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)
Nicole lysiak says
Please send me info. We recently lost our rag doll cat and are just devastated
Rebecca says
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!
Ann says
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.
Emily Catalano says
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
Paul says
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.
kathy says
i work with a rescue and currently have 2 kittens that need a forever home.
Chris says
I can’t wAit!!
Nicole Lichte says
Awesome !
John says
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.
Emily Catalano says
Yes! You can read more about Black Cat Market here: http://goodfoodpgh.wpengine.com/its-official-a-cat-caf-is-coming-to-pittsburgh/
Francesca manriquez says
Hi I was just wondering if you’re hiring?? If so I’m very interested and my email is below! Thank you!
Emily Catalano says
Hi Francesca! You can email the cafe at [email protected].
Debra says
Thank you!!!
Terry Kuehner says
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.
Mary Donnelly says
I find it unfortunate that you have to be negative regarding a positive venture!
Stefanie says
Exactly!!!
Christine says
I agree. Add a positive comment or some way to solve the problem or don’t sit behind your screen being mean.
Robin says
Agree!
Thomas Davis says
That is awesome.
Michelle Bruce says
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.
Ellen says
I have 3 cats that need to be adopted they are around 7 months old, Are you taking any kitties in???
Emily Catalano says
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]
Kristin Mazzone says
This is so wonderful! Can’t wait to visit and spread the word. Bravo and all the best.
Kristin
Annie says
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!
Paula J. Doptis says
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!