Chicago Cat Cafes: Your Guide To Coffee, Cats & Adoption!
Could a cup of coffee, a purring feline, and the chance to change a life sound like the perfect afternoon? For Chicago's cat lovers, the answer is a resounding yes, as cat cafes across the city offer a unique blend of relaxation, community, and the opportunity to find a new furry friend.
Chicago's cat cafe scene is thriving, with establishments like The Catcade, a cat cafe and adoption center, leading the charge. These havens provide a sanctuary for rescued cats, offering them a safe space and a chance to find their forever homes. Visitors can reserve a spot to enjoy the company of these adorable felines while sipping on a beverage, often with the added bonus of fun activities like vintage arcade games at The Catcade.
The Windy City boasts a diverse array of cat cafes, each with its unique charm and offerings. The Tree House Humane Society Cat Cafe distinguishes itself by integrating a shelter and clinic, further emphasizing its commitment to animal welfare. Meanwhile, the Catcade provides a different experience, offering visitors the chance to play vintage arcade games.
Here's a glimpse into some of the individuals who have made these havens a reality, and who are deeply involved in the cat cafe scene in Chicago:
| Name | Known For | Career | Involvement in Cat Cafes | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenny (Windy Kitty Cat Cafe) | Lifelong animal lover and rescue advocate | Former cat foster mama and kitten bottle feeder | Founder of Windy Kitty Cat Cafe | Created an inclusive and relaxing space for cats to find forever homes, inspired by a visit to a cat cafe in Edinburgh. She was deeply involved in cat rescue, and her cafe is known for supporting rescue cats and connecting them with potential adopters |
| Irene Lee | Founder of The River Kitty Cafe (Roselle, IL) | Cat Cafe Founder | Founder and operator | She played a key role in bringing a cat cafe to the Chicagoland suburbs, providing a space where cats can socialize and find their new home |
| Aislinn Roman | Partner, or Manager at The River Kitty Cafe (Roselle, IL) | Cat Cafe Founder | Partner and operator | She played a key role in bringing a cat cafe to the Chicagoland suburbs, providing a space where cats can socialize and find their new home |
For more detailed information, please check out: The Cat House Lounge
Beyond simply providing a place to hang out with cats, these cafes are deeply integrated with animal welfare efforts. The Catcade, for instance, actively rescues cats from shelters, working to find them loving homes. Many cafes partner with local animal shelters and rescue organizations, highlighting the adoptable cats and facilitating the adoption process.
Beyond the adoption aspect, the cat cafe experience is designed to be enjoyable and enriching. Guests can make reservations to visit the lounge, offering them the chance to play with the cats and enjoy the company of other cat enthusiasts. Keep in mind that some places, like the Windy Kitty, are open, but it's always wise to check the website or social media for up-to-date hours and policies before visiting.
Consider the Windy Kitty Cat Cafe, which opened its doors on December 18, 2017, embracing the concept of combining felines, food, and philanthropy, similar to other Illinois establishments like The Purrfect Roast Catfe and The Catcade. Located at 1746 West North Avenue in Chicago, Windy Kitty embodies this ethos, creating a welcoming space for cats and humans alike.
When it comes to supporting these cafes, visitors contribute in a variety of ways. Besides purchasing beverages and treats, you're also supporting the care and medical needs of the cats. For example, medical costs for cats at Windy Kitty are $100 per cat over six months old and $150 for cats under six months. These fees help cover essential veterinary care, including spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and testing for diseases like FIV and FeLV, along with microchipping and flea prevention.
The opening of Chicago's first cat cafe, Tree House Cat Cafe, was a moment of celebration for the city's cat lovers. In fact, many cat cafes, the Tree House Humane Society, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 28th, followed by a public grand opening on July 29, 2019, which was a good step towards the adoption of shelter cats.
A common question that potential visitors and supporters often ask is, "Where can I go to experience this purrfect blend of coffee and feline companionship?" The list includes: Tree House Cat Cafe and The Catcade. Other notable cat cafes in the Chicagoland area include The River Kitty Cafe in Roselle, The Cat House Cat Lounge & Boutique in Springfield, and The Cats Pyjamas Cat Cafe.
For a more in-depth comparison, consider the selection, menu, atmosphere, location, and accessibility of these cafes. It's worth exploring the reviews and the experiences of others, perhaps consulting with a travel blogger who has visited and reviewed three cat cafes: Windy Kitty, The Catcade, and Tree House Cat Cafe.
The Tree House Humane Society, with its shelter and clinic, provides a unique integrated experience. Others focus on creating specific themed environments and activities. From the cat cafes' menus to the adoption processes, the details can vary, so research the specific establishment before visiting. Many cat cafes, like Windy Kitty, offer online reservation systems, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Always check the website for opening hours.
While the primary goal is to create a positive experience for the cats and their potential adopters, the reality is that the cafes also provide an opportunity for the owners and staff to cover the cost of running the facility. The cafes offer a great option, along with the fun for the visitors, is to increase the chances of shelter cats getting adopted by finding a permanent, loving home.
The cat cafe experience offers a unique fusion of a relaxing environment for the cats, and human visitors. The establishments help to increase the awareness for animal welfare, and provide an environment for people to contribute to the cause. The cat cafes, a trend, can improve the quality of life for cats looking for new families.
Chicago's cat cafes are making a significant impact. The Catcade and Tree House Humane Society are playing a vital role. By visiting or supporting the various cat cafes, you not only get a chance to enjoy yourself in a different setting but you are also helping the cats to get their medical care, be safe, and to find a forever home. With each passing day, these cat cafes are expanding their services, thereby playing a vital role in animal welfare. For Chicagos cat lovers, the opportunity to support these cafes, and to enjoy a cup of coffee alongside a purring cat, is an experience that is well worth having.
