St. Charles Welcomes its First Cat Cafe on Main Street

Cats and coffee, does it get any better than this?

You+can+stop+in+to+the+Cat+Zen+Cafe+and+Lounge+from+11+a.m.-7+p.m.+on+Tuesday+through+Saturday%2C+and+11+a.m.-5+p.m.+on+Sunday.+The+cafe+is+closed+on+Monday.

Hailey Davies

You can stop in to the Cat Zen Cafe and Lounge from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The cafe is closed on Monday.

Hailey Davies, Reporter

The Historic Main Street in St. Charles just got a whole lot nicer.

On Nov. 25, Cat Zen Cafe and Lounge had their grand opening. This cafe offers a nice twist unlike others in its area; cats. You are able to enjoy your favorite cafe treats while playing with sweet adoptable cats. This is the first cat cafe to be built in St. Charles.

The purpose of this cafe is to give homeless cats a second chance at finding a home. The cats that are currently in the cafe are all adoptable and looking for their forever home. The adoption numbers for cat cafes are outstanding. These cafes give adoptive cats the exposure they need to be seen, and this exposure will guarantee homes for our furry friends. As the website states, “Focusing on the forgotten kitties of our community, Cat Zen Cafe and Lounge hopes to tackle feline homelessness by finding forever homes for all cats placed in our lounge….one cat at a time.” 

The cafe offers a variety of seating available for individuals to enjoy the space. Inside the “cat room” there are high table tops seating for two, smaller tables available for people bringing family friends, a couch, and floor seating. The seating is very flexible and accommodating for any type of guest. Due to the flexible arrangements, guests are able to get as close to the cats as they are comfortable with. For the safety and comfort of the felines, children under ten can only be allowed in the room for a 30-minute session. 

The cafe is full of adoptable cats looking to find their forever homes. (Hailey Davies)

If you choose to visit the cafe, it is best to reserve your time slot online to ensure you will get time with the cats. This process is very easy and fast and allows you to go straight in after you check in. Falling in love with the cats comes very easy which makes it all the better that they are adoptable. If you end up finding your forever friend while visiting the cafe you can put in an application right there in the cafe. They will review applications in a first come first serve manner until the right home is selected. 

The cafe is a wonderful place to visit when you need a destressor, I mean who doesn’t love coffee and kittens? The clean relaxing environment serves the community of sweet cats around St. Charles. Rather you need an idea for date night, a friendship outing, a break from life, or simply looking for a furry friend; Cat Zen Cafe and Lounge is the place for you. With only an $8 entry fee for half an hour, how could you resist?