Purrfect Pair Cat Cafe — Restaurant in Rock Hill

UPDATE: To the influx of new reviewers suggesting that the cats are better off at Purrfect Pair than at a crowded shelter or "outside neglected by a dumpster," I AGREE 100%. However, the point is to allow these cats to be adopted if the right person comes along and shows interest in doing so. Please don't force them to stay in the cafe for the rest of their lives if they have an opportunity to be loved and spoiled by a caring family/individual. I made this post because I care for the long term well-being of these cats, not to be malicious in any way. It's obvious that I don't stand alone in my concern.

— ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW —

I am extremely disappointed in this cat cafe. Although I did not originally agree with some of their practices (i.e., allowing customers to pick the cats up), it appeared as though their intentions were good enough when they opened last year. It really seemed like they had their hearts in the right place in terms of finding forever homes for their cats. HOWEVER. I was recently made aware that they have since adopted a total of SEVEN cats into their cafe -- they call them their 'purrmanent residents.' This is absolutely despicable and not at all in the best interest of the animals.

One reviewer mentioned that Latte (one of the seven) loves people but is very skittish around the other cats. The owner justified keeping her by saying that she is bonded with her sister (another 'purrmanent resident'), as if nobody would possibly be willing to adopt a bonded pair. Her solution to the anxious behaviors exhibited by Latte were to put her in a 'calming collar,' as she has seemingly done with most (if not all) of the 'purrmanent residents.'

The owner also admitted that the reason for keeping these 'purrmanent residents' is that, "we are often adopting out cats more quickly than we can get them in..." -- this was in response to a concerned reviewer, stating that staff had mentioned they could not stay open without keeping a 'base set' of cats. Whose best interest are they truly looking out for -- the cats or the business? She also stated that on top of the 'base set' of seven 'purrmanent residents,' they are allowed to host up to 13 more (adoptable) cats at a time. That means, at any given moment, there may be a total of TWENTY cats confined together in a very small area.

While I do not fully agree with keeping even one cat as a 'purrmanent resident,' I acknowledge that it can be helpful at times for new (and nervous) arrivals to interact with a calm, laid-back resident animal. However, to quote a concerned reviewer, "[Latte] constantly gets bullied by other cats, even by Mr. Foster (who belongs to the owner of the cafe I was told)." This causes me to wonder why Mr. Foster was chosen as the original 'purrmanent resident' of Purrfect Pair, as bullying isn't exactly a preferred trait of any well-suited resident animal. (Nothing against Mr. Foster -- I'm sure he is very sweet in other circumstances!)

Overall, I do not trust the judgement of this establishment owner. While Purrfect Pair has done a lot of good in terms of adoptions (145 since opening last year), they seem to be going backward by forcing these cats to stay with them indefinitely. I can only hope that the owner will see reason and allow these cats to experience the pure love, joy, and fulfillment that waits for them in their forever homes.

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**Note: Since leaving my review on Friday, the number of ‘purrmanent residents’ has gone up. Eight cats were featured in a recent social media post, and Mr. Foster (assuming he’s still there) makes a...

Update: 04/26/2025 I just read your response to my review, I want to clear out that I didn't want to adopt "latte". I mentioned I rescue and foster cats and dogs, therfore I'm not looking to adopt any animal. My mission is to find cats and dogs good homes. I understand what you said but you also have to keep in mind that the cafe should not be something permanent for Latte and her sister, I'm sure that at some point you will be able to find someone that will adopt the sisters together. Like I said that environment no matter how good you may think it is for her, it's shouldn't be permanent if you want what's best for her. She constantly gets bullied by the other cats, even by Mr Foster (who belongs to the owner of the cafe i was told). I was stating my honest opinion. Have a nice day.

*I was super excited to go to "purrfect pair cat cafe", I walked in this morning with my friends. We got our coffees and paid 10 per person (for 30 minutes) all the cats looked well taken care of, there was food and water, the bowls were spotless, the cats had lots of toys and places to lay and sleep. BUT the reason why I'm leaving a 1 star review is because of "latte" the sweet 6 month old, black female cat. She and another one (i don't remember the second cat's name) were not up for adoption, they're actually permanent residents (that's what I read on their cards and I was also told the same thing by the staff) my question is WHY? Latte was extremely sweet and social with PEOPLE but she was terrified of the other cats, she was constantly hiding and running away from the rest of the cats. They were all bullying her and the poor thing had nowhere to hide. When I walked in the area, I didn't see her. After 20 minutes of my friends and staying in there and petting all the cats, we spotted a frightened Latte hiding behind the couch. When my friend approached her, Latte started meowing and immediately let us pet her and hold her. A cat that's so friendly and sweet with people should NOT stay in there for their rest of her life, she deserves to find a good home and live in a stress free environment where she doesn't have to watch her back 24/7. I rescue and foster cats and dogs (mainly cats) and Latte broke my heart. She and the other "permanent resident " don't deserve this. Keep in mind that when a cat is stressed out for long periods of time they can get sick... This is terrible, I'm never going to that cat cafe and I will never...

I've become quite a frequent visitor here so figured it was time to leave a review!

For the Cafe Side - the drinks are delicious and you can always customize if you want something specific. There are generic snacks as well as stuff that is from local bakeries (which I prefer. The pumpkin whoopie pie is dangerously good!) The selection isn't huge for snacks but there's enough that most people will be able to find something they'd like. I also get that due to health code reasons, food has to come prepackaged. There's also a good variety of merchandise you can buy. The shirts fit well and are exceptionally soft. I hope more designs are offered in the future. There are a few AI items which, as an artist, isn't my favorite, but they've been moving toward showcasing local artists which is awesome! It is a small area but that's due to the building itself over theirs.

For the Cat Lounge - I love how all the cats are adoptable! It's truly a great way to find them homes. If anything, I think they should implement cupholders in the tables or such as the cats do want to knock them over but that's more a want than a need. If you plan on going, i highly suggest making an appointment ahead of time as walk ins are never guaranteed to have space. The couches are comfy but they also have tables that are nice to sit at too! The chairs at the tables don't have cushions but they don't hurt to sit on. Cushions could be a nice addition, though I'm sure the cats would make more use of them than people could, haha. I like the amount of rules they have that keep the cats safe and comfy

The Staff - all of the employees I've met have been great. I want to highlight Sophia, Sydney, Laurie, Annalise and of course the owner Inga have all been so kind and are part of the reason I've been so comfortable visiting so often

So overall, go visit and...