Cat Cafes in Madrid

Madrid

La Gatoteca, nestled in the heart of Madrid, Spain, is a pioneering cat café that opened in October 2013 under the nonprofit ABRIGA, inspired by Japanese neko-cafés but reimagined as a solidarity-driven initiative to aid homeless cats. This bright, welcoming space houses around 24 adoptable cats, offering visitors a chance to enjoy their company for €8 per hour (including a complimentary drink), with reservations required due to a limited capacity of 16 people for the cats’ well-being. Since its inception, La Gatoteca has facilitated nearly 900 adoptions, providing a sanctuary where cats recover from past hardships and socialize freely, while humans relax, play, and potentially find a lifelong companion—all supported by visitor fees and donations that fund ABRIGA’s rescue efforts. After closing its original Lavapiés location in 2020 due to COVID-19, it reopened in 2021 at a new site, continuing its decade-long commitment to feline welfare with a focus on quality care and education about cats’ needs.

Madrid

Polineko Neko Café, located at Calle Mayor 19, Alcalá de Henares, Spain, is a heartwarming cat café and adoption center that offers a serene escape for cat lovers and advocates of animal welfare in the historic city of Alcalá de Henares, just a short train ride from Madrid. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM and Friday to Sunday from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM, this cozy spot charges a donation fee of €6-€8 (including a drink) for visitors to enjoy organic coffee or tea while interacting with rescued cats from A.P.A Neko Madrid, all of whom are rehabilitated and seeking forever homes. Beyond its café offerings, Polineko provides a library of books and comics, board games, free Wi-Fi, and a shop with cat-themed merchandise, alongside hosting events like yoga with cats and language exchanges, fostering a community space that promotes responsible adoption and cat therapy. Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its literary legacy, Polineko blends relaxation with a noble mission, making it a must-visit for those eager to sip, play, and perhaps adopt a feline friend.