Out of the many notable additions in the Santa Clarita Valley, SCV’s first cat café opened on Dec. 16th, 2025. Located off of Via Princessa, Catfé is a business that aims to provide a safe haven for cats while they await adoption by customers who get the chance to enjoy drinks and snacks.
At Catfé, customers can reserve various times ranging from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to sit and relax with cats while enjoying a treat from one of the surrounding stores, such as Bagel Boyz and Guanatos Tacos. Customers also have the option to spend time with close family and friends by reserving group events and parties ahead of time on the café’s website.
Javier Negrete, the owner of Catfé, runs the business and gives an opportunity for shelter cats to have a safe, loving home and customers a new, trusted companion. “Our cats come from a rescue shelter in North Hollywood that gets their cats from city shelters, cats found on the streets, abandoned cats and even previously fostered cats,” Negrete explained.
Although Catfé’s opening was a success, the process was challenging. He explained that cats need ample attention and care as most pets do, so providing for them comes with many difficulties. The biggest obstacle for Negrete was “going through the permit process and finding the perfect spot, as many landlords weren’t thrilled with the idea of cats being involved.”
However, the cats of Catfé are well-behaved and independent, as they often calmly roam around, sleep, eat or enjoy the company of customers. Often thought to be therapeutic and engaging, Negrete shared his love for the cats: “It’s free therapy, honestly. You can admire a cat and just wonder about each cat’s personality. But as soon as you admire a cat, you get lost, and you could be here for hours.”
In order to ensure the cats safety and allow them to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, guests are instructed not to make loud noises, run or handle the cats in any rough way, making extra care not to touch their stomachs.
People who are unavailable or unsure of adoption are still encouraged to visit nevertheless, as Catfé could be a test trial for compatibility, capability or just a way to become familiar with the cats. This was the case for freshman Sawyer Ylagan, who had visited the Catfé to “relax with the cats and have a magical experience.”
Ylagan, not actively seeking to adopt a cat, dropped by the Catfé to absorb the “calming atmosphere where the cats could be witnessed in their indoor environment before being adopted.” She explained that she appreciated the opportunity to interact with all the different cats in the café through activities such as feeding them snacks or using toys to play with them.
Catfé is supported through the contribution of people who are eager to help the business, just like Ylagan. Volunteering at Catfé can be done by applying through the website and taking one to four hour shifts, minimum once a week, handling cat necessities, assisting and welcoming guests, being an event helper or creative support.
Due to her admiration for the business, Ylagan even conveyed a desire to volunteer at the Catfé to provide support and service. “I think volunteering here would be so awesome and a great opportunity because you get to hang out with cats while contributing and helping the business,” she shared.
For those who are interested in visiting, adopting or volunteering, more information and assistance can be found on the Catfé website, catfe.la. The café’s website showcases the cats available for adoption, lists the date available to book visits and parties and displays updates about upcoming events such as cat yoga or sketch & purr.
Whether you are visiting in hopes of adopting a cat or visiting simply out of your love for cats, we hope you enjoy your visit. Cats, make sure you show your support by visiting Catfé!
