The Region Cat Cafe — Restaurant in Ross Township

tl;dr: heaven on earth

Been waiting over a decade to visit a cat café and this location was everything I had hoped for and then some. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, the experience is nothing short of fantastic.

The entire café is not only well decorated and furnished, but immaculately clean as well. For a place that specializes in letting you play with cats, I was absolutely blown away with how cleanly and well kept the entire location was.

All the cats are kept in a room that is separated from the rest of the café space, via a wall of windows, flanked by a bar counter that lets you watch all the cats sleep or play as you enjoy your beverage and food. The cat room is open on top to allow the second floor dining area the ability to look down at all the cats as well. The only problem I can see with the design is that since it is open on top, individuals with severe allergies may not be able to stay for long periods.

The staff are all lovely individuals that will go completely out of their way to make you feel at home and will always happily explain anything that you may not understand about the café's operation. From behind the register to the helpers in the cat area, you won't find a better lot of people, and I mean that most sincere.

Being a café they also have a variety of refreshments to choose from. Pretty much anything your heart may desire is on offer, be it water, tea, beer, wine...etc, or even some of the heartiest hot chocolate you'll ever have, the list goes on and on. A nice variety of food is available as well with a selection of sandwiches that the staff will be more than happy to cook in a panini press for you to enjoy. As someone that's been in the area for a long time and tried many a beef sandwich, I never thought some of Chicago's mightiest would be toppled by a humble, reheated beef sandwich from a cat café. Step up your game Portillo's.

To get into the cat room you'll either make a reservation beforehand through their fantastic website, call ahead to book or walk in (reservations are recommended). Each session in the cat room is 50 minutes long, relatively inexpensive and a session is not required to be purchased if you just want to walk in, grab a coffee, and look at the cats through a window.

When it is time for your session, you are politely ushered into the room where the rules are gently explained, then you are free to enjoy the cats to your hearts content. You can pet them, play with them with the provided toys, take pictures, or really just do whatever you want (within reason) in the presence of cats. For me, I could feel my blood pressure lower and my troubles melt away as I pet, played with and took pictures of the adorable cats they have.

The best part about this location? All the cats you've been playing with and watching are available for adoption for free. This is probably one of the most brilliant ideas I have seen in quite some time and I can only assume this is an effective method for finding the cats good homes. Even better yet, during my stay I was never once pressured or forced into adopting a cat. It really is a low stress, relax and unwind kind of environment. And if you feel through all of that you want to take one home with you, the staff would be more than happy to help.

In closing, I have nothing negative to say about this location whatsoever and can only conclude that they have somehow managed to manifest a physical embodiment of heaven next to the...

We drove an hour and fifteen minutes to visit this very nice cat cafe. My expectations were surpassed big time. The staff, food and drink, and of course the main purpose the best kittens and cats you’ve ever seen and played with. We had a great time. This place does not smell like chemicals and pet poop. It feels like you are visiting a cat spa. If its soul purpose is to help you forget your troubles then it worked. We did not go to adopt, we went to see the kitties. Sometimes you go to places and you feel like “ been there done that” I feel the opposite. This will be on my list of staycations every year. We each had some very tasty coffee and pastries before we hung out with our new furry friends. Some great things I noticed. The cats wear collars. Our cat will not wear a collar because she never got used to it. Important for identification in case your cat gets lost. No pushy sales, Not once did someone try to guilt us into adopting. Every cat or kitten is around other cats and kittens. So if we decide to adopt down the road we know the issue with your pet and your new cat should go smooth as can be. Sorry about this long review but this place is damn...

The most amazing cat café! The staff is fantastic, super friendly and knowledgeable! The atmosphere is stunning! Last but certainly not least, the cats! The cats are all so sweet and adorable! I must say this is a purrfect place to cuddle and play with kitties and relax with delicious food and drink!

A year later and I am still super impressed with the Region Cat Café! The staff is super friendly and takes time to tell you about the wonderful kitties you are loving on! One of my favorite places to go for a relaxing time!!

Still one of my favorite places! The staff is still amazing and so knowledgeable! The kitties are just the cutest and you can tell they are well loved while waiting for their furever homes!

3 years of coming here for Valentine's Day and it is the best! Such a relaxing atmosphere to spend time with your significant other and some adorable kitties! The staff is so friendly! One of my favorite places to go for a fun date night or hang out with friends!

The chicken lemon rice soup is delicious! Enjoyed bringing my mom to experience the kitties for the first time for...