FOLIO
Words by Kaili Cochran
People love coffee. Many of them love cats. Imagine if there was a way to combine the two.
Cat cafes are nonprofit cat rescues where people can buy coffee drinks often named after felines. (Cattuccino, anyone?) While sipping, patrons can also pet cats.
Cat cafes began in 1948. The first was the Cat Flower Garden in Taipei, Taiwan. The concept has since spread throughout Asia, Europe, and the US.
According to the Frisky Cat Cafe in St. Augustine, cat lounges within the cafes promote cat and kitten adoptions by letting the cats roam in a more entertaining environment for both its customers and cat residents. Cat lounges are easily accessible yet separate, closed-off sections with happy, healthy cats available and ready for adoption.
Sometimes, the mingling is free; sometimes, there’s a small charge to visit the cat lounge to benefit the rescue. The fees can range from $5 to $11 per person, depending on the location.
Cat cafes near you
Florida is a feline state! There are 240 cat cafes in the United States, 10% of which are in Florida.
There are 23 known cat cafes in Florida. Three of these are in Northeast Florida. The Frisky Cat Cafe and the Witty Whisker Cat Cafe are in St. Augustine, and the Caffeinated Cat Cafe is inJacksonville Beach.
This cat map shows cat cafes throughout the United States expanding outside Florida.
Do I have to adopt from the cat cafe to see the cats?
No. You do not have to adopt a cat to visit the cat rooms or interact with the cats. However, depending on the location, fees may apply.
In St. Augustine, the Frisky Cat Cafe visitors must pay $10 to visit its cafe & cat lounge. 25% of all profits goes toward the Small Lives Matter Kitten Rescue. The Witty Whisker Cat Cafe allows guests to stop by its cafe at no charge. But, to visit the cat lounge, guests must pay an $11 fee and can stay there for up to one hour. Guests under two years of age can access the cat lounge for free.
In Jacksonville, The Caffeinated Cat Cafe allows guests to visit the cafe and cat room for free by purchasing any of its cafe beverages. A $5 entry fee is required to see the cat room without buying a beverage. Children under the age of 6 cannot enter the cat room.
How can I adopt? What to know before adopting a cat from your cafe.
If you aren’t sure what cat(s) you would like to adopt from your cat cafe, you can reserve a time to stop by or visit through walk-in during their regular hours. Cat cafe workers can speak with customers to help further educate them and provide them with resources to provide the best care after adoption.
Frisky Cat Cafe
To find your new best friend from the Frisky Cat Cafe, reserve a time in the cat lounge or walk in from 11 a.m.-6 p.m, Monday through Friday, or from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Before visiting the cat lounge, you must sign a waiver form.
Adoptions start at $145, and all cats are already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested, dewormed and free from fleas/mites, and are microchipped. Once adopted, the microchip comes with a free registration.
You can complete an adoption application online and view available kittens and cats at friskycatcafe.com.
Witty Whisker Cat Cafe
To adopt a furry friend, reserve a time to visit the cat lounge or just walk in. The cat lounge hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from noon-6 p.m. The cafe is closed on Tuesday.
Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver before entering the cat room.
Adoption prices range depending on the age of the cats. Kittens (12 weeks to 1 year) are $170, adult cats (2 years to 7 years) are $145, seniors (8+ years) are $115, and exotic/specialty breeds are $220. All cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for fleas, and microchipped. The entire adoption fee goes to Feline Canopy of Care to help offset the cost of veterinary care.
You can complete an adoption application online and view available kittens and cats at wittywhisker.com.
The Caffeinated Cat Cafe
The Caffeinated Cat Cafe does not have a website, and inquiries can be made via phone at (904) 853-5154 or in person.
You can reserve a time to visit the cat lounge by calling or walking in. The cat lounge is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and is closed on Monday. Children under the age of 6 cannot enter the cat room.
How can I contribute to the cat cafe foundations without adopting?
If you aren’t looking to adopt but would like to contribute to their donation, look no further.
The Caffeinated Cat accepts donations through PayPal. Donations can be sent to mayportcats@yahoo.com.
The Frisky Cat Cafe accepts donations through PayPal, and donations can be sent here.
The Witty Whisker Cat cafe partners with Feline Canopy of Care, and donations can be sent to the rescue through PayPal here.
Activities and services beyond adoption and coffee.
The Caffeinated Cat Cafe has a spay/neuter, vaccination, flea treatment, and check-up option each week for adopted cats. Cats can be brought in and treated. The fee for pets is $100, and for ferals, it is $75. Dates and times change weekly, and updates are uploaded to the Caffeinated Cat Cafe’s Facebook page.
The Frisky Cat Cafe has events, including Yoga with Cats and Friday happy hours. These events must be registered for in advance through the events page.
The Witty Whiskers Cat Cafe offers events, including Belly Dancing with Cats. The cost is $25 a person or $11 if you bring cat supplies from its wishlist to donate to the organization. It also offers a Mewsic Night, where local music artists play live in the cat lounge. Varieties of Yoga, including Yin and Restorative Yoga classes, take place in the cat room. Cat room painting classes on select Fridays start at $39, including a complimentary drink. ALL events must be registered for in advance through the events page.
So whether you’re looking for a new best friend or looking to be a crazy cat person without the commitment to over a dozen cats roaming your home: cat cafes are your new go-to place.
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