Charlotte: Yes, They Have Cat Cafes

Cat Cafés are fun places for cat lovers where you can go and visit, have some refreshments, and get to pet and cuddle with all kinds of cats. 

I became a cat lover when I was 16 years old. It was summertime, and my best friend was moving away. So, one evening, my big brother came down to my room, and he had a little something in his jacket. He pulled it out, and it was a kitten. At the time, he said to me, "Well, Nan, I know you’re gonna be lonely this summer without Kristie here, so I got you a little friend." With that, he pulled out a tabby cat. That tabby cat was my best friend for years and years and lived to be 18 years old, carrying me through a lot of my adulthood as well. At one point, I realized that everyone I knew also knew that feline friend, somehow connecting me to all of them. 

Since then I’ve always had a cat or two at my house. When I was recently not feeling well, it was a cat who helped nurse me back to health along with, of course, my husband and children. 

So recently when my daughter and I discovered a Cat Café, we couldn’t help but go in. It did cost a little bit to visit with the cats, but after a little hot chocolate and some pastries, we were pretty happy to be able to visit with so many cats. 

I did a little digging and found a couple of Cat Cafés right here in the Charlotte area for the cat lover. It’s gonna be a fun day for sure. At many of the Cat Cafés cats are available for adoption so be aware that you may end up with a little buddy to take home. 

At the Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, the space is divided. Half Cat Lounge, half Coffeehouse. You can stop in for a latte and bring your laptop to work, or visit the cats and play (ages 7+ during regular business hours). Choose one side, or both. You don't need a reservation to just hang in the cafe, but for the cat lounge, you do.

On the website, there are actual pictures of the cats that you’ll visit Pedro, Frio, Lobo, Dashi, Baby Bell, and many more. Note that kids under seven are not allowed to play in the cat area during regular business hours.

Daily Mews was founded on the belief that just as humans can positively affect the lives of animals. Animals also change our lives for the better. Spending time with cats has been shown to lower stress levels and promote feelings of calm and well-being. At the cafe, they call it "purr therapy."

Cool Beans Cat Café is located at 108 E. Main St. in Gastonia, North Carolina. It costs a little bit to come in and just play with the cats but they also serve beverages and pastries. It's got great reviews with 98% recommended for people to come in.