In the quiet Barrio Jara neighbourhood, tucked behind the American University in Asunción, a café unlike any other is redefining Paraguay’s coffee experience. Coffee Cat – Specialty Coffee, the first and only cat café in the country, invites visitors into a tranquil, heartwarming space where the real hosts are not baristas, but rescued cats.
Launched in July 2023, Coffee Cat is the brainchild of a family of passionate cat rescuers and coffee lovers. “We dreamed of creating a place where people could not only enjoy high-quality specialty coffee but also connect with the beauty of sharing space with cats,” says Lourdes Pérez, managing partner of the establishment. “Coffee Cat was born from love, for animals, for community, and for a good cup of coffee.”
Where cats are family
What sets Coffee Cat apart is its feline-friendly concept. The café is home to a number of cats rescued from the streets, now cherished as the rightful owners of the space. These “michis” roam freely in a carefully designed environment called El Catio, a mix of patio (garden) and cat – offering visitors an enriching and calming experience.
The café’s mission goes beyond aesthetics. At its heart, Coffee Cat is an awareness project that promotes responsible pet ownership, encourages adoption, and speaks out against abandonment and animal abuse.
“Our cats are not here for entertainment,” Pérez emphasises. “They are beings with emotions, each with a story of survival. We want every customer who shares space with them to leave inspired: to adopt, to rescue, to care.”
More than a theme: A purpose
The unique concept has struck a chord with the community. In just two years, Coffee Cat has not only gained popularity, but also expanded its role to host birthdays, baby showers, photoshoots, and even video clips. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, and a quiet, cosy atmosphere, the café is a favourite spot for families, students, and cat lovers of all ages.
The menu is equally original. Fan favourites include the “Catpuchino”, the signature “Coffee Cat café”, and the whimsically named “Michi Sandwiches”. Everything is made with top-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers, remaining true to the brand’s commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead
As the café continues to grow, the dream is to expand beyond Asunción and open more locations throughout Paraguay. “Our vision is to create a chain of cat cafés that blend the experience of specialty coffee with a message of compassion and care,” Pérez shares.
“What I love most about running this place is the feedback. Listening to customers share their joy about their time with the michis is everything to us.”
At Coffee Cat, every drink served and every cat adopted is a step toward a more conscious, loving world. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur, a cat enthusiast, or simply in need of a quiet escape from city life, Coffee Cat invites you to sip, relax, and perhaps even fall in love with a furry friend or two.
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP member of The Asuncion Times, you receive a 13% discount at Coffee Cat simply by showing your VIP Member card—one of many VIP Member benefits. The establishment is open every day and welcomes both two-legged and four-legged guests, promoting a sense of community and inclusion rarely found in traditional cafés.
Coffee Cat opening hours
Monday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
For more information check Coffe Cat on Instagram.
