Seattle is fairly well known as being a cat friendly locale. We rank second in the United States for the number of single cat ladies.1 The Seattle area is home to four main animal shelters plus numerous feline rescue groups. It seems fitting that we would have a cat cafe here. And in December we finally got one.
I visited Seattle Meowtropolitan Café on a clear, crisp December afternoon during its opening weekend. The café is located across from Archie McPhee on North 45th Street in Wallingford, a popular neighborhood that also is home to a variety of trendy shops.
Interestingly, Seattle Meowtropolitan is partnering with Regional Animal Services of King County. This county shelter is where I got my start volunteering with animal rescue in its Cat Meet and Greet Program. My daughter and I volunteered for about a year. We helped match felines to potential adopters. It was here that I gained most of my hands-on knowledge about animal rescue in King County. We also fostered a number of cats and dogs, four of whom have become permanent members of my household. I couldn’t help but feel proud that the shelter is supplying adoptable cats to Seattle Meowtropolitan. It seems fitting that it’s the shelter linked to Seattle’s first cat cafe.
Upon first entrance, visitors will find that the café is warm and very clean. I was promptly greeted as I entered, and enjoyed a tasty latte while I waiting for my interview with Andrew Hsieh, one of the proprietors.
Catster: What inspired you to open Seattle’s first cat cafe? …