Best Cat Cafes in the U.S. Every Cat Person Needs to Visit
/granite-web-prod/d5/bb/d5bb096fc82041afa9dd0c50b542e374.jpeg)
Anyone who hasn't been to a cat cafe is missing meout. Cat cafes originated in Taiwan, but cuddling cats is an international pastime.
The concept caught on like wildfire in the United States, and there are now cat cafes in almost every state. Whether you're already obsessed with them or plan on visiting for the first time, these cat cafes are the best.
What to Expect When You Visit a Cat Cafe
Every cat cafe makes their own policies, but the concept is similar for them all. Visiting a cat cafe typically goes like this:
- Visitors book a time slot online for their in-person visit, usually for around an hour. Price of admission varies, but it's rarely more than $10-$15.
- There's usually an age requirement. Most cat cafes allow children to visit with adult supervision.
- Once you've arrived, drinks and/or food are available for order in a room separate from the main seating area. Sometimes, the food and beverages are catered by a local cafe instead.
- Visitors are free to mingle with the cats and kittens, which roam freely around the cafe. Toys are provided for fun, and sometimes treats.
- If visitors fall in love with one of the resident felines, they're welcome to apply to adopt them.
It's a fun, fluffy and affordable way to spend an afternoon.
Cat Cafes Are Mutually Beneficial
Cat cafes aren't just for human amusement. It's totally acceptable to visit without intending to adopt a new pet, but the ultimate goal of cat cafes is to find homes for the many stray cats who need them.
Human visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and unwind with purring, four-legged friends, and the cats have a happy place to stay until they find their furever homes. Even if you don't adopt a cat, your company helps socialize them, preparing them for a successful adoption.
11. Fat Cat Café
/granite-web-prod/d9/70/d970bffd70bd40dfb48a382e9490f442.jpeg)
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Best feature: A fun atmosphere with an eclectic boutique
Bottom line: Admittedly, Fat Cat Cafe is another spot that's more centered around cats than coffee. There's a Keurig available for use along with an electric kettle to make tea, but that's about it.
The star of Fat Cat is, obviously, the cats. They often have kittens running around, especially in spring. They're extremely playful and rambunctious, but after a long battle with a laser pointer, one of them might give you the honor of curling up on your lap to take the cutest nap in history.
If you'd like better coffee than Fat Cat offers, you can always stop by the shop next door.
What people say: "Great place, friendly and knowledgeable service lady, and lots of cats to look at and play with. They have so many cat toys to use and books about cats to read and cool artwork on the wall and there's a little shop outside where you can sit and there's an option to get drinks as well." –Janice W., Yelp
10. The Witty Whisker
/granite-web-prod/5c/56/5c56b773d4c74c90ae35979df7739e47.jpeg)
Location: St. Augustine, Florida
Best feature: Mewsic and meowditation nights
Bottom line: The Witty Whisker offers bohemian vibes, luscious lattes and lots of cats. Many cat cafes offer beverages as somewhat of an afterthought, but the coffee at The Witty Whisker is legit.
Their pumpkin spice lattes are topped with cat-shaped cinnamon sprinkles, and they're just as tasty as they look. Visiting this place feels like visiting your cool, hippie aunt who does yoga and treats her cats like her kids, but in a good way.
What people say:"Pro tip: buy a bag of cat treats and all the kitties will be your best friend!! This place was so fun. I try to go to a cat cafe every time I visit a new city. There were 17 cats in the room so there was no shortage of cuddles to go around!! They even had some kittens!! Staff was friendly and helpful, but they give you space when it's time to visit the cats, which is nice. They have snacks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase too!" – Lindsay D., Yelp
9. Purrington's Cat Lounge
/granite-web-prod/8f/4d/8f4d876ce48f4d628e1890b6de420bd6.jpeg)
Location: Portland, Oregon
Best feature: All the sweet treats and snacks you can dream of
Bottom line: The open-concept design and combination of rustic wood and bright colors is very Portland. Purrington's is an ideal spot to put your feet up and relax with dozens of adoptable cats, especially since it underwent a full renovation in 2019.
The environment is as warm and inviting as it gets, and visitors can enjoy cafe fare, wine, beer and food while getting some quality purr-therapy.
What people say: "I would hands down recommend Purrington's to anyone who likes cats. The food and drinks are wonderful and you can come and enjoy those and view the cats through the window, but if you go online and plan a time, you can go into the cat room and spend 45 minutes with their adoptable cuties! You can even bring your purchased food and drink in with you. They provide cat toys, treats, and any information you could hope to know about each cat. There are common sense rules about not picking up the cats and asking before petting a sleeping cat." –Brook H., Yelp
8. Brooklyn Cat Café
/granite-web-prod/59/d9/59d9a1b4e49846048a5f99dfd0213abc.jpeg)
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Best feature: The only nonprofit cat cafe in New York
Bottom line: If you want cats, Brooklyn Cat Cafe has 'em. Lots of them. This one isn't much of a cafe in terms of actual coffee or tea. We'd describe it as a cat-cuddling lounge.
There are usually at least 20-30 cats roaming through the central area of the cafe, plus a separate area for cats who are being socialized or treated for medical conditions. Those can't be snuggled, but visitors can request to meet them if they're interested in adopting one in particular.
If you'd like a souvenir that doesn't meow, plenty are available in the gift section. Consider booking more than one session, since some reviewers left wanting more.
Bottom line: "This place was so cute! I reserved a 30-minute session ($10 per person) to see the cats and honestly, it didn't feel like enough time." –Nicole G., Yelp
7. Pounce Cat Café and Wine Bar
/granite-web-prod/51/cc/51cc6950b24e460dafe5da6b8573c919.jpeg)
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Best feature: Cat yoga, plus meowmosas, coffee and tea
Bottom line:Pounce has two locations, one in Charleston, South Carolina, and another in Savannah, Georgia. Both are run by Ashley Brooks and Annaliese Hughes, best friends who put their heads and hearts together to open Charleston's first cat cafe.
The cozy, modern lounge offers a full menu of pastries, fresh brews and alcoholic beverages, and one drink is included with the $15 entry fee.
The only problem? It's exceptionally hard to go home alone.
What people say: "How can you give this place anything but 5 stars? It's incredible! We've been on several occasions, and each time it was a challenge to not leave with a cat. If you're looking to adopt, this is a great way to do it. And if you're bored and just want some animal love for an hour, this is the perfect place to come." –Haley S., Yelp
6. Meow Parlor
/granite-web-prod/52/db/52db15063bb54b2cab6d6ff1e3b4a2c6.jpeg)
Location: New York, New York
Best feature: Up to five hours of cat cuddling
Bottom line:Meow Parlour in New York City is a favorite of cat lovers for many reasons. Most cat cafes only offer appointments of around an hour in length, but not Meow Parlour.
Visitors can stay for anywhere from 30 minutes to five hours, and there's free Wi-Fi. Essentially, if you don't have a cat of your own, you can work remotely and enjoy a hot beverage while a cat naps peacefully beside you.
It's not as kid-friendly as some other cafes, but that's just to help keep the focus on people who may actually consider bringing one home.
What people say:"I had a wonderful time here. The staff is very caring and they make sure to keep children out except on kids days. This allows the adults, the ones actually interested in adopting cats, to come and play with the cats to see if they want to adopt one. Fortunately, I was one of those adults and now I have a new baby at home with me. They were very helpful and communicative and even gave us a free first vet visit. If you are looking to find kitties to adopt and want to interact with them first definitely go here.
I noticed 2 weeks later that every cat that was there the day of my visit, have all gotten adopted. They do a great job of getting these animals homes so the turnover is very high. If you see the kitty you want apply fast because they will be gone!"–Katsu D., Yelp
Purring for more cat content? Keep reading these related stories on Always Pets:
5. Denver Cat Company
/granite-web-prod/fa/aa/faaa285a26fc42a88a61222df99be389.jpeg)
Location: Denver, Colorado
Best feature: A cozy seating area and its own rescue organization
Bottom line: The Denver Cat Company differs from many cat cafes in that it operates its very own nonprofit rescue arm, Denver Cat Rescue.
The small business was founded by an immigrant and is staffed exclusively by cat ladies. Each staff member was hired after visiting the cafe and falling in love with it, so they're all passionate about its residents and showering them with love until they find the right families.
The idea behind Denver Cat Company was to create the feeling of a cozy, eclectic coffeehouse with books, comfy chairs and a warm environment that soothes the nerves of cats and humans alike. Since the vast majority of their reviews are positive, we'd say their concept was a success.
What people say: "What's not to love? Our cat passed away earlier this year so we've been missing cat antics and snuggles but aren't quite ready to make the commitment of a new pet. Denver Cat Company definitely helped fill that hole. We made a reservation for Sunday morning and were greeted with cats laying in sun spots, playing with cat toys, and hiding in boxes. The cafe is very clean, inviting, and has lots of places for the cats to climb, hide, and play. I basically had to drag my boyfriend out of there." –Lindsey D., Yelp
4. Seattle Meowtropolitan
/granite-web-prod/5f/89/5f89785971c54a4d9376ec9ee8b5e2a0.jpeg)
Location: Seattle, Washington
Best feature: Coffee that meets the expectations of Seattle's coffee snobs, plus cats, of course
Bottom line: One of the most common complaints about cat cafes is that the actual coffee isn't the greatest. The challenge is that making in-house food and drinks requires a cafe to meet strict health regulations, so it's usually premade and reheated.
Seattle Meowtropolitan knew that Seattlites wouldn't tolerate mediocre beans, so they offer coffee good enough that even someone who doesn't like cats would enjoy visiting.
That said, if you're not a coffee person, the cats will win you over. There are plenty hanging around the cafe to vibe with, and you'll find several of them perched on the unique cat tree centerpiece. Did we mention there's also cat yoga?
What people say: "This is one of my favorite spots in Seattle.
If you're a UW student, I would recommend renting some time in here during finals week and bring your homework. It's a huge stress relief.
I also have, periodically, been a regular at their Saturday/Sunday cat yoga. I am always delighted by the chaos of yoga with a ton of cats around. More recently, I went back, and doing a light flow surrounded by cats was some of the best trauma work I've done in months." – Danielle H., Yelp
3. Cat Town
/granite-web-prod/11/e3/11e386f2fd724fb491d8335e3d024323.jpeg)
Location: Oakland, California
Best feature: Acceptance of the hardest-to-adopt cats and kittens
Bottom line: Cat Town is one of the coolest cat cafes in America because they take their rescue efforts to the next level. Cat Town is a registered nonprofit that works with Oakland's shelter to help find loving foster homes and forever families for the hundreds of cats that make their way through the city's shelter system.
In 2011, the shelter's euthanasia rate was 2011. Thanks to Cat Town, it's now less than 10 percent.
If you're seriously considering adopting, there's a separate room where you can have a private meet and greet with any cat you'd like to get to know better. Cat Town has almost unanimously positive reviews, with many visitors claiming the place is like discount therapy.
What people say: "This place is so therapeutic. You get an hour, on the hour to hang out with the cats. The main room has cats hanging around. You can play or sit with them, but you have to wait until they come to you. There's a studio with kittens and different levels of handling such as "ask for assistance". The volunteers were really nice and helpful and seem to love and are knowledgeable about cats." –Sonja P., Yelp
2. Crumbs and Whiskers Cat Café
/granite-web-prod/cf/3d/cf3d929626c14dcb9f8ced6c81179e16.jpeg)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Best feature: Incredible ambience
Bottom line: Crumbs & Whiskers is the original cat cafe in Los Angeles, and it remains the best. It welcomes kids aged 7 and up to hang out with adoptable cats in the most aesthetically pleasing cat cafe we've seen.
There is a photo-op area, cozy cafe lights, and plentiful cushions and nooks to relax on with whichever cat tugs at your heartstrings. It's the best cat cafe in Los Angeles, and reviewers agree.
What people say: "Had me smiling the whole time. The cats have their own personalities and many of them love to play!! The staff is also super friendly. Will 1000% come visit again." –Carson P., Yelp
1. KitTea Cat Café
/granite-web-prod/55/a0/55a042651035434c80f512ba673cc6d0.jpeg)
Location: San Francisco, California
Best feature: Rehabilitation for both cats and people
Bottom line:KitTea does an excellent job at making a real difference. Their team believes that all cats are adoptable, even the ones who haven't been socialized. Like cats, the people who seem the least lovable often need love the most.
When you're feeling particularly grouchy, spend time helping to socialize felines. You might find your stubborn stress melting away in the process.
What's extra cool is that KitTea finds rescue cats at the highest-risk cat shelters to help the kitties who need it the most. Food and beverages are available for purchase from some of the neighboring bakeries and cafes.
What people say: "I just love this place. It's my happy zone. You leave all of your troubles at the door and disappear into the furry world of felines. Burger is one of my all-time favorites and the guy who lets you rub his belly pretty much anytime. I was hoping that Noodle or Struedel would jump on my back, but they were not in the jumpy mood. I leaned over to pet the ultra-soft Dolly Purrton and what do you know, Ginny decided to hop up onto my shoulders. God, I love these cats. There are kittens there right now. Get your fill of cuteness!" –Sherri H., Yelp