The Scratching Post Cat Cafe

Rochester, New York · 8 mi / 13 km

The Pawsitive Cafe is a nonprofit cat cafe on East Avenue in Rochester's East End, near the Eastman Theatre, and opened in 2022 as downtown Rochester's first cat cafe; it has since moved to a larger space at 115 East Avenue. The neurodivergent-owned cafe is home to around 25 to 30 adoptable cats from several local rescue partners, and more than 370 cats have been adopted. Visitors pay per person for 30- or 60-minute visits, and booking ahead guarantees a spot because walk-ins are not always available; bookings are non-refundable and the fees go to the cats' care. Children under 16 must be with someone 18 or older, and outside animals are not allowed. Drinks and snacks are sold, and the cafe hosts events such as painting nights and private parties.

• Adoptable cats

Victor, New York · 20 mi / 32 km

Lazy Cat Lounge & Cafe, formerly Purrs and Paws Cat Cafe, is a cat cafe inside Eastview Mall in Victor, southeast of Rochester, in the Von Maur wing near mall entrance 6. One side is a cafe serving coffee, specialty drinks and desserts, and the other is a cat lounge with adoptable cats from several Rochester-area rescues, including Animal Rescue Services, ROC the Mad Catter, Colony Caregivers, Room for One More and Love for Misfit Meeps. Visitors book a time online, sign the waiver and pay ahead, and walk-ins are taken when there is space. Children must be at least 8, and those under 13 need an adult with them in the lounge. Drinks from the cafe with lids may be taken in. Adoptions are handled by each cat's rescue through an online application. The lounge closes for short breaks during the day to give the cats rest.

• Adoptable cats

Waterloo, New York · 44 mi / 71 km

Cat's Meow Cafe & Lounge is the first cat cafe in Seneca County, located inside the Finger Lakes Premium Outlets in Waterloo, next to the Tommy Hilfiger store. The locally owned cafe serves coffee, lattes, mochas and affogato along with pastries, scones, cookies, stuffed croissants and sandwiches made in house, including gluten-free options. A separate cat room is home to a rotating group of adoptable cats from partner rescues, including the Oswego County SPCA, and visitors book time in the room to play with and socialize the cats. A liability waiver is required before entering, and children are welcome with a parent or guardian. Adoptions are arranged through the partner rescues. The cafe also holds occasional events such as kitten romper room sessions.

• Adoptable cats
• Booking required

Port Hope, Ontario · 56 mi / 91 km

Toe Beans Cat Cafe is a cat cafe, bakery and gift shop on Peter Street in Port Hope, just east of the town's historic downtown. It opened in September 2018 and has been run since 2020 by a mother-and-daughter team. The cafe serves espresso drinks, baked goods, paninis and other light lunches, and sells cat-themed gifts and work by a featured local artist. Behind the cafe is a cat lounge where foster cats from partner rescues in Ontario and abroad live while they wait for adoption, and the cafe has placed more than 2,800 cats since it opened. Lounge visits are 55-minute sessions that start on the hour, with an entry fee per person and free entry for children under 3. Booking ahead is recommended, though walk-ins are taken when there is space. Visitors remove their shoes, wear socks in the cat room and sign a waiver. Adoptions require an approved pre-application before an appointment.

• Adoptable cats
• Booking recommended

Niagara Falls, Ontario · 70 mi / 112 km

Niagara Falls Cat Cafe is a family-run cat cafe and restaurant on Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls. Opened in autumn 2024 as the first cat cafe in the Niagara Region, it serves a full menu of brunch dishes, grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts in its dining room. The cats live in a separate enclosure with petting areas, cozy seating and a selfie wall, which diners and non-diners can enter for a fee charged per 30 or 60 minutes. Drinks are allowed in the cat room but food is not, every visitor must sign a paper liability waiver, and children 12 and under must stay with an adult. All the cats come from local rescues, mainly Pets Alive Niagara, and can be adopted on site; the cafe has rehomed more than 150 cats. Reservations are made by phone and are recommended, especially at weekends.

• Adoptable cats
• Booking recommended

Syracuse, New York · 78 mi / 126 km

Pawsitivitea CNY is a cafe and cat lounge on Park Street on Syracuse's north side, open since September 2020. The cafe serves locally sourced drinks and homemade baked goods, and the lounge is home to usually eight to twelve adoptable cats from partner rescues including Wayward Paws and the Oswego SPCA, which receive the adoption fees; the cafe has passed 570 adoptions. The cats are spayed or neutered and vaccinated before arriving. An entry fee covers their care, the lounge holds up to eight guests at a time, and reservations are strongly recommended, especially at weekends, though weekday walk-ins are often possible. Children aged 10 and up are allowed, with those 12 and under accompanied by an adult, and clean socks are required. A small library, cards and coloring books are available, and events include Paint-n-Play, yoga, game and movie nights and an annual silent auction.

• Adoptable cats
• Booking recommended