Vancouver's first cat cafe has reopened with purr-fect new look

Caffeine and kitty fans rejoice. Catfé, Vancouver’s first cat cafe, has reopened at International Village with some adorable upgrades to its lounge.

Catfé reopened its doors to visitors in December over the holiday season, after being closed for nearly three months for “catstruction.”

The renovations were also timed to celebrate the cafe’s highly anticipated 10th anniversary.

“We wanted to do something different to mark our 10-year milestone, and what better way than to completely reinvent the space and make it even more special for the cats and our visitors,” said Michelle Furbacher, owner and opurrator of the Catfé.

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Shelving in the Catfé was broken up to allow more flow in the space and to create some booth-like seating,

Wood and materials from previous furnishings were also repurposed to create something new for both cats and humans to enjoy.

“We’ve got a mini ‘Purr Pong’ table, ‘Tic Tac Toe Beans’ which doubles as a game and a hidey shelving unit, and a cat origami station,” explained Furbacher. “There is also a flock of hanging birds that move gently to pique the cats’ interest.

“The space is much more ‘catified,’ with lots more shelving throughout the lounge for cats to explore, or climb up to get a new perspective.

Catfé was the first cat cafe to open in Western Canada and is partnered with Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue.

“We work with an incredible team of volunteers and fosters at Heart and Soul, and we are so excited every time we are able to match kitties with their perfect home that will provide them with the love they deserve,” shared Furbacher.

Guests will meet between 20 and 25 adoptable rescue cats in the space at any given time. Adoptions happen regularly, and new kitties come in weekly, so there is always a new cat to fall in love with during visits.

“In the past decade, we have found loving homes for nearly 2,000 cats. For the staff at Catfé, it gives us all a sense of purpose and meaning to help these cats have happy lives and find happy homes where they make their new families so happy too.”

Reservations for Catfé visits can be made online, and there is a full espresso bar to enjoy during your stay.

There is delicious housemade iced tea and lemonade, as well as tasty pastries from local bakeries, with lots of vegan and gluten-free options.

And make sure to stop into the shop full of cat-themed gifts and merchandise for the truly cat-obsessed in your life.

For frequent visitors, you can get cheaper admission by purchasing a Cuddle Card for $99. It’s good for nine regular admissions and can be used for groups as well. Animal lovers can also use it at the sister cafe, The Bunny Cafe.

“We are so grateful for all the support we’ve had from the cat-loving community over this past decade,” added Furbacher.

“It means everything to see your familiar faces year after year, and for those who have adopted, when we get to follow along on social media and see the cats thriving in their new homes.”

Catfé

Address: 2035-88 West Pender St., Vancouver