Before Vancouver had a bunny café, it had Catfe. Michelle Furbacher, a former SPCA volunteer inspired by cat cafés in Asia, Europe and the US West Coast, crowdfunded the idea and opened Western Canada’s first cat café on December 14, 2015, on the second floor of International Village mall at the edge of Chinatown. Since then Catfe has helped hundreds of rescue cats find homes.
At a glance
| Address | International Village Mall, Unit 2035, 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC (check Catfe’s website for the latest location details) |
| Neighbourhood | Edge of Chinatown and downtown, near Stadium–Chinatown Station |
| Type | Cat café and adoption lounge |
| Known for | Adoptable rescue cats, cat-themed drinks and snacks |
| Best for | Cat lovers who can’t have pets, families, rainy days |
| Price | Cover charge for lounge sessions; café menu separate |
| Transit | Stadium–Chinatown Station, about 2 minutes |
How it works
- Café: Order coffee, tea and snacks at the counter.
- Cat lounge: Book a timed session to hang out with free-roaming cats. Reservations are recommended, as lounge capacity is limited.
- Adoption: Cats come from partner rescues, and all are available for adoption.
The vibe
Playful and calming, with cat puns everywhere, a neon cat on the wall and cats napping in the sunniest spots. It’s a favourite for people whose leases don’t allow pets and for anyone who needs an hour of de-stressing.
Worth knowing
Like many independent businesses, Catfe has asked the community for support at times to keep going. Check its website or social channels for current hours, prices and any location changes before you visit.
Who it’s best for
Cat lovers, families, students and visitors on a rainy day downtown.
Photos
Find Catfe Cat Café
- Address: 88 West Pender Street, Unit 2035, Vancouver, BC
- Neighbourhood: Chinatown
- Map: Open Catfe Cat Café in Google Maps
- Website: catfe.ca
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby
- Prototype Coffee in Strathcona for serious coffee.
- Gastown’s cafés, a 10-minute walk north.
Explore more
See our profile of The Bunny Cafe, run by the same team, and browse Chinatown & Strathcona cafes.
Frequently asked questions
When did Catfe open?
December 14, 2015.
Do I need a reservation for Catfe?
Reservations are recommended for the cat lounge.
Can I adopt a cat from Catfe?
Yes, cats are available for adoption through Catfe’s rescue partners.
Last checked November 2026. Hours and menus change, so check the cafe’s own website or Instagram before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
