Cat Heaven - Rescue Cat Cafe / Somerset West

The Cat Rescue Cafe in Somerset West was established in 2017 and back then it was a first-of-a-kind estabishment on the African continent. Today, it is home to 22 rescued non-pedigreed cats who are all living their best and healthy lives in this loving environment.

The main purpose of the Cat Rescue Cafe is to increase awareness for shelter cats and prevent pet homelesness through education on rescue, adoption, and spay/neuter services. For those of you who cannot have their own cat at home but still want to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of being surrounded by those wonderful animals, the Rescue Cafe is the perfect solution.

During their opening hours, all adults and children over the age of 10 are welcome to take a seat in their cute cafe at the back of the gift shop and the home of the shelter cats. You will enter a feline heaven through security gates and step into the world of cats. You can choose to be seated in the inside or outside area of the cafe where cats will surround you everywhere.

They have a lovely little coffee and cake menu and you will also receive some treats to feed the cats during your stay.

Things you should know in advance:

The entrance fee is R30 per person per hour.
No children under the age of 10 are allowed at the Cafe to protect the cats from loud noises.
You will have to sanitize your hands before entering the cafe.
Don’t chase the cats or attempt to carry them around. If they like you, they will find your lap all by themselves.
Talk softly and don’t make sudden movements.
Don’t wake up a sleeping cat or disturb the cat residents while they are eating.
You must remove your shoes when entering the indoor cafe.

Inhouse Cat Adoption Option

For those wo cannot have a cat at home, but still want to become a cat parent, The Cat Rescue Cafe offers an inhouse adoption option. As a Pawparent, you can visit your furr child at any time without paying the entrance fee. Instead, you will sponsor your cat(s) to the value of R130 per month. In return, you will receive text messages or selfies from your cat, you get to celebrate Catmas as well as your birthday with a gift.

In the meantime, your monthly adoption fee assists in covering the costs of food, medical care and general maintenance of your cat.

You can meet all the cat residents here: MEET THE CATS

Our Experience

We were super lucky that we’ve got a chance to visit the Cat Cafe as our children don’t meet the minimum age requirement yet. But since we do have our own cat at home, they know hoe to behave around cats and we were allowed in to take pictures and meet the cat residents. It’s such a cute and lovely place that we can highly recommend it. The cats walk around freely, sleep in their dedicated cat beds or get playful with the visitors. Their well-being is always a priority and no loud noises or running will be allowed.

We cuddled all of them, had some delicious coffee and cake during our visit and the kids absolutely enjoyed it. So if you love cats and like to make some new friends, we can highly recommend the Cat Cafe.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️