A craze that’s captured the hearts of feline fans across the US, cat cafes are now in Nevada, but they’re not necessarily what you think.
Calling all “crazy” cat ladies, super cool cats, and cat-curious dog people. Come one, come all, and cuddle with kitties at a cat cafe in Nevada.
Contrary to popular belief, cat cafes in the Silver State aren’t simply coffee shops with free-roaming cats (though that does sound like an ideal scenario). Nevada cat cafes are adoption-focused hangouts run by local animal rescues. The cafes offer a comfortable environment where potential pet owners interact with adoptable cats while enjoying snacks and drinks, though due to state health regulations, the cats are kept separate from the food.
The concept of a cat cafe originated in Taiwan in 1998 and quickly caught on in Japan as an attraction for tourists and locals, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The first US cat cafe opened in Oakland, Calif., in 2014.
At the following cat cafes in Northern and Southern Nevada, you’ll pay a small fee to spend a set amount of time interacting with cats, sipping, and snacking. The fee is a tax-deductible donation that helps support the animal rescues’ operations.
While families are always welcome to meet the cats, each cafe has its own age-related rules, regulations, and reservation options, so check with the rescue before you visit.
Kitty Kisses Cat Café
Where: 8555 Double R Blvd., Ste. 104, Reno
When: Thursdays-Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
You don’t have to be a cat person to hang out at Kitty Kisses Cat Cafe, but it certainly helps. Run by the nonprofit Kitty Kisses Rescue of Reno (KKRR), it’s the only cafe in the Biggest Little City where you can cuddle with cats and have a cup of coffee.
The cat lounge features adoptable felines in need of extra love and rubs. The price of a ticket includes 50 minutes of cafe and cat-cuddle time, with no strings attached. If you happen to find a kitty companion, adoption is always on the table.
Prefer to go no-contact with cats? You can do that too. The cafe is separate from the lounge with a full menu of hot and cold drinks, including mimosas, wine, and bellinis, as well as a variety of sweet and savory snacks.
KKRR operates the Kitty Kisses Board and Breakfast, a boutique cat resort. If you’re visiting the cat cafe, however, leave your own cat at home, and don’t bring along any strays. KKRR finds its own adoptable cats by partnering with various local rescues.
Tickets to visit with cats start at $15 per 50 minutes; they’re cheaper if you book in advance. While it’s free to hang out in the cafe area, food and drinks are individually priced.
And if 50 minutes of floofiness isn’t enough to soothe your soul, consider becoming a Kitty Kisses member ($50 a month). You get unlimited cat visits at a discounted rate and a discount on animal merchandise.
Paw-Rump Cat Cafe
Where: 520 E. State St., Ste. A, Pahrump
When: Friday-Sunday, 12:30-6 p.m.
Kick back with kitties on their own turf, an indoor catio at Paw-Rump Cat Cafe. This Southern Nevada cat cafe, run by Paw-Rump Rehab and Rescue, is a win-win for pets and people.
The $15 meet-and-greet with adoptable cats includes free drinks and snacks. The cats are enriched by interacting with potential adopters and, hopefully, find a new home, while potential adopters have the mere privilege of sharing space with cats.
The overall goal of Paw-Rump Rehab and Rescue is to prevent the cycle of euthanasia. Cats at the rescue enjoy a good life while awaiting a purr-fect companion. The rescue also offers dog training, pet sitting, nail trimming, and animal education.
Hearts Alive Village Cat Café
Where: 1750 S. Rainbow Blvd., Ste. 4, Las Vegas
When: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hearts Alive Village Cat Café is a haven in Las Vegas for hanging out with adoptable cats. The powerhouse nonprofit saves nearly 16,000 animals every year and treats more than 100,000 through two low-cost vet clinics, an adoption center, a pet food bank, a veterinary forensics program, and veterans support programs.
A $20 visit to the cat cafe goes toward a visit with cuddly cats, including drinks and snacks. If you manage to strike up a feline friendship, you can submit an application to adopt.
Appointments are encouraged.
Rescued Treasures Cat Cafe
Where: 4155 N. Rancho Dr., Ste. 150, Las Vegas
When: Monday-Tuesday, 1-5 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Rescued Treasures Cat Cafe, from animal welfare nonprofit PALNV, lets you mix and mingle with adoptable cats while enjoying free drinks, snacks, and WiFi. If you and a cat make a love connection, an adoption counselor helps seal the deal.
For $10-$12, you spend time with cats, and the cats spend time … doing whatever they want, because they’re cats. If you meet your perfect meow mate, you may be able to take him or her home that day.
The cafe includes the Rescued Treasures Boutique, where you can browse and buy cat-related merchandise. Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis.
