Pros and Cons of Starting a Cat Café

Thinking about opening a cat café? It’s a unique blend of cozy coffee culture and animal adoption advocacy—but it comes with both charm and challenges. Here's what to consider before diving in.

Pros and Cons to Consider Before Starting a Cat Cafe
Top Things to Consider

Legal & Health Regulations

• Local health codes often require complete separation between food and animal areas.
• You'll need food handling permits and possibly animal care licenses.
• Check zoning restrictions for animal-related businesses.

Animal Care Responsibilities

• Daily feeding, litter box cleaning, enrichment, and basic medical care are essential.
• Staff must be trained to handle cats safely and recognize signs of illness or stress.
• You’ll need a relationship with a local vet and shelter.

Photo: Mac Tabby Cat Cafe expanding with third location

Startup & Operating Costs

• Buildout costs, equipment, furniture, HVAC upgrades, and pet-proofing add up fast.
• Ongoing costs include food, litter, vet bills, staff wages, coffee supplies, and rent.

Customer Experience

• Customers expect a calm, clean environment—and good coffee!
• Cat temperament, cleanliness, and ambiance impact customer retention and reviews.

Rescue Partnerships

• Working with a rescue helps supply adoptable cats and medical support.
• Have agreements in place for adoptions, liability, and ongoing animal care.

Coffee Service Quality

• Don’t neglect the café! Invest in good beans, trained baristas, and tasty snacks.
• Offer options like oat milk, vegan pastries, or gluten-free snacks to reach more people.

Photo: Mac Tabby cat cafe chain in North Carolina

Pros

✅ Pro	Why It Matters
Unique Concept	Stands out, draws media attention, and builds buzz easily.
Supports Animal Welfare	Helps find homes for shelter cats and spreads awareness.
Community Builder	Becomes a beloved local hangout for cat lovers.
Highly Visual	Generates organic social media content—Instagram gold!
Diverse Revenue Streams	Earn through entry fees, drinks, merch, classes, and events.
Meaningful Work	Perfect for passionate cat lovers who want to make a difference.

Cons

❌ Con	Why It’s Challenging
High Maintenance	Requires constant cleaning and odor control.
Animal Risk	Cats may bite, scratch, hide, or get sick—risk of injury or liability.
Expensive Setup	Renovation, pet-proofing, and dual-layout costs are significant.
Regulatory Hurdles	Complying with dual health codes (animals + food) can be tricky.
Time-Intensive	Requires juggling hospitality and animal care daily.
Limited Audience	Not everyone loves cats—some may have allergies or fears.

Final Tip

Before you invest, visit other cat cafés, speak with owners, and volunteer with a local rescue to understand the daily operations. A cat café can be a dream come true—but only if you’re ready to balance the business, the fur, and the fun!