Photo: Yerlin Matu/Unsplash
Need a winter pick-me-up? Try some adorable animal therapy. Vancouver has three cafes where you can enjoy snacks while petting cute kitties and bunnies. And the best part: all of the animals are available for adoption!
Catfe
Open since 2015, Catfe is Vancouver’s original cat cafe. The cafe has 20-25 cats you can pet and play with. They partner with animal rescue agencies to help the cats find forever homes – all the cats at the cafe are up for adoption. You can meet them all on their website.
Their menu includes a full selection of coffee and tea beverages with cute names like Amewicano and Catpuccino. They also have a selection of baked goods and snacks.
They do accept walk-ins, but since they are usually full, it’s best to book your 55-minute visit online in advance. Or book a 30-minute visit on weekday mornings between 10 a.m. and noon during Happy Meowr when the cats are most active. They also offer 90-minute painting and drawing workshops that include instruction, supplies, and of course adorable kitties for inspiration.
Where: Unit #2035 (Second floor, International Village Mall) 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm93f9upoSd/
Catoro
Located in East Vancouver, Catoro calls its cafe a Cat Forest. It’s decked out with large trees, plants, forest murals, and of course lots of cats roaming around. All of their cats are available for adoption.
They also have a cute cafe space in the front with a huge bubble tea menu, including their popular cloud tea. They also have Purr-over coffee and hot tea. Their shop includes tons of pet food and supplies from small businesses, with proceeds going to support Catoro’s rescue mission.
In early 2023, the cafe nearly closed due to rising costs and the lingering effects of the pandemic. But online crowdfunding raised over $100,000 to help keep the cafe open for the foreseeable future.
You can pop into the cafe and shop for bubble tea and cat supplies anytime, but to visit the kitties you’ll need to book a 50-minute time slot online.
Where: 666 East Broadway, Vancouver
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnLZBOOMA8k/
The Bunny Cafe
The Bunny Cafe is the rabbit counterpart to Catfe, operated by the same team. They opened in 2021 in partnership with Rabbitats Rescue Society to help bunnies find homes. All of the bunnies at the cafe are up for adoption. You can also check them out on their website.
Their vegan cafe offers a selection of sweet and savoury snacks as well as coffee and tea. They also have a shop with tons of rabbit-themed gifts as well as toys and treats for rabbit parents to spoil their bunnies. You can also book an appointment to get your rabbit groomed or have their nails trimmed.
Book online for 30- or 55-minute visits. Admission includes snack cups of lettuce and herbs to feed the rabbits. Or sign-up for their 90-minute painting and drawing workshops. They include supplies, instruction, and lots of bunnies to act as your muse.
Where: 1696 Venables Street, Vancouver
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnNCTu5g5ig/
