramen bowls. I almost get the feeling in watching it this series that the mangaka is writing it as a kind of wish fulfilment – I mean, if this place existed it really would be the best thing ever – and I think the infectiousness of that is what ultimately gives Ramen Akaneko it’s irresistible charm.