As New York City’s first cat café, Meow Parlour has set the standard for combining cozy café vibes with a mission to find loving homes for cats. Visitors can book time with the resident cats and even adopt a furry friend through their partnership with a local rescue organization.
2. Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium – London, UK
The first cat café in London, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium is a Victorian-themed wonderland where cats and visitors mingle in a beautifully designed space. All the cats here are rescues, and the café actively promotes adoption to help these felines find permanent homes.
3. Neko no Mise – Tokyo, Japan
One of the original cat cafés, Neko no Mise in Tokyo paved the way for the global cat café trend. While this café focuses more on providing a relaxing environment for both cats and customers, it has inspired many others to incorporate adoption into their business model.
4. Cat Town Café – Oakland, USA
Cat Town Café in Oakland is the first permanent cat café in the United States. This café works with local shelters to rescue at-risk cats, giving them a comfortable environment where potential adopters can interact with them outside of a traditional shelter setting.
5. The Cat Café – San Diego, USA
The Cat Café in San Diego partners with a local humane society to feature adoptable cats in their café. Visitors can enjoy coffee and snacks while getting to know the cats, many of whom are adopted within days of arriving at the café.
6. Purrington’s Cat Lounge – Portland, USA
Portland’s first cat café, Purrington’s Cat Lounge, offers a laid-back atmosphere where cats roam freely among visitors. The café has successfully placed hundreds of cats in forever homes, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
7. Le Café des Chats – Paris, France
Le Café des Chats in Paris provides a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The café is home to a group of rescue cats that customers can adopt, making it a popular spot for Parisian cat lovers looking to add a new member to their family.
8. KitTea Cat Lounge – San Francisco, USA
KitTea Cat Lounge in San Francisco is a tea house and cat lounge dedicated to the wellness and adoption of cats. The lounge offers a sanctuary for rescue cats and a relaxing space for visitors, with many cats finding their forever homes through the café’s adoption program.
9. Mewsic Kitty Café – Nashville, USA
Mewsic Kitty Café combines Nashville’s love for music with its passion for cats. The café partners with local rescues to host adoptable cats, and visitors can enjoy live music while spending time with potential new pets.
10. Crumbs & Whiskers – Los Angeles, USA
Crumbs & Whiskers in Los Angeles not only offers a chic space to hang out with cats but also actively promotes adoption. The café has a high adoption rate, thanks to its partnerships with local shelters and its focus on giving cats a stress-free environment.
11. Maison de Moggy – Edinburgh, UK
Scotland’s first cat café, Maison de Moggy, is located in Edinburgh and offers a unique experience with a variety of cat breeds. The café focuses on educating visitors about responsible pet ownership and encourages adoption through its partnerships with local shelters.
12. Java Cats Café – Atlanta, USA
Java Cats Café in Atlanta is not just a café but a social mission. The café works with local rescues to house adoptable cats and has placed over a thousand cats in new homes since its opening. The café also supports the community by providing meals to the homeless.
13. Café Neko – Vienna, Austria
Café Neko in Vienna is the first cat café in Austria and offers a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy the company of cats. While the café’s cats are permanent residents, the café has inspired many visitors to consider adoption from local shelters.
14. La Gattara – Phoenix, USA
La Gattara in Phoenix offers a cozy environment where adoptable cats can freely interact with visitors. The café hosts events like cat yoga and movie nights, making it a popular spot for cat lovers looking to adopt.
15. Cat Café Budapest – Budapest, Hungary
Cat Café Budapest is a charming spot in Hungary’s capital, where visitors can relax with a coffee while surrounded by cats. The café promotes adoption and works with local rescues to help cats find new homes.
How Cat Cafés Are Changing the Way We Adopt
Cat cafés have become more than just a novelty—they’re changing the landscape of pet adoption in significant ways:
1. Stress-Free Environment
Unlike traditional shelters, which can be noisy and stressful, cat cafés provide a calm and relaxed atmosphere where cats can show their true personalities. This helps potential adopters get a better sense of the cat’s behavior and suitability for their home.
2. Increased Visibility
Cat cafés attract a wide range of visitors, many of whom may not have considered adopting a pet before. By exposing more people to adoptable cats, these cafés increase the chances of finding homes for cats who might otherwise be overlooked.
3. Community Engagement
Many cat cafés host events, fundraisers, and educational programs that promote responsible pet ownership and adoption. These initiatives help build a community of cat lovers who are more likely to support and participate in adoption efforts.
4. Foster and Adoption Networks
Cat cafés often partner with local shelters and rescues to create a network of foster homes and adoption opportunities. This collaboration helps shelters manage overcrowding and provides a better chance for cats to find permanent homes.
Final Thoughts
Cat cafés are much more than trendy spots to grab a coffee—they’re playing a vital role in transforming the adoption process and improving the lives of countless cats. Whether you’re looking to adopt or just enjoy the company of cats, these 15 must-visit cat cafés offer a unique and heartwarming experience. So next time you’re traveling, consider stopping by a cat café—you might just find your new best friend.