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Everything you need to know about Arizona’s 4 cat cafes

By Holly Garcia

December 4, 2024

If you’re looking for the purrfect place to hang out with feline friends and have a cup of coffee, check out these four cat cafes in Arizona.

Everyone could use more time relaxing in a cozy environment with coffee, kitties, and a treat—enter cat cafes. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a cat cafe, it’s exactly what it sounds like. In 1998, the first cafe was opened in Taiwan, and 13 years later, the cat cafe craze took hold in California, with the first spot opening in 2011. 

According to That Cat Life, Arizona is home to four cat cafes—two in Tucson, one in Mesa, and one in Phoenix, where the kitties are cuddly, and the cafes are chock full of treats and unique boutique cat items. Each cafe charges between $15 to $18 an hour to visit the cat cafe during regular hours, and they all also offer special events with the cats, from yoga to arts and crafts. 

Read on to learn more about the cafes that host these feline friends, what refreshments you can expect when you visit, and a few rave reviews from visitors who have already stopped by.

El Jefe Cat Lounge — Tucson

El Jefe is named for a jaguar that people in Tucson have reportedly seen roaming freely through the Santa Rita Mountains. Since 2019, the cat lounge has been open for business. It’s a space where you can chill with the cats or even bring them home as part of your family. All the feline friends here come from Finally My Forever Home Rescue and are ready for adoption.

The Space: This cat lounge is three stories tall and open seven days a week. You can pop by for a visit or special event including cat bingo, cat trivia night, lounge hour, yoga, and more. Kids are allowed to visit, but they recommend visitors be 5 years old or older and must be accompanied by an adult. 

The Snacks: The cafe is right next door to the cat lounge. According to the Tuscon Foodie, they offer a variety of hot and cold drinks, Italian sodas, and fun boutique items.

Review: Visitors describe the space as cat-tastic and an enjoyable place to visit. Julie R. said, “The facility was clean and well-maintained, and it’s obvious that all of the cats are happy and well cared-for! It was a lovely way to spend an hour drinking hot chocolate and loving on all of the resident kitties while they wait to be adopted. We will definitely be back!” 

Hunter’s Kitten Lounge — Tucson 

Hunter’s Kitten Lounge was inspired by a courageous cat named Hunter—a rescue of one of the founding members. This nonprofit lounge, owned by Southern Arizona Cat Rescue, is a cozy and comforting cat extravaganza where you can work, study, or hang out with the gang (you can book in 80-minute blocks). 

The Space: Here, you’ll find a home-like setting with plenty of seating and open space to get to know these cute cat friends. Occasionally, special events also make the schedule; coming up, there’s cat yoga, rock-painting classes, an ornament exchange, and movie nights!

The Snacks: The website cites that coffee, cold drinks, and pre-packaged snacks are available for purchase.

Review: “Came here on a Thursday afternoon with a friend and there were a few other folks including one who seemed like a regular reading her book on the couch as a cat sat nearby,” wrote one happy reviewer. “I’d say there were about 20 or so cats and 3 even got adopted while we were there, which was great to see.”

Kitty Pause Cafe — Mesa

Welcome to the only cat cafe in Mesa! The Kitty Pause Kitty Cafe partners with Saving One Life Animal Rescue and Sanctuary to bring you adoptable kittens of all kinds. They recommend making an appointment to visit their fabulous feline friends for cat bingo, coloring with cats, an open session, and more. 

The Space: Guests enter the cafe through the Katnip Boutique before heading in to see the kitties. You can drop it or plan your purrfect visit by making a reservation beforehand.

The Snacks: You can purchase and drink a cup of coffee from their service bar or munch on prepackaged snacks or goodies.

Review: On Google reviews, Bryce L. raved about Kitty Pause, writing, “Got an hour for two here, was an absolute blast! It’s always fun getting to appreciate felines in their somewhat chaotic-neutral shenanigans while knowing that they are being lovingly sheltered until adoption.”

PHX Cat Cafe — Phoenix

Formerly La Gattara, PHX Cat Cafe was the first cat cafe opened in Arizona. Usually, you can find 15 to 25 cats hanging out in their lounge, ready to find their forever home. PHX Cat Cafe actively participates in trap, neuter, return (TNR) initiatives in its community, and many of its adoptable cats come from the projects it supports.

The Space: Space in the lounge is limited, so if you plan on coming in a larger group, contact the cafe directly. Here, you can cuddle and connect with the cats while enjoying drinks and snacks from the cafe.

The Snacks: The cafe has a few drinks and treats. There’s a full coffee shop that serves coffee, tea, smoothies, and Italian sodas. There are also a few snacks, like chips and cookies, as well.

Review: “Coffee and drinks are divine! But I think that’s just the icing over the proverbial cake. The kitties are where it’s at! Some are even available for adoption! The vibes were super chill. And the energy is great for reading or soft spoken convos,” said Courtney H. about their recent visit.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. x?republication pixel=true&post=&ga=G NWLBHRL

 

READ MORE: 6 great boutiques in Phoenix where you can find unique goods

Author

  • Holly Garcia

    A freelance writer who is passionate about education, mental health, parenting, and all the lifestyle things in between, Holly is a lifelong Southeastern Wisconsinite. She regularly contributes to several lifestyle and parenting publications.

CATEGORIES: ANIMALS
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