This Saturday, January 12 marks the opening of North County’s first cat cafe, and just the second in the San Diego area. Founded by Caroline and Andrew Vaught, Cat & Craft brings together the couple’s love for cats and their passion for craft coffee; the Vista-based venue combines a 1,500-square-foot cafe with an 800-square-foot cage-free lounge space for adoptable cats and kittens.
Separated from the cat area by a glass wall, the cafe will feature coffee from Rancho Bernado’s Manzanita Roasting Company in everything from espresso drinks to single-origin pour-overs and housemade cold brew. The daytime menu includes avocado toast and seasonal fruit toast with lemon mascarpone made with bread from Bread & Cie and pastries and desserts provided by local companies A Delight of France and Hazel and Jade, a vegan bakery.
The foster cats are from North County 501c3 Love Your Feral Friends (LYFF) and are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped; all of the adoption fees will go to supporting the non profit. Visiting the cat lounge costs $12 per hour, and reservations are recommended; children over seven are allowed if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, the cafe will feature art by local artists and plans to host a variety of events, from cat yoga to private functions.