Catoro Cafe opened up this past summer at 666 East Broadway offering guests an opportunity to mingle with rescue cats while enjoying some bubble tea.
Disclosure: I visited Catoro Cafe as media where my admission was complimentary.
The vision of Catoro Cafe
The vision behind the cafe is to not only help rescue cats find homes but also to allow visitors to gain psychological benefits and stress-relief by spending time with animals.
Cat Therapy & Rescue Society
The rescue cats come from the Cat Therapy & Rescue Society, a charity which takes in and adopts about cats as well as supports cats with medical needs.
Admission Information
Admission to the Cat Forest is for either 15, 30, 50 or 65 minutes. You can make a reservation online or drop in (certain availabilities).
The weekday rate is $6 for 15 min, $8 for 30 minutes or $20 for 2 hours. Every extra 15 minutes is $2.50 and every extra hour is $9.
On the weekends, there are 15 minutes and 30 minutes time slots (priced as above) but also 50 minutes for $12 and 65 minutes for $14.
Pre-Session Orientation
When you are checked in by a host, you will be given a brief orientation, change into slippers provided by the venue and sanitize your hands.
Cat Forest Experience
The Cat Forest felt very zen and you are welcome to engage with the cats providing that they are in the mood to do so. Some cats may want to be close to you, while some might not. There are plenty of toys which you can use to play with the cats.
Bubble Tea Cafe
On the cafe side, you will find a bubble tea menu divided into Signature Series, Brown Sugar Series, Fruit Tea, Punch Series, Sparkling Series with Crystal Jelly, Ca Phe Vancouver and so forth. Topping choices include Pearls, Coconut Jelly, Mango Stars, and Crystal Jelly.
No outside food/drinks are allowed in the cat room. You may bring only the food and drinks purchased in the onsite cafe which are in disposable and safe containers.
I had the Foggy Cat while my friend had the Brown Sugar Pearl Milk. They were delicious and the pearls were particularly soft and chewy.
Adopting, Rescuing & Volunteering
While you’re there, you just might connect with a cat that you want to adopt (fees apply). However, they are also looking for volunteers and individuals who could foster.
Overall Impression of Catoro Cafe
I had a nice time visiting Catoro Cafe which felt like a nice escape from the fast pace of daily life. I thought the venue was very clean and the hosts were gracious and knowledgeable.
The idea of a time limit might does make me feel a bit pressured, but the hosts were very respectful in letting you know that time is almost up. 30 minutes went by quickly so I think 45 – 60 minutes would have been nice.
The bubble teas were very delicious by the way and the pearls were exceptionally soft and chewy. I’d be interested to return in the future.
Catoro Cafe
666 East Broadway St, Vancouver
catorocafe.com