You’re walking down 10th Street NW in Kensington, and you see them. Pressed against a giant glass window, a half-dozen fluffballs are staring back at you with varying degrees of judgment and curiosity. This isn't just a coffee shop with a stray problem. This is the Regal Cat Cafe Calgary AB, a local institution that has spent nearly a decade proving that caffeine and whiskers are the ultimate power couple.
But here’s the thing: most people think you can just walk in, grab a latte, and start juggling kittens. It doesn't quite work like that.
The "Kitty Kingdom" Reality Check
The cafe is basically split into two worlds. On one side, you’ve got a sleek, modern coffee bar serving up Chronicle Coffee and treats from local legends like Crave Cupcakes. On the other side of a thick glass wall is the "Kitty Kingdom."
Why the wall? Health codes, mostly. But it also creates a sanctuary for the cats. These aren't just random pets; they are adoptable residents from the MEOW Foundation, a local no-kill rescue that actually took over ownership of the cafe in 2022.
If you want to go inside the kingdom, you need a reservation. Seriously. On weekends, trying to get a walk-in spot is like trying to find a parking space in Kensington on a sunny Saturday—practically impossible. You pay a fee (usually around $12 to $14 for 30 minutes), and that money goes directly back into the MEOW Foundation to pay for things like vet bills and kibble.
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What to expect inside
It’s not a free-for-all. There are rules.
- You can’t pick them up.
- You can’t wake them if they’re napping (and they nap a lot).
- You have to sanitize your hands like you’re prepping for surgery.
Some people find the "no picking up" rule a bit of a buzzkill. But think about it from the cat's perspective. If twelve strangers tried to hoist you into the air every hour, you’d probably be a bit cranky too. Instead, you get to sit on the floor or on the benches and let them come to you.
Why the Regal Cat Cafe Calgary AB is actually a matchmaking service
Since opening in 2017, this place has facilitated over 1,000 adoptions. That is a staggering number of "forever homes."
The genius of the cafe model is that you see a cat’s true personality. In a traditional shelter, cats are often stressed and hiding in the back of a cage. In the Kitty Kingdom, you see them in their element. You see Drywall (yes, real cat name) chasing a feather wand or Tuna lounging in a sunbeam.
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The adoption process
If you fall in love with a specific cat during your 30-minute session, you don't just put them in your purse and leave. You have to fill out an application with the MEOW Foundation. They do phone interviews. They check references. They want to make sure you aren't going to return the cat when it inevitably scratches your sofa.
One quirky detail: the cats usually stay at the cafe for a "rotation" of about two to three weeks. Even if a cat gets "adopted" on day one, they usually stay until the end of their scheduled stint so they don't disrupt the group dynamic too much.
Beyond the basic visit
If you think just sitting with cats is too mainstream, the Regal Cat Cafe has leaned hard into "cat-themed experiences."
Kitty Yoga is exactly what it sounds like. You try to do a downward dog while a tabby tries to bat at your ponytail. They also do Kitty Paint Nights and Sound Bath sessions. Honestly, if you can find a way to do an activity while a cat is nearby, they’ve probably tried to host it.
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The cafe area itself is quite high-end for a "pet place." They don't skimp on the food. You can get:
- Kitty-themed macarons that are almost too cute to eat.
- Vegan and gluten-free treats from Canela or Baked From the Heart.
- Locally roasted espresso that actually tastes good, not just "good for a cat cafe."
Is it worth the price?
Some critics argue that $14 for half an hour is steep. You could buy a lot of coffee for $14.
However, you aren't just paying for the "cat time." You’re essentially making a donation to a rescue organization and getting some serotonin in return. For people living in apartments that don't allow pets, or for students at the nearby University of Calgary who are missing their family dog, this place is a mental health lifesaver.
The atmosphere is intentionally calming. Soft music, warm lighting, and the rhythmic purring of a cat that has decided your lap is a premium piece of real estate. It’s a break from the noise of the city.
Tips for your first visit
- Book ahead. I cannot stress this enough. Use their website.
- Check the "Go-Home" dates. If you’re seriously looking to adopt, check when the current "batch" of cats is leaving so you don't miss out on your favorite.
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting hairy. They provide lint rollers, but cats are efficient at shedding.
- Go on a weekday morning. The cats are usually more playful then. By 4:00 PM on a Sunday, they’ve seen a lot of humans and might just want to sleep in a hollowed-out bookshelf.
If you’re ready to check it out, the cafe is located at 303 10th St NW. It's right by the Sunnyside C-Train station, so you don't even have to worry about the nightmare that is Kensington street parking.
To make the most of your trip, head to the Regal Cat Cafe website and check their "Cat-a-logue" before you go. It’ll show you exactly which cats are currently in the Kingdom and what their personalities are like. Once you've picked a favorite, book a morning slot for the best chance at some active playtime.