Cat Cafes in Illinois

Pekin, Illinois

TAiLS ⁠‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌⁠of a Bookworm is a nonprofit bookstore and gift shop on Court Street in Pekin, just south of Peoria, that raises money for local animal shelters and rescues. Alongside new and used books, with a focus on local authors, stickers, gifts and a decorative book wall for photos, it has three small adoption rooms where visitors can spend time with adoptable kittens and cats from area shelters. The rooms are not always occupied, since cats are only placed there when a shelter needs the space. The shop's resident cat, Noah, greets customers and often sits by the register. Entry to the shop is free, and adoptions are arranged with the partner shelters.

• Adoptable cats

Rockford, Illinois

Fur-Ever ⁠‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌⁠Finds Thrift is a women-owned thrift shop in East Rockford, on North Phelps Avenue behind the Culver's on East State Street, that funds an on-site nonprofit cat rescue. Opened in early 2026, it sells donated and upcycled clothing, housewares, vintage finds and work by local artists and vendors, and a portion of every purchase goes to the rescue. Shoppers can visit and cuddle the small group of adoptable rescue cats, usually up to four, who live in the shop while they wait for homes. There is no entry fee, and adoptions are arranged directly with the rescue. Look for the bright pink cat sign.

• Adoptable cats