GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A new café in downtown Grand Junction is promising a different kind of companion for your morning latte — one with whiskers, a tail, and possibly a forever home.

Set to open August 9, the Cat Café will be the latest local venture to combine two favorite community pastimes: coffee and cats. The café is an extension of The Downtown Cat, a grooming and boarding business at 1649 Main Street, and will feature adoptable cats from the Roice-Hurst Humane Society roaming freely in a cozy, café-style lounge.

“You come in and they’re just running around, living their best life,” said Tosha Long, owner of The Downtown Cat and grooming salon Dog Dynasty. “We’ve got drinks, coffee, and snacks — and lots of purring.”

Reimagining an Adoption Space

The café model steps in where the Grand Rivers Humane Society Kitty Korner left off. That former cat adoption center closed in March after transitioning into a foster-based model, leaving a feline-friendly void in the community.

Now, Long and her team aim to bring new energy to the adoption process. Visitors to the Cat Café can enjoy a coffee or snack while mingling with adoptable cats, many of whom will be kittens or adults from Roice-Hurst’s shelter network.

Rather than browsing animals behind cages, customers will be able to observe cats in a home-like setting — curled up on armchairs, playing with toys, or climbing cat towers — creating what Long calls a more “natural connection.”

Community Meets Caffeine and Cats

The grand opening on August 9 promises a lively celebration of both cats and community. Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will include:

• Local food trucks

• Live music

• Vendors from around the Western Slope

• And, of course, plenty of adoptable cats

All café cats will be vetted and cared for by Roice-Hurst Humane Society, with adoption applications handled on-site.

“It’s a creative way to expand adoption outreach,” said a Roice-Hurst spokesperson. “Not everyone walks into a shelter, but everyone loves a cozy café.”

Not Just a Trend — A New Chapter for Local Animal Welfare

Cat cafés have flourished across the U.S. in recent years, especially in urban centers where pet adoption can feel sterile or rushed. In Grand Junction, the concept may feel novel, but advocates believe it’s a perfect fit.

“We’re excited to bring a positive, low-pressure adoption environment to downtown,” said Long. “Even if someone doesn’t adopt, just giving a cat attention for a few hours helps them socialise and feel loved.”

The model also supports local business: the café will serve locally sourced snacks and beverages, creating a new downtown hangout spot that welcomes both feline and human foot traffic.

What to Expect: The Experience

Customers will likely be charged a modest cover fee or minimum purchase to enter the cat lounge — a standard practice among cat cafés to cover animal care and staffing. The café is expected to operate regular hours, with special adoption events and promotions hosted throughout the year.

Whether you’re a cat lover looking to adopt, a student craving study time with a side of purring, or just someone needing a serotonin boost with your espresso, the Cat Café may become one of Grand Junction’s most charming new destinations.