Blue Cat Cafe is ready to become the first cat cafe in Texas, with its grand opening on Saturday, October 17. Run by Rebecca Gray, who raised the funds for the project in three months this year, sought out to create a space where people can feel like they're at a familiar coffee shop, but with adoptable cats. Eater had the chance to tour the cat cafe space.
There is feline-friendly furniture, which means no fabric seating to tempt scratching. Along the walls is the giant cat highway, a system of shelving to allow optimal running around and napping. There’s also the tall cat tree for climbing, musical instruments which were turned into cat beds, and other little nooks and crannies throughout the space. Behind the giant mural is the cats’ access to the separate litter room, away from guests’ eyes. Humans have their choice of bench seating against the wall, four-person high tops, or regular tables. Lint brushes and sets of card game Exploding Kittens are everywhere, too.
Outside, the colorful food trailer, run by the cafe, will dish out vegan fare including sandwiches and Frito Pie, using meatless items from BBQ Revolution, and coffee. Diners have their choice of eating outside or inside. There is an entryway for check-in and merchandise, which also ensures the cats don’t escape the building.
Reservations for the cat cafe will be available soon to the public. All of the cats, from the Austin Humane Society, are up for adoption. Wifi will be free, and no, personal cats are not allowed. After Saturday, Blue Cat Cafe will be open seven days a week on 95 Navasota, with later hours on the weekends. The trailer will open earlier to serve coffee.
