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Fantastic great time with kitties! Thought I'd be bored but there's plenty of cats that are just begging for attention and are so cute! Worth the visit and will be going back.
This is really great place to come with some friends or by yourself to have some rnr if you love cats. Even if you don't love them, it's also a great place to come to get more used to being around cats. The kittens and cats are all adoptable or fosterable. You can play with them and pet them, just not pick them up. They're all very socialized as well. There are arcade games to play if you get bored or if there are many cats sleeping and you can also grab a drink as part of your ticket when you go!
Tl;dr exactly as advertised, and very organized and strict about time. Lots of cute cats! Would come again. ===== Sadly I'm not responsible enough to own my own cat, but this was almost the next best thing. My friend and I reserved a spot couple weeks in advance and had a great time! Note that they are very strict about times so do not be late!! Or expect to have any extra time. You get a small drink (e.g. apple juice, soda, etc.) and are let loose in their cute arcade room with various cats. I liked how different each cat was. Some were very energetic and others napped the whole time. The staff are also very knowledgeable and can tell you each cat's personality in detail, if you're curious. Adopting cats from them seemed pretty straightforward, and I think one girl from our session was set to leave with at least one. Overall had a great time with all the cats! Love that they can provide a home for all these cats, and how organized and welcoming the space was. My only complaint is that I think you get booted a little bit before the full hour is up, but I guess that makes sense so that the next group can enter right on time, and accounts for cleaning time in between sessions.
Visited for the first time on Friday and it was a delightful experience. I recommend just going in and finding a couch chair or a spot on the floor to chill and let the kittens and cats come to you. They also have some toys for the cats, but I was more into watching the cats' natural rhythms. They ate, used the litter box, napped, ran around, ate some more, repeated the cycle, and I let them rest when they needed to rest, and when they seemed more active engaged more. You cannot pick the cats or kittens up, but if they crawl on your lap, that's OK. Which they did from time to time. I learned that the cats and kittens here get adopted pretty quickly. Everybody looked healthy and happy and the place was very clean.
You can ride your bike here or find street parking or take CTA. It's $20/hour to enjoy the cat cade that has arcade games and cats and kittens for adoption. They advised not to allow the dogs to look through the windows because the cats can get scared. I love cats I want a nice place for them to get cats. Adopt adopted. We need a forever loving home that is hopefully indoors OK if you were to allow your cat to go out, they may never return because they don't always know how to get back and they can get hurt by people and other in the community. Any establishment that cares for homeless cats are my kind of place.
Such a cute experience! The admission fee includes 1 hour of cat time and a soft drink. The cats were adorable and the place was kept very clean.
What a cool place!!!! So happy to spend an hour cuddling with the kitties! Well staffed, very clean. Will be back to support!!
Absolutely amazing place! They are focused on the well-being of the cats before anything else, even if that upsets some humans. The cats come first, whether that's in their rules or adoption policies, they follow best practice for those lives they've committed to caring for. Highly recommend making a reservation as they tend to sell out and walk-ins are rare.
Absolutely amazing time! Kitties are playful, and the cats are well socialized. Such a good space available for both kitties and people, and the arcade games are fun, but we are all obviously here for the cats. The value for $20 per person for an hour of time with the cats is decent, and the rules are easy to follow. All information on the cats and their requirements is displayed in the area, and they offer more information for anyone curious. I will definitely be back.
The new location is great - such a cute little space! The cats were so loving and cuddly. Such a great price for a great cause. Totally recommending to my fellow cat lovers - a must visit spot in Lakeview!
What a fantastic place. I absolutely loved it. For $15 a person you can play with cats and kittens for an hour. And there are so many cats! Not just cats, but video games and arcade games as well. While $15 might seem a little steep, that money keeps these kitties out of shelters. They're all available for adoption too. My daughter is dying for a cat, but with a bunny and birds, it's just too dangerous. But we can come here so she can get her kitten fix. For all cat lovers who want to save cats from high kill shelters, book a reservation. It's a happy place to spend some time. Well worth the money.
My 11 year old daughter recently decided we need a cat. Three kids and 1 bearded dragon (her last animal obsession) is enough for this fam so it's not happening, but I did agree to take her and her cat loving friends downtown to The Catcade. The Cascade is a room that's an arcade full of kittens. While I thought arcade + kittens was the most random combination ever it somehow works. I booked a reservation ahead of time for $15/person. There's all sorts of silly rules like you have to have an adult for every 2 kids. And since my daughter invited 3 friends one of their moms was lucky enough to accompany me on this adventure. You can also only have up to 6 people. However, if you have a party of 7 you can rent out the room and have all the kittens and arcade games to yourself. Not a bad idea for a bday party! We got there right in time for our 3-4pm reservation and were told lots more rules on how to play (or how not to play) with the kittens. And then we were let into a room full of cats.. Basically my worst nightmare, but happy to see such happy 5th grade girls. My friend and I made our way to the corner of the room away from the cats. The cats got a lot a love from our girls and others in the arcade and the games were getting played a bunch too, although my daughter was ALL about the cats. She even found one she was certain should come home with us...nope. 1 hour in the cat room was the perfect amount of time and the girls left happy with the soft drinks that come with your reservation in their hands. We even stopped at Jeni's ice cream on this warmish spring day to make it truly the best outing ever. While I can be certain there will be no pet cats in my future, I have a feeling there may be more trips back to The Catcade.
The Catcade was a fun, unique, and very interesting experience. By reserving a 1 hour time slot for $15, you receive a complimentary drink (e.g., can of pop/soda, iced tea, juice, etc.) can interact and play with the 10+ cats roaming around in "arcade" area. There are free arcade games in the room, but I think most people come here to play with the cats. The proceeds goes to supporting all the cats in the shelter. It is a no-kill shelter, so cats stay there until they are adopted or turn old and gray! You have to sign a waiver to enter. There are many rules to the place, and one of the most stressed upon rule is that you are not allowed to pick up the cats! However, there are toys for you to interact with them. Many of them come to you, and sit on you if you hang out long enough on the couch! I knocked down 1 star because the Catcade had a very strict rule about not allowing customers to wait in their lobby area. A young lady was waiting for her friend before entering the play area, but was asked to stand outside in the cold (middle of winter), dark night despite the waiting area being empty except for myself and the owner. Found it odd that she wasn't wait inside the lobby area! Just for safety, warmth, and courtesy reasons, it left a bad taste in my mouth.
2 years ago
I went with a couple of my buddies and it was EXCELLENT! This was a very cute experience, the kittens were precious and had unique names. At the start we had to sign our waivers online using the QR codes available. We were then offered our complimentary drinks, ranging from Diet Cokes to Caprisuns. The workers then explained the ground rules such as moving a bit slower to be careful and not being allowed to pick up the kittens or restrict their movement so as not to spook them (they can jump into your lap but if they wanna leave you have to let them). Afterward, we were led into the room and immediately greeted by the variety of kittens in the Catcade! There are toys that you can use to play with them as well as various seats such as beanbags and chairs you can sit in (unless a cat beats you to it). None of us paid attention to any of the arcade games available because we were preoccupied with the kitties! A movie was playing in the background as well, so you can watch it at the same time you cuddle up with a kitten. It is worth the $20 to get a drink and hang around cats for an hour. The bathroom is also clean and the workers are always on top of toilet paper refills. Once it was my turn to use the bathroom, however, a kitten ran in. Very cute but had to be removed. EPIC! I will definitely do this again in the future. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
What an amazing space! We came for a friend's birthday; she loves cats and wanted to try Cat Yoga. This was truly delightful! This is a cat lovers dream! They had yoga mats for us along with treats for the cats. You enter the room in groups of 4 so not to scare the cats and pick your mat. The teacher gives a few ground rules to keep everyone safe including the cats. Then our teacher guided us through a wonderful sequence of stretching while the cats roamed while we laughed and giggled our way through class. The cats would lay on the mat as you are trying to do pigeon and you cannot help but stop and pet the little darling. At the end of class, they put treats on your belly for the cats to come sit on you. Then they come around with refreshing drinks while you play with the cats. The majority of the cats were available for adoption, they have facilitated 170+ adoptions, and they only opened in August. read more
6 years ago
We finally got to sink our teeth, wait (cat) scratch that, ahem dig our paws into the Catcade, a mysterious place we have viewed from Facebook afar. Well for $15pp you can have 50 minutes of uninterrupted nirvana, Kitty style! Of course we bought the merch too because really who doesn't need more cool cat attire! Fell in love with Wobert, Salem (beautiful silky black boy) , Bacon, Marshmellow and all the other cats who had to put up with us to earn their keep! I Love to support this amazing cause and hoping someday I ll be a competitor to the Catcade and open my own facility to rescue and to love on MORE CATSSSSSSS! read more
7 years ago
I was having a great time with my friend and the cats, until we noticed one of the kittens that we thought was sleeping, was really just sick laying on a bed (it's easy to miss one cat with all the other little ones jumping and running around). I've had cats my entire life, I'm a microbiologist, and my friend has all the knowledge (education + experience) working with cats in veterinary medicine. When she tried to tell the staff about the sick kitten, telling them the kitten needed treatment ASAP, and warn them that they could get the other ones sick, they were rude and kicked us out of the place. They even told to my friend she was banned forever and that she shouldn't come back again. They care more about their reputation than they do about animals. Be careful going to this cafe if you have cats at home because you could easily get yours sick!!!! read more
Great mission, great cats, and great people. We came to visit here from out of town and it is one of the coolest cat cafe's that I've been to. Not to mention the area was spotless, I wouldn't even think that 1 cat lived in there. I came to visit during kitten season, so of course there were tons of kittens running around and playing. Others just wanted to sleep on you, while the older cats loved to be pet while taking a cat nap. $15 gets you 1 hour into the Catcade and comes with a bottled/can drink (water, soda, juice). Follow them on Instagram, they're just as funny in person. read more
4 years ago
OMG! This place is heaven for cats lover. One hour is plenty of time just chilling with 20 cats. Your entrance fee comes with a can drink but you are occupied the whole time you forget to take a sip. They call each group per hour so be on time. Although you are not allowed to pick up the cats, some will climb on you to get a cuddle. It's paid street parking, be prepared to walk. read more
7 years ago
For the fair price of $15, I had the happiest hour of my life. Every surface was adorned with a cat! I can't stop smiling when I think of my experience at the Catcade. The Catcade is a cat cafe with a twist...or maybe an arcade with a twist depending on how you spin it. I booked my reservation for 12pm this afternoon. The staff gave everyone a brief rundown of the rules and an overview on how things work. We then had our pick of seltzer or soda and were released into the cat room! (Cue a chorus of angels singing) There were about 8 other people with reservations at the same time as me. I'm not sure what the maximum capacity for reservations per hour is, but there were definitely enough cats to go around. In addition to an amazing assortment of cats, there was also a nice amount of arcade games available, and the cover charge of $15 lets you play all the games you want...but let's be real, you're there for the cats!! My favorite cat was Leo, the resident cat. He is a big, beefy ginger cat. You can't miss him. He's a total love bug and I couldn't get enough of him! Well, I couldn't get enough of any of them. Leo was my favorite employee, but the girls at the reception desk were great too. I will certainly come back to this spot next time I'm in Chicago. read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
I don't usually write yelp reviews but I was so disappointed with the treatment here that I felt the need to. I'll preface this by explaining the situation: my friend and I were visiting Chicago for a week and thought this would be a cute place to hang out with cats for a bit. We made the reservation a few days in advance (knowing about the no-refund policy), counting on the fact that we could rely on the public transport here to get us to the place which is kind of far from our hotel. Today arrives, and we realize that the bus line that we were relying on didn't have any available buses for a long time so we realized that we most likely would not be able to make our reservation here in the narrow window they provided us to arrive. They don't have a phone number (with a snarky and borderline rude explanation as to why in their website FAQs) so we sent an email explaining the situation and hoping that we could get a refund since we didn't intentionally cancel or miss the appointment. I understand that they have a no-refund policy. I get it. We still thought we would email to explain and if they had been polite in their response and actually acted like they gave a damn about their customers, we would've accepted that the $30 we spent was going to a good cause and moved on. However, the response we got was so incredibly rude (check the photo I attached of the response the owner Chris sent to us via email). I have never, in my life, been treated this way by an owner of a business. He was unnecessarily nasty in his response and even implied that we lied about the bus. Additionally, not everyone can afford a $60 uber ride! What a ridiculous assumption. His response was very childish and not at all professional. Do yourself a favor and don't give this business your time or your effort. There are plenty of other shelters and non-profits that actually care. read more
4 years ago
This is the most pure place on earth. If you're having a bad day, The Catcade can turn it right around; it takes me about a day to wind down from a Catcade high. It's super easy to make a reservation online, and it costs $17 to spend one hour with the most adorable cats and kittens. It smells very good in the cat room, and they have a selection of toys you can use to play with the cats. I'm always too busy being overwhelmed by the cuteness to play the video games, but they have a good selection. The only negative of this place is how fast the hour goes by - guess that means I'll just have to keep going back. read more
4 years ago
The website was quite overwhelming but the atmosphere of the actual place was very nice, the kittens were very jumpy and the cat were all ridiculously cute. The arcade was a cool way of incorporating other forms of entertainment into the cafe. You also get one free drink with your visit. read more
4 years ago
I absolutely loved my experience here! There were so many more cats than I expected and while there were a lot of people at the time of my reservations, I never felt like there weren't enough kittens. The staff was very polite and friendly and they seem to care a lot about their cats! read more
Came here for my bf's birthday because he LOVES cats, but alas, I have cat allergies so who knows if we can ever get one as a pet. However, I spent an hour cuddling with cats, playing arcade games, and sipping the complimentary drink (frappucino), and I wasn't suffering from my typical symptoms of cat allergies! It speaks volumes about how clean the owners keep the Catcade, as everything is spotless. The games are fun to play, everything from Pac-man to Super Mario Kart. Reservations online are highly recommended, as walk-ins are not guaranteed because they limit the amount of people per hour. For $15, I found it a great place to unwind and meet many different cat personalities. If you fall in love with a cat, they also facilitate adoptions here! Their social media posts on IG and Facebook are also hilarious; glad I can support a great cause. read more
3 years ago
8 years ago
I have only been once but definitely plan on going back again. This cat café was clean, filled with cats, some of which were asleep while others were running around playfully. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Their only rule is that you can't pick up the cats, otherwise you can pet them and play with them. Many of the cats will crawl into your lap if you are playing with them anyways. They only have cold drinks there, so no coffee, but it was a great time all around. In case you're interested in adopting one of the cats, it seems like a pretty quick and straightforward process as well. FYI. They don't have a phone number but you can always reach them via email. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
A room full of cats to snuggle. Amazing co-owners. A chill atmosphere and a cool drink. And...I guess some video games, if you're into that...but what's not to love about this place? I've filled up more punch cards than I care to admit and have probably been 20+ times. Visits became my self care during a couple stressful, painful years...and no matter how awful I've felt when I showed up, I've always felt better by the time I left. Never underestimate the power of friendly smiles, kitten purrs, and a LaCroix. (Pamplemousse, obvi.) Here are a few pointers for newbies: 1) Make a reservation. If you want to be sure you can get in, guarantee it with a reservation. You'll be super sad just pressing your face against the window when there isn't room for you. 2) Don't actually press your face against the windows. They have to clean them. So maybe don't. 3) Sure, ok...they don't have coffee. This city has really ridiculous regulations around serving food and beverages, so they ended up not being able to make that happen. They get around it by offering canned drinks, included with the cost of the reservation. If you want your usual half decaf, triple shot, no foam latte - get it later after you're high on cat purrs. 4) They are a rescue and shelter. That's the most important thing they do (so, you know, grab that super important coffee before or after). These kitties come from all over and have seen some shit, so BE NICE. Chris and Shelly have a way of picking all the best kitties, though, so be prepared to fall in love. 5) ...but don't fall in love with Leo. He's the resident cat and you can't have him, but you can adopt anyone else. 6) Don't be dumb. Don't be rude. Don't be condescending. Don't be demanding. Don't be closed-minded. Don't think the rules don't apply to you. Don't ruin the good energy of this place. It's a sacred respite for weary, weirdo cats and people alike. Just be respectful and all will be amazing. 7) Most of the games are free play, but bring $1 bills if you want to play the claw machine. 8) Cats inside the claw machine are fine...just ask the staff to move them before you play. :) 9) Follow them on social media for updates and antics, as well as #catcadealumni on Instagram for updates on the kitties you meet 10) Buy some merch, wear it with pride, and spread the word that this is the happiest place on earth. read more
This is such a great place to go to. I'm obsessed with the cats there. The people are so nice too. I bought a t-shirt from them too and everyone compliments it whenever I wear it. Probably because it's an Olive Garden inspired shirt. I want to go so bad but it's a bit far from where I live read more
8 years ago
What a wonderful place with a wonderful mission. Happiness and joy abound over at the Catcade. Owners Chris and Shelly have set up a fantastic operation. Sarah is a beautiful face to light up the front desk when walking in. I was both entertained and completely relaxed as I moved between adorable cats wanting love and playing their wide selection of arcade games. Early 90's Simpsons was my favorite. I'm so grateful to have visited and looking forward to scheduling more time at the Catcade. read more
8 years ago
Don't come here if you don't want to become thoroughly entranced by the whiles of felines. Each one of these cats had a different strategy to make you fall in love with them- to abandon reason and inhibition to adopt them on the spot. This particular offender, Frodo (pictured center), pulled THIS on us during our visit. He's good... a little TOO good. read more
7 years ago
"I fucking love that place. I fucking love that a place like that exists. Whatever. You write whatever you want. I just want to go back!" -- my husband after a visit to the Catcade. The place is pretty spotless and very chill. I usually have an issue with going to animal centric places. There is a weird overzealousness that takes over some people. It makes me uncomfortable. I loved that they were straight to the point. Rules. Here's a sordid-pop. Now go inside and enjoy the cuddles. There was no pushy cat lady and no snobby assholes (except me). We laid claim to a couch that was covered in sleeping kittens and waited. We were eventually sniffed out and at one point covered in kittens. Great experience. Can't wait to go back. My husband is convinced he will get to go home with one next time. He also described the place as being very therapeutic and it helped him feel super relaxed. read more
8 years ago
As a hardcor-gi doge hooman, this pawsitive experience have warmed me up to the idea of a world domination by cats. I've been to many cats cafes local and global, but most of them felt like cat observatories - not catcade though. You buy a $15 ticket (online) for an hour to lounge around in a large comfy room with mattresses, cat toys and seatings surrounded by a bountiful of kitties - some sleepy, some playful, some holed up in the many cute arcade themed installation but all of the cats are very friendly. (Also you get a free canned drink) The cats rotate in naps that no matter when you come by, there's always a cat to engage or nap with. When my hour was over, I left catcade feeling melted from the melms, super relaxed and a lil' bit more hip now that I've caught up to the rest of the internet. The catcade is definitely a Chicago hidden gem. read more
5 years ago
4 years ago
A wonderful and organized experience! The website has a lot of rules that people may think are "tedious" or "difficult" but they are basic and important to follow and I'm relieved they spell it all out for you. It was so nice to see how clearly thought out everything was in terms of safety for everyone involved but especially for the cats. We had so much fun just hanging out with the cats and watching them do cat things. They are so healthy and happy and cute that the video games may not even matter to you because you'll just be looking at cats. The person working the front desk and the people in the cat room were all so very sweet and professional. I enjoyed that they gave space to let everyone do their thing but weren't hard to spot if there was a question about a certain cat. 10/10 will go again!! read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
We are very lucky to have The Catcade in Chicago. I've been to cat cafes in Japan, and the vibe is much different from that of The Catcade. Based on what I experienced personally, Japanese cat cafes are more boutique-like in that the cats are generally permanent residents and all gorgeous breeds. The Catcade doubles as a shelter, where every (except one perma-resident, I think) cat is up for adoption. Pros: Obviously, the cats are in a much better foster environment than where they came from and are in extremely good hands. Cons: There's an underlying feeling of guilt when you know they're looking for a furever home but you can't help. (As much as I'd like to adopt every cat, my ragdoll at home loves being an only child...) The Catcade is especially good for people who have never owned a cat. There's a healthy mix of personalities here... some shy, some outgoing, some playful, and some unwilling to come down from the cat tree (looking at you, Devonne). If you're thinking about taking the rewarding and humbling leap into cat ownership, The Catcade provides a natural environment for cats and their future humans to mingle. While the cats are sweet, the passionate owners are really what makes this place such a gem. Just based on conversations I overheard while waiting for my reservation to start and smalltalk while leaving, they seem to be pouring themselves selflessly into getting everything off the ground. If the constantly sold-out days are any indication (protip: reserve online!!), it seems to be paying off. I wish nothing but the best for The Catcade, its residents, and staff; and I look forward to visiting regularly! read more
Amazing hour of relaxation! I came on a Saturday morning at 11am after having made a reservation with a couple friends a few days earlier. We paid $15 each in advance for an hour of time with the cats. We got to our reservation a few minutes late, but it was fine. And we signed a waiver, talked through some rules, and received a drink. Then we were shown into the main room with the cats. I was there with two friends, and while we were there, we were there with 0-7 other people. I think when we first got in, people from the 10 am reservation were still there. There were plenty of cats to go around; a few were very affectionate. I think there were about 15 cats in the room. The room had two seating areas with cushions on the ground and more chairs scattered throughout. There were also a couple arcade games, but I did not play any of them, because I was too busy petting cats. My main complaint was that there weren't enough toys to play with them. There is a bathroom in the room, and hand sanitizer and lint rollers for after. Overall, great way to spend $15 and an hour of my time. read more
So many adorable cats!! It makes you want to bring them all home with you. The place is spacious and clean with a lot of seating and nooks for the cats. The cats are all pretty friendly and love being pet. Perfect place for any animal lover. I wish they had some cat toys that we could use to play with the cats! It's $15 for an hour visit - a little pricey but the money goes to a good cause! I made a reservation online and everything else was very self explanatory. My main complaint is that I couldn't find a phone number and the online reservation system only allows reservations at the top of the hour. read more
4 years ago
6 years ago
5 years ago
My friend and I are both cat lovers. He told me about Catcade a long time ago and we both wanted to visit here. But because of Catcade's open hours, it is not easy to book a reservation. They are closed on the days that my friend is off. Finally, we made a reservation on a Monday when he will get off his work in the morning. We made this reservation 12 days ahead of time. And we have been looking forward to it every day. However, just 23 hours before our reservation, Catcade sent an email that our reservation has been canceled because they are closed on that day for employee training. I don't understand why you have to train your employees on the day that you are supposed to be open. You are only open a few hours in the afternoon, 5 days a week. You are closed most of the time anyway. You have plenty of time to train your employees during your closed hours. If you planned to close this Monday, why did you open it for reservation? This is how you treat your customers? Fool with us? I feel so sad that these poor cats stay at such a place, with such trustless people. read more
5 years ago
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