North County’s First Cat Cafe Opens This Weekend

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.

Eater San Diego