Last Updated on 27 May 2026 by Vanessa
North Carolina loves cats. With its 19 cat cafes and its American Museum of the House Cat, there’s always something cat-centric to do in the TarHeel state.
But which of these cat cafes is closest to you? Which one should you visit? And what can you expect from each of these establishments?
Here’s a regularly updated overview of all the cat cafes in North Carolina, including establishments in Lenoir, Wilson, Asheville, Carthage, and more.
Cat cafes in North Carolina – the ultimate 2026 guide
Blue’s Whiskers Lodge / Cat Cafe in Mt. Airy
Blue’s Whiskers Lodge is a small cat cafe and rescue located in historic downtown Mount Airy.
The cafe focuses on helping cats find permanent homes.
Unlike most other cat cafes, you can spend unhurried time with these cats, get to know their personalities, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the lounge.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization uses all donations and adoption fees to care for the animals. Those contributions qualify for tax-deductible status.
Mount Airy does not have extensive public transit, so driving is the most convenient way to visit. Parking is generally available along nearby streets or in small public lots in the downtown area.
- Address: Blue’s Whiskers Lodge / Cat Cafe, 133 W Pine St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, United States.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am – 07:00 pm. Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 am – 05:30 pm.
- Price: Free.
- Reservations: Not required.
- Menu: Coffee and soda.
- Website: blueswhiskerslodge.com
Brews & Mews Cat Cafe in Lenoir
Established in 2022, Brews & Mews is the first cat cafe in Western North Carolina.
The cat cafe partners with local animal shelters and houses adoptable cats, sometimes even waiving adoption fees to help them find new homes.
Brews & Mews is located in downtown Lenoir, where parking is usually easy to find. However, there’s no train station in town, and bus service is limited.
- Address: Brews & Mews Cat Cafe, 219 N Main St, Lenoir, NC 28645, United States.
- Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday, 10:00 am – 05:00 pm. Thursday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 07:00 pm. Sunday, 12:00 pm – 04:00 pm.
- Price: $12 for 1 hour.
- Reservations: Reservations are required. Children under 7 are not allowed into the cat room. However, the “Happy Meow-er” session is specially designed for children 6 and under, because they offer a more controlled experience for the cats.
- Menu: Apart from the classic tea and coffee options, they also serve unique drinks like the “Noodle,” a strawberry and crème milk tea with a choice of tapioca or popping pearls.
- Website: brewsandmewscafe.com
Catopia at North Star in Wilson
Catopia at North Star in Wilson is a cafe where you can spend time with rescue cats that are available for adoption. They also have a gift shop, where you’ll find everything from greeting cards and pottery to jewelry, T-shirts, hot sauces, Turkish towels, cocktail napkins, cat accessories, and more.
They also host monthly arts and crafts classes.
Catopia is easiest to reach by car, with simple parking options near the shop. Wilson’s local bus routes run through the area.
- Address: Catopia at North Star, 307 Green St NE, Wilson, NC 27893, United States.
- Opening hours: Friday & Saturday, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm. Sunday, 12:00 pm – 06:00 pm. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
- Price: /
- Reservations: If you want to visit the cats, just text 252-315-4044 to set up an appointment.
- Menu: /
- Website: www.facebook.com/CatopiaAtNorthStar
Cats At Play Cafe in Asheville
Cats At Play Cafe features a free-roaming environment for 12 to 18 adoptable cats from partners like Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue.
Opened in May 2023, it has already helped hundreds of cats find their forever homes.
To encourage adoption, the cafe also hosts special events such as yoga with cats, movie nights, and paint-and-sip sessions.
To reach Cats at Play, you can take the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus. The following bus routes stop nearby: N5, WE2, S2, WE1, N1, N2, 170, S5, S1, N3.
After visiting the cat cafe, you can explore the Biltmore Estate, hike the Blue Ridge Parkway, and enjoy the River Arts District in Asheville .
- Address: Cats At Play, 12 Eagle St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States.
- Opening hours: Open daily from 11:00 am – 06:00 pm, except Saturdays from 10:00 am – 06:00 pm.
- Price: $ 17 for 55 minutes.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome but not guaranteed. You can book online to be sure.
- Menu: Coffee, tea, mocktails, wine, and beer.
- Website: www.catsatplaycafeasheville.com
Cat Tales Cat Cafe in Chapel Hill
Partnering with such local shelters as Goathouse Refuge, this two-story cat cafe in Chapel Hill acts as a cage-free foster home for rescue cats and helps find homes for these kitties.
The cafe also organizes special events and themed nights, making it a vibrant community hub for cat lovers.
The name “Cat Tales” reflects the cafe’s mission to share the unique stories of each cat. Whether their past is known or remains a mystery, every cat is treated as an individual, helping them adjust and thrive in a loving environment while awaiting adoption.
- Address: Cat Tales Cat Cafe, 431 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, United States.
- Opening hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm – 06:00 pm, except Wednesdays from 12:00 pm – 07:15 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Price: $13 for 1 hour during the week, and $15 for 1 hour during weekends.
- Reservations: Cat Tales Cat Cafe is usually completely booked, so make sure to reserve your visit ahead of time. Walk-ins are extremely rare.
- Menu: Coffee, wine, beer, and locally-made baked goods. They do not allow food into the cat lounge.
- Website: cattalescatcafe.com
Charlie’s Cat Cafe in Monroe
Charlie’s Cat Cafe in Monroe is another welcoming place where you can meet adoptable cats, play with them, and get a feel for their personalities before deciding to adopt.
Driving is the easiest way to get there. Public transit is limited, but you can usually find street parking or a nearby lot without much trouble.
- Address: Charlie’s Cat Cafe, 216 N Main St #200, Monroe, NC 28112, United States.
- Opening hours: Open daily from 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Price: $8 for 30 minutes.
- Reservations: Reservations to the cat lounge (which is separate from the cafe) are not required but highly encouraged. Children under 7 are not allowed to enter the cat lounge.
- Menu: Coffee, beer, wine, soda, and pastries.
- Website: charliesangelsnc.org
Cool Beans Cat Cafe in Gastonia
Cool Beans Cat Cafe in downtown Gastonia combines a coffee shop atmosphere with a separate cat lounge where you can interact with adoptable cats from local shelters. The cafe often hosts community events aimed at promoting cat adoption and welfare.
The friendly staff and playful cats create a welcoming environment, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and finding new feline friends.
After visiting Cool Beans Cat Cafe, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Gaston County Museum and the Schiele Museum of Natural History. There are plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options in the area as well.
- Address: Cool Beans Cat Cafe, 108 E Main Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052, United States.
- Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 06:00 pm, except Sundays from 12:00 pm – 04:00 pm.
- Price: $7 for 30 minutes.
- Reservations: You can reserve your visit via +1 704-396-6411.
- Menu: A variety of beverages and light snacks.
- Website: www.facebook.com/coolbeansgastonia
Crooked Tail Cat Cafe in Greensboro
Crooked Tail Cat Cafe partners with Red Dog Farm Animal Rescue Network to support cat adoption.
Additionally, they host special events such as yoga with cats, board game nights, and movie nights. These help socialize the cats and increase their chances of finding a forever home.
The cafe also offers a range of cat-themed merchandise, from T-shirts to mugs.
- Address: Crooked Tail Cat Cafe, 604 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406, United States.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 07:00 pm. Friday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 07:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Price: $12 for 1 hour.
- Reservations: Reservations for the cat lounge are highly recommended. Walk-ins are only possible if space allows. Children under 5 are not allowed into the cat room, and children between 5 and 12 must be under adult supervision.
- Menu: Coffees, teas, juices, and even alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. The menu also features items such as “Catpuccinos” and “Ameowicanos.”
- Website: www.crookedtailcatcafe.com
Elias Cattery Cat Cafe in Wendell
Elias Cattery Cat Cafe in Wendell isn’t a typical cat cafe — it’s a cattery with Scottish Fold cats located inside a family’s home. Instead of visiting a traditional cafe, you’re welcomed into their home to spend time with their adoptable cats while they serve you tea, coffee, and a snack.
- Address: Elias Cattery Cat Cafe, 1612 Marshburn Rd, Wendell, NC 27591, United States.
- Opening hours: Wednesday, 10:30 am – 04:30 pm. Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10:00 am – 04:30 pm. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays.
- Price: $21,50 for 1 hour.
- Reservations: Reservations are required.
- Menu: Coffee, tea, and snacks.
- Website: www.scottishfoldbritish.com/cat-cafe
House of Black Cat Magic in Asheville
House of Black Cat Magic in Asheville is a cat cafe that combines the charm of feline companionship with a touch of the mystical. Think themed events such as tarot readings, magical workshops, and specialized craft markets. It definitely adds a unique twist to the typical cat cafe experience where you can sip coffee and tea while interacting with adoptable cats from local shelters.
Will it surprise you that the majority of their adoptable cats are black? They come from their rescue partners, Binx’s Home For Black Cats and Miss Dixie’s Kitten Rescue.
Asheville itself offers a vibrant arts scene, beautiful mountain views, and numerous hiking trails, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway.
- Address: House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, United States.
- Opening hours: Open daily from 11:00 am – 07:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Price: $13 for 50 minutes.
- Reservations: Reservations are not required but encouraged. Children are not allowed during regular hours, but they have special time slots instead.
- Menu: /
- Website: www.houseofblackcatmagic.com
P.S. Have you seen this Japanese cat cafe dedicated to black cats?
Kitten Around Cat Lounge in Carthage
Founded by Chris and Denna Schreiner, Kitten Around Cat Lounge in the heart of historic downtown Carthage is yet another cozy spot where you can enjoy a hot drink while interacting with adoptable cats from local shelters.
Kitten Around provides a variety of events, including story-time for kids and Cats & Canvases, a paint-and-sip class.
- Address: Kitten Around Cat Lounge, 18 Courthouse Square, Carthage, NC 28327, United States.
- Opening hours: Open daily from 10:00 am – 02:00 pm & 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays.
- Price: $12 for 1 hour on Wednesdays and Thursdays. $15 per hour on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Reservations: The only way to guarantee an entry to the cat room is with a reservation.
- Menu: Locally sourced coffee and baked goods.
- Website: www.kittenaroundcatlounge.com
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe in Charlotte
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe has established itself as a beloved spot for cat lovers with three cat cafes in North Carolina.
Founded by Lori Konawalik in 2017, the first Mac Tabby opened in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, followed by a second location in downtown Concord in 2021. The third location opened in downtown Salisbury in 2024.
The cafes are designed to provide a cozy, historic atmosphere with features like original brick walls and wooden beams, especially notable in Concord where the building dates back to 1886.
Over the years, Mac Tabby has facilitated the adoption of more than a thousand cats, making a significant impact on the local animal rescue community.
Additionally, the cafes host various events and offer a selection of feline-themed merchandise.
- Address: Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, 3204 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am – 08:00 pm. Friday & Saturday, 11:00 am – 09:00 pm. Sunday, 11:00 am – 06:00 pm.
- Price: $12 for 1 hour during the week and $14 on weekends.
- Reservations: Reservations are not required but highly encouraged. Walk-ins are also slightly more expensive.
- Menu: Coffee, wine, craft beer, smoothies, baked goods, etc.
- Website: www.mactabby.com
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe in Salisbury
- Address: Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, 103 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144, United States.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am – 08:00 pm. Friday & Saturday, 11:00 am – 09:00 pm. Sunday, 11:00 am – 06:00 pm.
- Price: $12 for 1 hour during the week and $14 on weekends.
- Reservations: Reservations are not required but highly encouraged. Walk-ins are also slightly more expensive.
- Menu: Coffee, wine, craft beer, smoothies, baked goods, etc.
- Website: www.mactabby.com
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe in Concord
- Address: Mac Tabby Cat Cafe, 25 Market St SW, Concord, NC 28025, United States.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 am – 08:00 pm. Friday & Saturday, 11:00 am – 09:00 pm. Sunday, 11:00 am – 06:00 pm.
- Price: $12 for 1 hour during the week and $14 on weekends.
- Reservations: Reservations are not required but highly encouraged. Walk-ins are also slightly more expensive.
- Menu: Coffee, wine, craft beer, smoothies, baked goods, etc.
- Website: www.mactabby.com
Meowter Banks Cat Cafe in Kitty Hawk
Meowter Banks Cat Cafe in Kitty Hawk is a nice option if you want a relaxed, beach-town vibe while meeting feline friends.
Youcan spend time with the cats in a lounge setting and see if one might be a good match for adoption.
Getting to Meowter Banks is easiest by car. Kitty Hawk is a small coastal town, and public transit is limited, but you should be able to find convenient street parking or nearby public lots close to the cafe.
- Address: Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, 3722 N Croatan Hwy Ste A, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949, United States.
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday, 08:00 am – 03:00 pm. Saturday, 09:00 am – 04:00 pm. Sunday, 11:00 am – 04:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Price: $13 for 30 minutes or $18 for 1 hour.
- Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended and can be done via 252.256.9492. Children are not allowed during regular hours, but they have a special slot on Saturdays.
- Menu: Locally baked pastries, treats, and specialty drinks.
- Website: www.meowterbanks.com
Purr Cup Cafe in Raleigh
Purr Cup Cafe in Raleigh features a separate cat lounge where you can reserve time to interact with adoptable cats from local shelters. They also have a spacious back patio.
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, offers numerous other attractions as well. You can explore the North Carolina Museum of Art, wander through the scenic Pullen Park, or visit the bustling farmers’ market.
- Address: Purr Cup Cafe, 210 Prospect Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States.
- Opening hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 09:00 am – 07:00 pm. Friday & Saturday, 09:00 am – 08:00 pm. Sunday, 09:00 am – 06:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Price: $10 for 55 minutes during the week, and $12 on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are possible but not guaranteed.
- Menu: A variety of coffee and tea, along with vegan snacks for which they collaborate with local vegan food trucks.
- Website: purrcupcafe.com
Right Meow Cat Cafe in Fuquay-Varina
In Fuquay-Varina, a quaint, small-town home transformed into a colorful haven for cats and cat lovers alike.
At Right Meow, their cage-free environment provides rescue cats with a safe, low-stress, loving home while they await their purr-ever families.
Adopting families benefit from seeing the cats’ personalities shine, ensuring they find their perfect match.
They proudly partner with Facilitate Rescue Inc., a 501c3 non-profit cat rescue based in Harnett County, North Carolina, dedicated to saving cats from euthanasia and helping those in need.
Not in the market for adoption? No problem! Enjoy a cat therapy session, where you can relax and play with their adorable rescue kitties.
Your visit benefits the cats by giving them the love and socialization they need.
Shoes aren’t allowed in the cat rooms, but socks and reservations are required. If you forget, they have some available for purchase in the cafe shop.
Please note their small parking lot can get full during busy hours, so carpooling is encouraged.
Right Meow Cafe is a MUST visit spot for any cat lover! Come get a drink and kitty therapy “right meow”!
- Address: Right Meow Cat Cafe, 913 S Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526, United States.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 05:00 pm. Friday & Saturday, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm. Sunday, 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Price: Between $10 and $12 for 1 hour (depending on the time).
- Reservations: Reservations are required to enter the cat room. Children younger than 6 are not allowed into the cat room during regular hours, but you may book a special “Kid Time” reservation on Wednesday mornings.
- Menu: Their cafe menu includes a variety of coffee, tea, lemonade, and Boba.
- Website: rightmeowcatcafe.com
Submitted by Christy Evers from the travel blog North Carolina Traveler.
The Farmer’s Cat Cafe in Fayetteville
The Farmer’s Cat Cafe in Fayetteville offers a cozy mix of a coffee bar, a cat lounge, and outdoor seating. They partner with local rescues and usually host a lively group of adoptable cats, with adoption fees that generally cover vaccinations and microchipping.
The cafe is easiest to reach by car, with parking available near the building. Fayetteville’s FAST bus system also has stops within a short walk of Gillespie Street, making transit an option for those who prefer not to drive.
- Address: The Farmer’s Cat Cafe, 2589 Gillespie St, Fayetteville, NC 28306, United States.
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 02:00 pm – 07:00 pm. Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 07:00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Price: $13,50 for 1 hour.
- Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended as some slots are booked days and sometimes even weeks in advance. Only children 10+ are allowed during regular hours (but they have time slots specifically dedicated to them).
- Menu: Coffee, frappes, smoothies, cookies, muffins, and other simple treats. If you’re hungry, you can visit their food trucks.
- Website: farmerscatcafe.com
The Purrfect Pour Cat Cafe in Lincolnton
The Purrfect Cat Lounge has two separate areas: a cozy cafe space and a cat lounge with adoptable cats from local shelters. Their mission is to provide a relaxing environment for both humans and felines, promoting cat adoptions, and supporting local shelters.
While in Lincolnton, you can also explore the picturesque downtown area, which features shops, restaurants, and the beautiful Lincolnton Arts Council gallery.
- Address: The Purrfect Pour Cat Cafe, 145 Vandiver Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092, United States.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm. Saturday, 11:00 am – 04:00 pm. Sunday, 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
- Price: $12 for 1 hour during the week, and $15 for 1 hour on weekends.
- Reservations: Reservations are required if you want to enter the cat lounge. Children younger than 7 can only book a Wednesday/Saturday 30-minute “Kitty Time” session.
- Menu: A variety of coffee and tea options.
- Website: www.thepurrfectpourcatcafe.com
The Scratching Post in Wilmington
The Scratching Post in Wilmington will be opening soon. Go to their website for more updates: https://wilmingtoncatcafe.wixsite.com/thescratchingpost.
Whisker & Kettle Tea Room and Cat Cafe in Rutherfordton
Whisker & Kettle combines a cozy tea-room vibe with a lounge full of adoptable cats supplied via a local rescue.
On top of regular visits, the cafe hosts special activities like cat yoga or movie nights.
Because Rutherfordton is a small town, public-transit options are limited. Driving there is the easiest option.
- Address: Whisker & Kettle Tea Room and Cat Cafe, 234 N Main St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139, United States.
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 07:00 pm. Sunday, 10:00 am – 05:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Price: $10 for 1 hour (adults). $8 for 1 hour (children under 12, seniors, college students). Children under four can enter for free.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome but can’t be guaranteed.
- Menu: Tea, coffee, cold drinks (handcrafted lemonades, iced teas, sweet teas), specialty coffees (with flavors such as brownie batter, mint chocolate, and salted caramel), and baked goods.
- Website: thewhiskerroom.org
Whiskerville Kitty Cat Cafe in Belmont
Whiskerville Kitty Cat Cafe works with foster cats from a local rescue to give them a safe, home‑like environment while they wait for forever homes.
After or before cat lounge time you can browse a small gift shop with cat‑themed merchandise like mugs, planters, earrings, books, and handmade items.
Because Belmont is a small town and public transit is limited, driving is the most practical way to visit. Whiskerville offers free parking right out front.
- Address: Whiskerville Kitty Cat Cafe, 508 Beaty Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, United States.
- Opening hours: Wednesday, 12:00 pm – 06:00 pm. Thursday & Friday, 12:00 pm – 07:00 pm. Saturday, 10:00 am – 07:00 pm. Sunday, 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Price: $11 for 1 hour.
- Reservations: Walk-ins are not guaranteed, so it’s recommended to reserve your visit online.
- Menu: Self-serve beverage bar (coffee/tea, cooler drinks), bottled drinks, and pre-packaged snacks and sweet treats.
- Website: www.whiskervillekittycatcafe.com
Cat cafes in North Carolina that are now closed
- Crooked Tail Cat Cafe in Winston-Salem
- Daily Mews in Charlotte
- Frabjous Catfe in Wake Forest
- The Mews 252 in Elizabeth City
- Waffles & Whiskers in Kernersville
Conclusion
Which of these cat cafes in North Carolina have you visited so far? Do you have a favorite? Don’t hesitate to share your photos with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Looking for even more cat cafes? We have guides to cat cafes in every corner of the globe, including New York, California, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and more.
Other cat-centric activities in North Carolina
- The American Museum of the House Cat in Sylva: An educational, historical, multimedia art collection devoted to cats. It features real cats as well.
- Book Buyers Library in Charlotte: At the Book Buyers Library in Charlotte, a cat named Page is overseeing customer relations.
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One Response
They are all a little too far for me. I do love cat cafes though.