By Helet Van Staden
There’s an old fridge-magnet proverb that states, “A house is not a home without a cat.” Java Cats has taken this to heart in every way possible. This quaint little café is hidden in an old converted shop across from a cemetery. When you first enter, you are welcomed by comforting interior design, soothing colors and a perfect combination of industrialism and vintage charm. The second thing to hit you is the rock ‘n’ roll music playing over their speakers, fitting in perfectly with the personality of the café. The music, décor and sound of coffee being made instantly tell you one thing: you are home.
There’s a powerful cat motif represented throughout the café in the form of art, books and merchandise, but most importantly through the presence of the Cat Lounge. As a patron you can reserve the Cat Lounge for $12 per adult or pay a walk-in fee of $5 for half an hour. If you do reserve the Cat Lounge, you receive complimentary drip coffee or loose-leaf tea.
The café’s best features are probably lying down or sleeping. The Cat Lounge is filled with many friendly, chubby and utterly charming cats. You can give the treats — but not too many — and fill up on feline therapy.
All the cats in the café are adoptable. Java Cats partners with PAWS Atlanta to host adoptable cats in their Cat Lounge to help them find homes. If you become especially attached to one of their cats, you don’t have to say goodbye. You could potentially take the cat home.
Between the cats — both living and porcelain — the colorful interior and the cat shaped cappuccino foam the baristas can make, Java Cats is a delightful place to either do work, connect with other artists or simply love cats.
