Have you ever imagined savoring your preferred drink while surrounded by charming cats? Welcome to the intriguing world of cat cafes, a distinctive blend of beverage enjoyment and delightful feline companionship. Situated in the vibrant heart of Edmonton, the city's sole cat cafe is a sanctuary for those who adore cats.
A Warm & Inviting Atmosphere
As you enter, you're enveloped by a warm, inviting atmosphere, and naturally, the café's resident cats. Each cat possesses a unique personality, contributing to the café's enchanting appeal. But the allure extends beyond the cats. The café prides itself on a diverse menu that accommodates a range of preferences. Whether you're a devotee of coffee or a lover of tea, there's something to satisfy every palate.
A Deeper Look at Our Picks
Cat Cafe on Whyte
Since its grand opening on March 30, 2017, Cat Café On Whyte has been a sanctuary for cat lovers in the heart of Edmonton. The café is divided into two sections: the serving side, which is cat-free and where your beverages are prepared and served, and the cat lounge, where you can relax and interact with the resident cats.
A friendly face at the cafe
The café boasts a variety of specialty drinks, from rich espressos to refreshing smoothies and even sweet treats sourced fresh daily from local, peanut-free Edmonton bakeries.
But Cat Café On Whyte is more than just a café. It's a temporary foster home for rescue cats from the SAFE Team shelter. The café provides a serene and friendly environment for guests of all ages to enjoy the company of these adorable felines.
Here's a video showing the café's ambiance and adorable resident cats, and it also features one of their featured cat yoga sessions, where visitors pose alongside the café's feline friends.
A Unique Experience With Furry Friends
Once you step into Cat Café on Whyte, you'll feel an immediate sense of comfort and joy. The cozy ambiance, combined with the company of adorable cats, creates a unique and heartwarming experience. These furry little wonders come from the SAFE Team shelter, finding a temporary foster home at the café. It's not just about providing a place for them to stay – the café plays a vital role in finding them forever homes by letting guests interact and bond with these lovely rescue cats.
Kids Love Spending Time Here
Cat lovers of all ages are welcome here. Kids, in particular, have a blast spending time with the playful felines. However, for safety reasons, children aged 6 and under get to hang out in the lower lounge, accompanied by an adult. For slightly older kids aged 7-12, one adult can supervise up to two children in the cat lounge.
Coffee & Tea With Good Selections
Now, let's talk about the menu – it's simply paw-some! Whether you're a coffee aficionado, a tea enthusiast, or looking for refreshing smoothies, Cat Café on Whyte has got you covered. The skilled baristas whip up a variety of specialty drinks to cater to all tastes. Plus, they offer scrumptious sweet treats sourced fresh daily from local, peanut-free Edmonton bakeries. So, not only do you get to enjoy the company of adorable cats, but you also get to treat yourself to some delectable goodies.
One thing to note – to keep the lounge clean and hygienic for both humans and cats, you're required to take off your shoes and wear socks at all times. No worries if you forgot to bring socks along; they've got you covered with their charming cat-themed socks available for a steal.
A Little Taste of Japan Cat Cafes
Cat Café on Whyte truly embraces the spirit of cat cafes that originated in Japan – a place to relax, connect with feline friends, and maybe even find your future fur baby. So, whether you're a cat lover or just curious to experience something new, this cozy little café is definitely worth a visit. You'll leave with a warm heart, a satisfied palate, and possibly a new furry friend!
Meet the expert
My coffee journey spans 15 years of diverse experiences. Starting from those first sips, my passion for the industry has grown steadily. I've enjoyed working at a local coffee shop, exploring cultures worldwide, meeting incredible farmers on plantation tours, and helping launch a family member's coffee roasting venture. Throughout this journey, discovering and buying coffee from local roasters to support community businesses has been a pleasure. Through Roast Love, I aim to create content that informs, raises awareness, and helps you, the reader, buy and brew that perfect cup of coffee.