Last weekend, I found myself curled up with a cappuccino in one hand and a purring tabby on my lap at a local cat café. The experience was pure magic!
California has become a hotspot for these feline-friendly establishments where you can sip delicious drinks while making furry friends.
These 11 cat cafés are the purr-fect spots to unwind and maybe even find your forever pet.
1. Nabi Cat Café – Santa Clara
Tucked into a cozy corner of Santa Clara, Nabi (meaning ‘butterfly’ in Korean) flutters with feline energy. The minimalist decor creates a zen-like atmosphere where cats reign supreme on custom-built shelves and window perches.
Visitors rave about their signature Jeju Matcha Latte, Tiramisu Latte, and Yakgwa Einspanner, best enjoyed while watching resident cats play and interact. Every feline here comes from local rescues like Town Cats and Pink Paws for the Cause, making your visit a contribution to animal welfare.
Weekend visitors should book ahead—sessions are limited to 10 spots per hour and frequently sell out. Their one-hour sessions often include a drink, and during their monthly ‘Mewvie Nights,’ you can watch cat-themed films surrounded by the real stars.
2. Cats & Crystals Cat Café – Oceanside
Spiritual energy meets feline charm at this uniquely mystical spot in Oceanside. Rose quartz and amethyst crystals adorn the shelves alongside lounging cats, creating what the owner calls ‘purr-fect vibrational harmony.’
Monthly full moon cat yoga sessions have become legendary among locals. Each adoptable cat has its own crystal ‘personality match’ displayed on their profile, helping visitors connect with their feline soulmate.
Their signature ‘Nine Lives’ tea blend supposedly brings good luck, especially when sipped while petting one of their rescue cats. The café hosts crystal workshops where proceeds benefit their partner rescue organization.
3. Purrrlandia Cat Lounge & Café – Thousand Oaks
Step into Purrrlandia, a whimsical haven where fairy-tale-inspired cat trees and vibrant murals create a magical atmosphere. The café offers delightful “paw-stries” shaped like little cats, complete with chocolate ears and whiskers, making it as Instagrammable as it is delicious.
Founded by Kat Killoran, who was inspired by her experiences volunteering at local animal shelters and her travels to Japan’s cat cafés, Purrrlandia aims to provide a stress-free environment for rescue cats.
Since its grand opening, Purrrlandia has become a sanctuary for both cats and visitors alike. They’ve already facilitated several adoptions and continue to offer a cozy space for relaxation and connection.
4. The Caffeinated Cat Café – Grover Beach
Nestled in Grover Beach, The Caffeinated Cat Café offers a unique blend of coastal charm and feline companionship. Opened on December 14, 2024, it stands as San Luis Obispo County’s first cat café.
The café features a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a variety of beverages and snacks while interacting with adoptable cats from local rescues. Reservations are recommended, with 25- and 50-minute session options available.
The café also hosts community events such as cookie decorating, children’s storytime, and crochet nights, fostering a sense of community and support for feline adoption .
5. KitTea Cat Lounge & Café – San Francisco
Foggy San Francisco days feel cozier inside KitTea, where Japanese tea culture meets cat rescue in perfect harmony. KitTea was established as a safe haven for both humans and cats, aiming to provide a peaceful environment for relaxation and cat adoption.
The lounge features a serene atmosphere with cozy seating, relaxing music, and a selection of premium Japanese teas. Guests can enjoy a 55-minute session with adoptable rescue cats, with the option to bring outside non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
KitTea also hosts various events, including ‘Mewvie Nights’ featuring cat-themed films, ‘Purrlates’ classes combining Pilates with feline interaction, and ‘Cello and Chill’ evenings with live music.
6. The Cat Café – San Diego
Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows at this downtown San Diego hotspot, where local coffee culture meets cat rescue. The industrial-chic space features reclaimed wood tables and exposed brick walls—perfect backdrops for cat photos.
Their cold brew coffee has developed a cult following among locals who come for the caffeine but stay for the cats. Monthly ‘Meow Mingles’ for singles have resulted in three marriages among former patrons who met while petting cats!
Located steps from the Gaslamp Quarter, it’s become a surprising tourist attraction. Their ‘Purr-spective’ program pairs at-risk youth with cats for reading sessions, improving literacy while teaching empathy through animal interaction.
7. Crumbs & Whiskers – Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Melrose Avenue, Crumbs & Whiskers is Los Angeles’ first cat café, offering a chic and cozy space where visitors can enjoy coffee while interacting with adoptable rescue cats. The café’s stylish interior features modern décor, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both feline enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
Their ‘Paw of Fame’ wall features photos of adopted cats with their celebrity parents, including several A-listers who found their feline soulmates here.
The café partners with fashion designers for limited-edition merchandise drops that fund their rescue efforts.
8. Cat Town – Oakland
History purrs within these walls—Cat Town earned bragging rights as America’s first permanent cat café when it opened in 2014. The Oakland-proud space features local art and a miniature cardboard skyline of the city that cats love climbing.
Unlike most cat cafés, Cat Town specializes in rescuing cats considered ‘unadoptable’ by traditional shelters. Their ‘Cat Zone’ operates without time limits, creating a pressure-free environment for shy cats to approach visitors naturally.
Their partnership with a neighboring bakery means fresh pastries delivered hourly. Community is central to their mission—they host monthly skills workshops where visitors learn cat care basics while socializing with the residents who might otherwise be overlooked.
9. The Dancing Cat – San Jose
Silicon Valley techies disconnect from screens to connect with cats at this peaceful San Jose sanctuary. Unlike traditional cafés, The Dancing Cat focuses entirely on the feline experience—no espresso machines to startle sensitive cats.
Guests bring their own beverages to enjoy in the tranquil converted Victorian home where adoption counselors quietly facilitate matches.
The volunteer-run operation maintains an impressive 98% successful adoption rate by focusing on thoughtful matchmaking rather than impulse adoptions.
10. Tail Town Cat Café – Pasadena
Tail Town Cat Café, established in 2021, is a woman-owned, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing cats from high-kill shelters and finding them loving homes.
Located in Pasadena, California, the café offers a spacious and interactive environment where visitors can relax, play, and connect with adoption-ready cats.
The lounge features a comfortable space where up to 40 cats can roam freely, providing a playful home for cats to interact with potential adopters or anyone seeking a great spot to unwind.
11. Feline Good Social Club – Long Beach
Located in downtown Long Beach, Feline Good Social Club is a woman-owned cat lounge and nonprofit that partners with Long Beach Felines to rescue and rehome adoptable cats.
The lounge offers a serene environment where visitors can relax and interact with over 40 friendly felines.
The lounge hosts various events, including “Meow & Chow” dinner sessions, where guests can watch the cats enjoy their meals, and “Cats & Mats Yoga” sessions, combining relaxation with feline companionship.