Café Gateiro

Café Gateiro, nestled in the lively Barra neighborhood of Salvador, Bahia, stands as the city’s first cat cafe, blending a love for specialty coffee with a mission to rescue and rehome stray felines. Founded in April 2022 by Clarissa Rios Lara, a physiotherapist and cat enthusiast inspired by similar ventures in Rio and São Paulo, this charming spot offers a dual experience: a cozy cafeteria with a menu boasting gourmet coffees, vegan-friendly savory and sweet treats like quiches and cheesecakes, and a separate “gatil” where visitors can interact with up to eight adoptable cats for R$8 per 15-minute session—all proceeds supporting their care. Partnered with the “Adote 1 Gato de Rua” network, the cafe ensures each cat is vetted and ready for adoption, fostering connections that have led to 71 adoptions since its opening.