I walked into El Gato Coffeehouse thinking I was just grabbing a drink and somehow ended up sitting on the floor while a kitten tried to crawl into my hoodie. Tucked into a colorful little bungalow in Houston’s Heights neighborhood, this place feels more like a cozy friend’s house than a coffee shop.
You order your latte, step into the cat room, and suddenly you are surrounded by curious paws, slow blinks, and at least one cat who has decided your lap is home now. It is equal parts chaotic and calming.
The best part is knowing every visit helps these cats find real homes, which makes the whole experience feel even better. El Gato Coffeehouse is one of those places that sounds cute on paper but somehow ends up being even better in person…