One new cat café, or cat lounge, that recently opened in Dallas is a boon for local cat lovers, so we went on the prowl for more such destinations around the area. These businesses allow guests to interact with adoptable cats and kittens in a calm, clean and spacious environment outside of partner shelters—and enjoy a drink or snack for yourself too.
Their ultimate goal is to help find loving, permanent homes for these kitties, but cat cafés are not only for those looking for a new pet. They’re also great destinations for cat lovers of all ages to socialize, snuggle and experience a magical playdate with no strings attached. Not a “cat person”? We’ve got you covered with some alternative destinations (below) with larger, fiercer felines.
Whiskers & Soda
Dallas’ first-ever cat café opened in spring 2023 in the Lake Highlands neighborhood, just up the road from Dallas Arboretum. Co-owner Robert Stovall, who also operates a luxury boarding facility next door, says that at any given time, you’ll find an average of 15 adult cats and 10 kittens here, all from foster-based rescue A Voice For All Paws, so there’s plenty of opportunity for playtime. Guests are welcome to pick up the provided cat toys (kids under 6 must be supervised), explore the Kitten Tree Room, and purchase cat treats for sharing with the cats.
For human fare, a coffee bar offers specialty coffees, juices and soda (try the raspberry cream soda) and fresh baked goods (from sandwiches and salads to cakes and cookies) exclusively from Leila Bakery in Lakewood. Whiskers & Soda is open daily except Mondays and by reservation. Hourly walk-in rates are $16 for adults and $8 for kids, and half that rate for two or more hours; discounts for monthly members. Included is free Wi-Fi too.
10320 Garland Road, Dallas
214/233-6176
whiskersandsoda.com
The Cozy Catfe
Nearing its two-year anniversary (and located not too far from Alley Cats entertainment center, interestingly), the kitties at this “catfe” come from partner shelters in Arlington, Fort Worth, Irving and Grand Prairie. Come sit on the floor and let the lap cats come to you, or go in search of them among the many cat trees, beds and comfy hiding spots.
This cat lounge is unique in part for its special events, such as yoga, bingo nights and painting parties, like Cats & Costumes on October 14. Kids are welcome at most of these events, except the adult-only murder mysteries. Kids 14 and under must have an adult with them and have a 1:3 parent-to-child ratio.
The Cozy Catfe offers soda, coffee, prepackaged foods for snacking in a separate area, and admission includes a complimentary drink. The first hour is $15, or $25 for two hours. It’s open daily except Wednesdays and walkups are welcome, but online reservations are the way to go if you can plan ahead. Bringing your toddler or younger child? Owner Brandie Retana recommends visiting at 11am when the cats are well-rested and have the most energy.
740 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
682/323-4837
thecozycatfe.com
The Casual Cat Café
Come cuddle with the friendly felines at this café, which has adopted out hundreds since opening in 2017. (For pet parents in need, they also offer cat boarding.) To feed the kitties yourself, you can purchase a small, $1 container with a limited number of treats. For a pick-me-up of your own, you can choose from drinks like coffee, cocoa and boxed juices and prepackaged snacks. Outside food and drink are welcome for you to bring along. They even welcome food delivery service, such as DoorDash, to be delivered to you at the cafe.
Reserve your visit online; walk-ins accepted as space allows. Children under 16 need a supervising adult; no more than 3 children to every adult. $12.99 for one-hour admission for everyone older than 1 year old. Monthly memberships start at $25.
Want to do more to help support other cats at local shelters during the holidays? Pick an ornament from its annual Christmas Cat Angel tree, they’ll collect donated supplies or toys to deliver to partner shelters sponsored by Casual Cat Charities.
7264 Glenview Drive, Richland Hills
817/607-3178
thecasualcatcafe.com
The Charming Cat Cafe
This one’s the longest running in North Texas. Open since 2015, this cat lounge rests on the lower level, near the fountain of The Vista (until recently called Music City Mall) in Lewisville. You don’t need to reserve your timed visit in advance, but note they do have policies that limit how many children can visit at a time. Walk-ins are welcome daily from 11am–7pm Monday–Saturday and noon–5pm Sunday. Admission is $9.75 for a half-hour, $12.75 for one hour. Can’t get enough cat love? Monthly subscriptions are at $45 for one person, or $70 for a family of up to four people.
2401 S. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 1306, Lewisville
972/315-2287
thecharmingcatcafe.com
Visit Exotics Cats
Allergic? Or just not into cats? You can still enjoy the company, from afar, of exotics cats large and small at these zoos and animal sanctuaries in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dallas Zoo
Among the many exotic animals inside this world-class zoo are lions, tigers, and the comparatively tiny and elusive clouded leopards—3-year-old sisters Luna and Nova, each about 25 pounds. You can learn more about male lion Kijani, who weighs in at a whopping 500 pounds, during the “Savanna Predator” keeper chat at 10:30am. You can also attend daily keeper chats in front of tiger habitat at 9am, or for a closer look, join the Backstage Safari. Open daily. Come on Tiger Tuesdays for $8 admission; under 3 always free.
650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas
469/554-7500
dallaszoo.com
RELATED: A Guide to Dallas Zoo
Fort Worth Zoo
The cat carnivores are back in the Fort Worth Zoo’s newly expanded habitat, Predators of Asia & Africa, which debuted in June 2023. Guests can spy on a pride of sunbathing African lions, endangered Sumatran tigers, cheetahs and, new-to-the-zoo, the clouded leopard and African leopards. Get to know them better by listening in on keeper chats in the mornings and afternoons. Open daily. Admission is $18 adults; $14 children; under 3 free.
1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth
817/759-7555
fortworthzoo.org
RELATED: A Guide to Fort Worth Zoo
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Farther south from DFW, this 1,800-acre drive-thru safari park is forever one of our favorite destinations for animal interactions. Two animals you cannot feed from your car window, though, are the center’s cheetahs and the lesser-known black-footed cats. You can see this vulnerable, house cat-sized species in the Children’s Animal Center. For the cheetahs, look for them on Cheetah Hill during your drive around the park (download the Fossil Rim app for an easy guide) or on behind-the-scenes tours, open to ages 7 and older, through the Intensive Management Area. Those are $59.95 per person. Self-guided tickets are $29.95 adults; $24.95 children; under 3 free.
2299 County Road 2008, Glen Rose
254/897-2960
fossilrim.org
RELATED: A Guide to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
In-Sync Exotics
More than 75 exotic big cats—including lions, tigers, leopards, cougars, bobcats, servals, a cheetah and a lynx—call this award-winning sanctuary home. Come visit on a Saturday or Sunday between 11am and 6pm when In-Sync is open to the public. You’ll hear the lions chuffing, the tigers relaxing in their pools or water tubs, and all playing with enrichment toys. Come for a tour or during special events throughout the year. Requested donations for admission are $15 adults; $10 children; under 4 free; or slightly more during special events, such as the Pumpkin Toss (November 4) or Fowl Fling (November 25).
3430 Skyview Drive, Wylie
972/442-6888
insyncexotics.org
RELATED: A Guide to In-Sync Exotics
Top image courtesy of Whiskers & Soda
