Purrista Cat Cafe

Purrista Cat Cafe is Erie's first cat cafe, founded by Erie native and cat enthusiast Dena Rupp and opened in March 2022. Partnered with Because You Care, Inc., this cozy spot typically houses 8 to 10 adoptable cats in a separate lounge, where guests can reserve sessions for $15 (60 minutes) or $10 (30 minutes) to play and connect with the kitties, having celebrated over 300 adoptions by February 2025. The cafe side requires no reservations and offers North Edge Craft Coffee's Purrista blend, lattes (including monthly specials like the "Smitten Kitten Latte"), teas, and local baked goods from Sundae Vegan Desserts, Crumb Cake Bakery, Herb and Honey, and Flower Kitchen. Located downtown near Perry Square, this wheelchair-accessible, Wi-Fi-enabled cafe features a glass partition for cat viewing, hosts events like yoga with cats, and channels lounge fees into cat care. Visitors must be aged 7 or older to enter the lounge, though younger kids can peek from the cafe side.