Pittsburgh is about to get its first cat cafe.
Owners Sue and Erik Hendrickson announced that Colony Cafe is set to officially open its doors on Thursday, February 16 at 1125 Penn Avenue, around the corner from the Heinz History Center.
Cat cafes, which debuted in Japan, pair a traditional café experience with adoptable cats and kittens, and have been gaining popularity in cities across the country in recent years. Each cafe has a designated ‘cat’ room, where guests can interact and play with cats, separate from the food and beverage serving area. Colony Cafe is partnering with Animal Friends, which will provide the cafe with vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped cats, who will live in the cafe. All the cats residing at Colony Cafe will be available for adoption.
The first floor of Colony Cafe will feature a traditional cafe, with coffee and espresso, along with wine and a cocktail list. The food menu will include baked goods, and a small selection of savory items to pair with wine and cocktails.
But the upstairs… well, the upstairs is for cat lovers. In the upstairs Cat Lounge, guests will be permitted to lounge with adoptable cats for hour-long sessions, while enjoying drinks and snacks. In order to avoid wait times, Colony Cafe is encouraging visitors to make reservations. Loft visits are $8 an hour per person.
Colony Cafe will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and the Cat Loft will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Cat Loft will be closed daily from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. so the cats can rest.
Online reservations for Colony Cafe’s Cat Loft are now being accepted online.
Colony Cafe (1125 Penn Avenue)
Please send me info. We recently lost our rag doll cat and are just devastated
Another good option might be to check out the Animal Rescue League on Hamilton Ave. We have a ton of really wonderful cats and kittens looking for homes (I’m a volunteer!). Come in and meet them!
Adopted one of ours from there about 9 years ago… still sweet as they come… good people there and lots of pets needing forever homes.
Hi Nicole! I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. You can reach out to The Colony Cafe at [email protected], and find out more about Animal Friends (which also does adoptions) here: http://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org
So sorry 🙁
In all the infinite universes your kitty chose YOU to spend their their life with.
Every pet comes with a guaranteed heart break.
i work with a rescue and currently have 2 kittens that need a forever home.
I can’t wAit!!
Awesome !
There’s another cafe that started called The Black Cat Market by two local Pittsburgh ladies! They started working on it a while ago, but are on their way to opening pretty soon. 🙂 I recommend checking them out also.
Yes! You can read more about Black Cat Market here: http://goodfoodpgh.wpengine.com/its-official-a-cat-caf-is-coming-to-pittsburgh/
Hi I was just wondering if you’re hiring?? If so I’m very interested and my email is below! Thank you!
Hi Francesca! You can email the cafe at [email protected].
Thank you!!!
I find it unfortunate that you’re not working with all shelters. There are others who need help with adoptions much more than Animal Friends.
I find it unfortunate that you have to be negative regarding a positive venture!
Exactly!!!
I agree. Add a positive comment or some way to solve the problem or don’t sit behind your screen being mean.
Agree!
That is awesome.
That is awesome. Would be great if you want to open something like this out in the “burbs” of South Hills. Will definitely come by for a visit.
I have 3 cats that need to be adopted they are around 7 months old, Are you taking any kitties in???
Hi Ellen! I believe that the cafe is only working with Animal Friends (http://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org), but you can email them here: [email protected]
This is so wonderful! Can’t wait to visit and spread the word. Bravo and all the best.
Kristin
This place seems great! Quick question – the 8 dollars for the reservation – what does that go towards? Is it a donation to animal friends/help the cats you have? Just curious! Planning a visit soon. Best of luck on opening day!
I think this is a wonderful concept! I have been rescuing cats for 40 years and I know full well how difficult it is to place them. I also believe this may open the eyes of people who do not understand or appreciate the feline population. I wish you well on your venture and am planning a visit in the near future. God Bless you!