After five years, the beloved Cat Cafe is returning to Manchester city centre this month. Reopening its doors in a new location inside Barton Arcade on Deansgate, twelve resident cats have moved into the purpose-built venue, which has been fitted with plush beds, scratching posts, and custom climbing structures ahead of its official launch on May 30.
The history of Cat Cafe Manchester
In January 2021, amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manchester Cat Cafe was forced to permanently close the doors to its Northern Quarter location, which is now occupied by the popular Gooey bakery. Due to the strict “Tier 4” lockdown restrictions in place at the time, the cafe was unfortunately unable to find a way to reopen.
The cafe originally housed ten resident cats, all of whom found new homes with staff and family members following the closure. While it previously offered a full breakfast and lunch menu, the brand shifted its focus to a Liverpool branch, continuing its mission to provide accessible animal-assisted therapy.
The new location and feline friends
The new space is designed to give the cats plenty of room to roam, play, and sleep. You’ll find wall-mounted wooden houses, macrame hanging baskets, green moss-effect platforms, and a large wooden exercise wheel, which allow the cats to stay active or rest above ground level.
The resident felines include a variety of breeds, featuring cats such as Roman, Heathcliffe, and Emmerson. The café has specifically curated the group so that the initials of the twelve cats’ names intentionally spell out the phrase “YOU ARE ENOUGH”, as displayed on a letter board inside the venue.
How to book a visit and Cat Cafe Manchester prices
Entry to the café operates on a timed booking system, with a standard visit costing £18 for a one-hour slot. This admission fee includes unlimited hot and cold drinks during your visit.
Visitors also have the option to purchase approved treats to hand-feed the cats directly. The venue is equipped with a modern coffee machine and comfortable seating areas where patrons can relax and interact with the animals using provided feather wands and other cat toys.
While the café does not officially open to customers until May 30, the cats are already settling into their new environment. Passersby walking through Barton Arcade can currently stop and watch them exploring the artificial grass areas and window displays from the main arcade walkway.
You can book here.
📍Cat Cafe Manchester, Barton Arcade, Deansgate, M3 2BH.