Meet Renee Reed.
She is the founding cat lady of El Gato Coffeehouse in the Heights.
Because she loves animals, she opened a cat cafe in Houston where guests can cuddle, relax, and enjoy the company of cats. It’s the purr-fect paradise for both humans and feline species.
El Gato Coffeehouse started as a profit business and collaborated with local rescue animal organizations to find furr-ever homes for stray cats. However, when Covid hit, Reed revamped her business model and created El Gato Charities in 2020, a non-profit sector acting as a rescue organization to foster and encourage adoptions in a cozy place. Instead of relying on local animal shelters, Reed takes it upon herself and involves the community in providing stray cats a safe home.
All cats at the cafe are rescue cats and are available for adoption. Once you meet the cat of your dreams, you’ll have a seven-day trial period to get to know each other, find out if you have allergies, and for your cat friend to get along with your other fur babies. Plus, Reed will extend the trial period if you and your cat need more time to acclimate to the new relationship.
If, for any reason, adoption is not an option, you can visit the cat cottage for some cat therapy during business hours. On Fridays and weekends, you can unwind with your feline friends with cat yoga.
Reed’s cat cafe had gained immense popularity among cat lovers but with limited space, she had to turn away many guests. However, that all changed in March 2024 when she expanded into the building next door and transformed it into a cat studio.
Over the years, El Gato evolved from teaming up with local animal rescue organizations to setting up a self-sustaining non-profit and organizing cool events, like cat yoga, to help people relax and have fun while hanging out with some cute kitties.
Last weekend, they celebrated their seventh anniversary.
For a unique and unforgettable paw-some experience, visit El Gato Coffeehouse on 508 Pecore Street. This charming cafe is home to lovable kittens that will steal your heart. Choose between the cozy cat cottage for just $18 or the spacious cat studio for $14 and spend some quality time with lovely felines.
Click here to visit El Gato’s website.