Support Us Button Widget

Three cat cafes are coming to Asheville

From West Asheville to downtown.

The building exterior of the future Cats at Play Cafe, featuring promotional signs on the windows and doors.

We couldn’t help but sneak a peak of the forthcoming Cats at Play Café.

Photo by AVLtoday Team

Table of Contents

Asheville may be known as Dog City USA, but three new businesses are showcasing our city’s fabulous felines. Cat cafés Cats at Play, House of Black Cat Magic, and Cheshire Books & Cat Café are expected to open in town, and Team AVL is as excited as a cat hopped up on catnip. Here’s what we know about Asheville’s first-ever cat cafés.

Cats at Play Café

Taking up residence downtown at 12 Eagle St., the business works with local animal rescue groups (including Brother Wolf Animal Shelter) to serve as a foster home for adoptable cats. Expect coffee, tea, beer + wine alongside locally made baked goods, plus a cat-themed boutique space. Stay tuned for the announcement of its grand opening, promised for this April.

House of Black Cat Magic

House of Black Cat Magic plans to open this May in West Asheville at 841 Haywood Rd. The space will feature a retail store with cat-themed curio items, as well as a Black Cat Lounge (run by Binx’s Home for Black Cats) where visitors can interact and commune with adoptable cats.

Cheshire Books & Cat Café

This business has yet to confirm a location, but is making plans to set up shop in the 828. Hailing itself as an “introvert nirvana,” the 100% women-owned and operated business will feature adoptable cats, craft beverages, and gently used books in an inclusive space. The cafe is expected to open summer of 2023. Follow them in the meantime.

More from AVLtoday
The Buncombe County Tourism Authority awarded the largest sum to Swannanoa’s Beacon Park.
Sponsored
The thriftiest, most creative ghouls in Asheville shop Goodwill for all things Halloween.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
The city hopes that the new food truck program will bring foot traffic downtown.
The fourth stop on the Asheville Butterfly Trail lands at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary.
Hues may be starting to change in high-elevation areas, but warm weather could stunt the fall color show.
Designs for the historic pool’s renovation have been shared, showing a ~28.4% smaller pool area — feedback on designs will be collected through Sunday, Oct. 5.
One year after Helene, the league is transforming Second Gear’s former home into a community hub for skating.
Coinciding with the one-year anniversary of Helene, this year’s festival centers environmental advocacy.
Organizations across WNC are honoring our region’s resiliency with events marking the one year anniversary since Tropical Storm Helene.