Visiting a kitten cafe might sound whimsical, but trust me, the reality is even more delightful than you imagine. For our girls’ weekend getaway, I strategically suggested Charleston, South Carolina, a city already famed for its historical charm and beautiful coastline. My ulterior motive? Pounce Cat Cafe. Knowing they offered wine, I reasoned my best friend would find something to enjoy, even if she wasn’t immediately smitten with the idea of kittens.
Turns out, she became another enthusiastic convert to the cat cafe craze.
Booking our one-hour session online was straightforward, with a $15 per person fee that initially seemed steep. However, the inclusion of a complimentary glass of wine softened the price tag considerably.
Upon arrival, we were ushered into the wine bar area. This space, while separate from the kitten haven, offered enticing views through large windows. Our 3 pm slot was fully booked with sixteen eager visitors. After a quick rundown of essential rules – hand sanitizing and gentle kitten interaction etiquette (no chasing or flash photography) – the previous group exited, and the doors to kitten paradise swung open.
The sheer number of kittens was astounding. Thirty-six playful furballs roamed freely that day, a particularly high count due to the recent breeding season. This abundance meant there were more than enough adorable kittens vying for attention. The atmosphere was infectious; a chorus of cooing and happy squeals filled the air. It was impossible not to be swept up in the joyous ambiance. Some visitors were lucky enough to have kittens napping on their laps, while others engaged the playful youngsters with feather wands. The energy was vibrant and heartwarming.
The kitten room itself was a stylish and comfortable sanctuary. Exposed white brick walls met dark wood floors, softened by plush shearling throws. The wine bar maintained a similarly chic aesthetic, playfully accented with cat-themed merchandise available for purchase. Beyond the complimentary wine, the cafe offered an enticing menu of premium wines, craft beers, specialty coffee drinks, and tempting pastries.
Pounce Cat Cafe’s popularity is undeniable. Throughout our visit, numerous hopeful patrons were politely turned away at the door. Reservations are absolutely essential to experience this kitten wonderland. Remarkably, Pounce boasts the highest cat adoption rate of any cat cafe nationwide. During our July visit, they celebrated 341 adoptions. By now, that number has soared past 550 cats finding their forever homes since Pounce opened its doors in December 2016. As their website proclaims, me-WOW indeed!
While Pounce doesn’t guarantee an all-kitten experience every day, if you’re in Charleston, making a visit to this exceptional cat cafe should be a top priority.
Date Visited: 7/16/17
