Tamako arrives at Ramen Akaneko, a ramen restaurant run by cats, for a part-time job interview. When asked by owner Bunzo if she likes cats, Tamako admits that she's more of a dog person. This gets her hired immediately, leading to the beginning of Tamako's new friendships with the other feline employees of the restaurant.

Bunzo asks Tamako to help out with dishwashing during the dinner shift. Hana is against the idea as it goes against the restaurant's concept of a feline-only staff. Sasaki suggests dressing Tamako in an outfit that will allow her to blend in…

Tamako decides to create a poster promoting the Akaneko Special upon hearing from Krishna that the dish is not very popular with customers. Krishna is embarrassed about her photo being used for the poster, despite the idea being well-received by the other staff members.

Bunzo makes dumplings and vegetable soup for Tamako, who is concerned about her recent weight gain caused by eating too much ramen. After lunch, the restaurant staff decide to take a nap before the dinner shift.

Tamako brushes Krishna, who is irritable lately due to shedding season. Bunzo, Sasaki and Sabu share old stories about the staff with Tamako, who expresses that she wants to get to know everyone better.

Three ramen enthusiasts visit the restaurant, which strictly prohibits photography. When Sasaki steps in to stop one of the three men from taking photos of the ramen, he is met with a slight resistance…

Teru Tajima, who sells her handmade menma only to establishments that she feels are worthy, visits the restaurant out of the blue. She orders a bowl of Akaneko Shoyu Ramen, making the staff nervous.

On a hot summer day, Sasaki comes across a mother and her child who are lost. He invites the pair to Ramen Akaneko, and proceeds to soothe the baby skillfully.

Sabu discovers that his special treats, "Returning Bonito Confit", have been eaten without his knowledge. He suspects Hana, who often eats his treats without permission, leading to a disagreement between the pair.

A woman named Yoko visits the busy Ramen Akaneko out of the blue and refers to Hana as "Lovely Pipi-chan". The woman invites Hana, who is troubled by the sudden visit, to go home with her. It is then revealed that Yoko is Hana's previous owner.

The owner of Ramen Akaneko rescues two kittens but is unable to keep them at the restaurant. The owner gives the two kittens, named Tart and Pudding, to a regular named Sasaki but Tart, an orange tabby, escapes.