Cat Cafes in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

The Catcade is a quirky, arcade-themed non-profit cat rescue and lounge that combines retro gaming vibes with a mission to save cats from high-kill shelters across the U.S. Founded in 2017 by Chris and Shelly, this 950-square-foot space offers a home-like environment where adoptable cats roam freely among custom-built, cat-friendly arcade cabinets and guests can play classics like Pac-Man for a $20 entry fee. Unlike traditional cafés, it doesn’t serve food or drinks, focusing instead on socializing and adopting out spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped cats—with fees of $100 for cats over six months and $150 for those under. With a no-refund policy and a resident cat named Leo overseeing operations, The Catcade blends humor, heart, and a fierce commitment to feline welfare, relying on donations for everything from vet care to “poop sand,” all while fostering a playful, community-driven atmosphere.

Chicago, Illinois

The Tree House Cat Café is a welcoming extension of the Tree House Humane Society, a cage-free cat shelter founded in 1971 with a vision to ensure every cat thrives. This modern, cozy space within their state-of-the-art facility allows visitors to enjoy locally sourced coffee and pastries from nearby vendors while interacting with adoptable cats in a relaxed, home-like lounge. The café limits guest numbers to maintain a calm environment for its spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped feline residents, many of whom come from high-kill shelters or the society's innovative programs like Cats at Work. It offers a unique blend of adoption opportunities and community engagement, supporting the shelter's mission to empower caregivers and find loving homes for cats through a $15 hourly entry fee that directly aids their life-saving efforts.