September is National Cat Month! If you’re looking to snuggle and play with some kitties, here are three cat cafes and lounges in the Nashville area. I hope you have a cat-tastic time!
The Catio is less about the cafe and more about the cats. I’ve never seen any food for sale, except at its Thanksgiving feast. The nonprofit does have a huge area with dozens and dozens of adoptable cats, comfy couches where you can snuggle them, and plenty of cat toys for playing. Senior cats are in a separate room, where visitors are welcome, too. Book your hour with the cats in advance for $15. You don’t have to be looking to adopt to visit these felines. All humans are welcome, and the proceeds benefit the kitties’ care. The Catio also sells merch, like this purrfect Halloween shirt. It’s located in the Music Valley shopping complex near Gaylord Opryland. Check out this shopping guide before you visit!
While Crossroads has fewer cats and a smaller petting area, the cafe is where it’s at. The menu has coffee, snacks, breakfast and lunch options, plus ice cream, all cleverly named to match the cafe’s theme, such as the Siamese Sunrise and the Bengal Banango Float. The cafe also has board games and hosts events, like weekly open mic nights. It’s a great place to work or hang out with friends. Plus, you can reserve time with adoptable kitties for 30-minute increments, and they provide treats to lure out the shyer cats. It’s located on Buchanan Street (here’s our guide). Crossroads is a nonprofit that helps young adults facing barriers with housing, support services, and job experience.
I confess, I haven’t been to this Murfreesboro cat cafe yet because only kids 10 and up are allowed. My daughter asks every birthday if she’s old enough! Visitors can book hour slots with the cats for $12, and you can also host private parties there. Coffee and prepackaged snacks are available for purchase, along with lots of merch. The cafe typically houses 15-20 adoptable rescue cats from the nonprofit Tennessee Whiskers.
