Frequently Asked Questions

Cattyshack Cafe is a coffee shop and adoption lounge where you can enjoy drinks while spending time with adoptable cats.

Our cat lounge and cafe are separated by a wall of windows, so you can choose to relax with the cats or enjoy the cafe on its own.

Visits are booked in 50-minute sessions, giving you time to get to know the cats, see their personalities, and find the right match.

Some people come for the experience. Some leave with a new best friend.

We are conveniently located in Gulf Coast Town Center located off of I-75 and Alico Road.  Cattyshack Cafe is directly across the parking lot from Outback Steakhouse, Cigar Bar and right next to Sports Clips.

Address:

9902 Gulf Coast Main Street, Unit D-140

Fort Myers, FL 33913

Our cats come from a mix of foster-based groups, independent rescuers, and individuals working to get cats into safe, permanent homes.

Before joining the lounge, every cat goes through a structured intake process to ensure they are healthy, socialized, and ready for a group environment.

Adoption starts with spending time with the cats and finding a good match.

If you’re interested in adopting, you’ll complete an application and our team will review it to ensure it’s the right fit for both you and the cat.

We focus on thoughtful, successful placements, not just quick ones, so same-day adoptions are not standard practice.

Not always.

Our goal is to make the best possible match for each cat, so we consider things like lifestyle, home environment, and the specific needs of the cat.

If one cat isn’t the right fit, we’re happy to help you find one that is.

No, only cats that have gone through our intake process are allowed in the lounge.

This helps us maintain a safe, healthy, and low-stress environment for all of the cats in our care.

Yes!  We sell physical gift cards in store that can be used when visiting.

Additionally, you can find gift vouchers to our cat lounge on the Book Now page of our website.

Annual passes and 10 visit bundles are also available to purchase!  Click here for more info!

Yes... but we keep our volunteer program small and intentional.

We have two ways to get involved:

• In-person volunteers help with cleaning, cat care, and maintaining the space
• Content contributors help create photos, videos, and creative content that increases visibility and helps cats get adopted

Learn more and apply at CattyshackCares.com.

For the safety and BEST possible experience for both our cats and guests:

• Children must be 7 or older to enter the Mulligan Room.
• All children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Each adult can supervise up to 2 children at a time.
• Strollers are not allowed in the Mulligan Room (because cats and wheels don’t mix!).

Have kids under 7? No worries! Check out our Caturday Play Time experience in the Book Now section—designed especially for our youngest visitors!

Visits can be booked online in advance through our website.

Each reservation includes 50 minutes in the cat lounge, where you can relax, interact with the cats, and get to know their personalities.

We recommend booking ahead, as spots can fill up quickly.

Book a Visit

You can manage or update your reservation using your confirmation email.

If you need additional help, feel free to reach out and we’ll do our best to assist.

Running a purr-fect, cage-free environment for our fabulous felines isn’t free! Your entry fee helps us cover all the expenses of providing a cozy foster home for the cats until they find their furrever families. This includes keeping the lights on, the AC running, the comfy beds ready, and the treat jars full. Not to mention the litter, cleaning supplies, bowls, first aid materials, and the hard work of our amazing staff who make it all possible.

A visit to Cattyshack Cafe isn’t just about petting cats – it’s an unforgettable experience that’s completely redefining the cat adoption process in Southwest Florida and beyond.

Yes! Our cafe offers espresso drinks, tea, and a selection of food, beer, and wine.

You’re welcome to enjoy the cafe even if you’re not visiting the cat lounge.

We’re not taking phone calls at this time because our staff’s top priority is caring for the cats (and let’s be honest, they’re the real bosses around here).

Trust us when we say, 99% of your questions are answered right here in our FAQ section. This often saves our staff from spending 30+ minutes on the phone providing their opinion on why your two ferrets are no longer into the same activities as your cat. We’re just not as invested in their relationship as you are—but we get it, and we encourage you to share that elsewhere instead of calling us.

Still need help? Email us at info@CattyshackCafe.com or message us on Facebook Messenger or Instagram. But seriously, check the FAQ first. 😸

It’s ALWAYS a great time to visit and enjoy the cafe! Keep in mind, the cats love their naps—especially in the middle of the day. If you want to catch them at their most active, consider booking during the first few hours of the day or later in the evening.

We also host special events, such as Cattyshack After Dark, where you can enjoy our cats at their liveliest during their nightly playtime.

Check out ALL our events on our Book Now page for more details!

Yes!  All areas of Cattyshack Cafe, and our cat lounge, are wheelchair accessible.  Please note, our cats are often very curious and may want to thoroughly inspect wheelchairs!

We’re not able to accept cats directly from the public.

Cats must go through our intake process to ensure they are healthy, safe, and a good fit for the lounge environment.

You can learn more about our intake process and submit information here: http://www.cattyshackcares.com/rescues-fosters

With so many adoptions happening, we can never guarantee which cats, what types of cats, or how many cats will be available when you visit (our cats are popular!).

If you’re interested in adopting, visiting with an open heart is best. Our staff is here to assist in finding a cat that’s best suited for your lifestyle and family—and maybe even introduce you to a few feline friends you didn’t know were in the room!

To ensure the cat is a purrfect match for your family and lifestyle, we do REQUIRE interaction before submitting an application for adoption. Guests must reserve a time to enter the Mulligan Room and learn more about the cat before we can initiate the adoption process.

Animals have varying personalities (like people!) and it would be impossible to know what they are like based off of just a photo.

Before visiting, we encourage guests to have an idea of what type of pet would be a good fit in their home so your interaction time with the cats can be more productive. We do want to find the rescue cats a home – but not just ANY home. Our mission is to find their purrfect furrever home!