Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been deprived of cats.

My dad is severely allergic to cats, so we can’t have any in the house, and very few of my closest friends have any felines. While I’ve always considered myself a dog person, my view is flipped upside down whenever a kitten is in the vicinity.

Previously, I’ve fulfilled my interest in these animals by visiting pet stores, shelters, and cuddling the outdoor cats in my neighborhood when they make an appearance. However, one of my favorite cat-related experiences was days before the shutdown—making a visit to the Happy Cat Café. Situated at 447 Division Avenue S, the coffee shop is a haven for friends and felines alike.

Needless to say, I had an excellent time curling up with the adoptable shelter kittens in the cozy environment, but there was one thing lacking: the “café” in Happy Cat Café. While there were drinks available, they were all from a coffee machine that the customer controlled themselves, causing the available beverages to be limited.

Fortunately, I recently made a return to the café. In fact, I had no problem making the drive downtown two days in a row when I was invited by two different friend groups in one weekend.

As soon as I stepped into the building, I was delighted to find that the building was far more bright and colorful. While the facility was always visually appealing, it looked even better than before and much more professional. 

Furthermore, the shop was expanded from a select few clothing items to a variety of merchandise, ranging from plushies to pottery. Personally, I opted for one of the many cat-themed stylish stickers, and none of my friends left the store empty-handed.

Perhaps the most improved aspect of the store, the drink menu, was shockingly varied. While I had expected the café to be amped up to an extent, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the available beverages. The best way I can describe their options is Biggby-esque, providing shimmering energy drinks, fluffy frappuccinos, and classic coffees. Both my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed what we sipped on while entertaining the cats.

While I got the dazzling Rosy Ragdoll, my friend selected a Meow-cha tea latte, and my sister picked up a seasonal special that was just as delicious. While the coffees were rich and creamy, the energy drinks and teas were spectacularly beautiful—far beyond your typical coffee shop.

Despite the vast improvements in the shop, café, and overall décor, the most important component of the Happy Cat Café is, of course, the cat area. While it has always been enriching for the adoptable cats and kittens in the facility’s care, the recent upgrades have introduced televisions for cats and humans alike to enjoy. What’s more is that there are plenty of toys and shelves for the cats to engage with visitors, but there are also many beds and hiding areas for the cats who have had enough play for one day.

With all of the incredible new additions to an already favorite location, the cat café is undoubtedly here to stay. The Happy Cat Café has fulfilled its mission: providing both guests and cats with a cozy and comfortable environment to brighten each other’s lives.