Wildly popular in Japan, Madison Wisconsin has made the step in creating a cat cafe, combining feline communion with modest food service. Since then, cat cafes have spread throughout the world.  You can now find them in Korea, Austria, Spain, Hungary, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.  Cat cafes moved into North America in 2014. The Cat Cafe in Madison Wisconsin opened in 2015, making it a hotspot for cat lovers all throughout Wisconsin.

Cat Cafe Mad’s furry employees are rescues that have been adopted from four shelters. Of those, a few are foster cats that are available for adoption.There is a adult $10 cover charge that includes one drink and unlimited time with the cats. Students, Seniors,Veterans, and Children only pay $7.00, with a drink optional for $1. The Cat Cafe Mad is open Monday Noon – 1 p.m and again 6:00 p.m – 7:00p.m, Tuesday Noon – 1 p.m and again 6:00 p.m– 7:00p.m, Wednesday 6:00 p.m -7:00 p.m, Thursday 3 p.m to 8 p.m, Friday 11 a.m to 9 p.m, Saturday 11 a.m to 10 p.m, Sunday 11 a.m to 8 p.m

“The purpose of Cat Café Mad is to provide the public with a chance to experience the love, fun, and happiness that comes from owning a cat in a relaxing atmosphere.  We have adopted cats from four different shelters and also have some foster cats from two local shelters, and we provide customers with information about the shelters. Our goal is to bring the worldwide model of cat cafés to the US and help the cat craze by bringing awareness to adopting and fostering cats.  Our fosters are available for adoption and we usually have around 10 up for adoption.  We have partnered with many of the shelters and find our partnerships rewarding for both sides..” Cat Cafe Mad says on their website.

Despite the name “cat cafe,” the coffee is not served by cats or even inside the cafe itself by the full-time human employees. Patrons can help themselves to self served drinks located around the corner, and then bring their food and drink inside. This gets around any sanitary problems from making food in the same spot you keep cats.

“My first time going to the Cat Cafe was truly an eye opening experience. With over fifteen cats the facility was populated with more cats than people. All the cats got along well with the people and the others cats as well, making it a very tranquil setting. The most memorable experience at the cafe was meeting Sebastian, a cat with the cat equivalent of cerebral palsy. Despite Sebastian’s shortcomings, he was the sweetest cat I’ve ever met. Meeting that cat has resonated with me ever since that day.” Jack Wiebusch, a senior at Arrowhead High school says.