Catfé: First Vancouver cat cafe opens today bringing coffee and cat lovers together (PHOTOS)

Caffeine and kitty fans rejoice. Catfé, Vancouver’s first cat cafe opens today, December 14, at International Village.

Originally conceived by owner-operator Michelle Furbacher in January 2014, Catfé held a sneak peek over the weekend for crowdfunders who backed the project on Indiegogo.

Lorie Chortyk of the BC SPCA (left) and Michelle Furbacher of Catfé. / Daniel Chai

“It’s been great to see customers interact with the cats,” said Furbacher, who is also Purresident. “The response from the community has been so overwhelming and positive. It’s helping to fill the void in Vancouver for pet-friendly spaces.”

Catfé is part cafe, part foster home for adoptable rescue cats from the BC SPCA, and a gathering space for cat lovers. Catfé visits are for one hour, with admission set at $5 per person with any cafe purchase or $8 with no purchase. A percentage of profits will be donated to a different charity each month.

Bigfoot / Daniel Chai

“We’re hoping that cats will find their forever homes here,” said Lorie Chortyk, General Manager of Community Relations for the BC SPCA. “I love the concept of bringing the cats into the community and increasing the exposure to new adopters.

“Michelle has done an amazing job creating a natural environment for the cats. and it’s a really cute place to get coffee.”

Purristas Sade Russell (left) and Meg Gravesdale. / Daniel Chai

Reservations for Catfé visits are already filling up, though there is space reserved for two walk-ins each hour. Purristas serve drinks and snacks, and Cat Whisperers will guide you into the cat lounge, which also holds a gift shop.

Jonathan Falomir and Alina Varela were two crowdfunders who got a sneak preview of Catfé, and they loved what they saw.

Catfé supporters Jonathan Falomir (left) and Alina Varela with Jose. / Daniel Chai

“This is a great place to visit if you like cats,” said Falomir. “If you have a connection with one, then you can set up an adoption right here.”

“Every cat is so friendly,” Varela added. “I’m a big cat person, but we’re not allowed pets in our building. So this is a perfect place to go.”

Catfé is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except on Thursdays when it’s closed to bring in new cats. For more information, visit www.catfe.ca.

Larry making new friends at the Catfé. / Daniel Chai

Catfé: Vancouver cat café

Address: 205-88 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Thursdays

Twitter: @catfe_vancouver

Website: www.catfe.ca