The Excalipurr Cat Cafe is located in the heart of Regina, Saskatchewan. Cat Cafes are a relatively new concept. The first one opened in Japan in 1998, the first one in Canada opened in Montreal, Quebec in 2014 (Le Cafe des Chat) and Excalipurr opened in Regina in 2017.

Waiting for beverages and snacks. Cat Cafes are typically organized into two parts, a cafe or restaurant section and the cat area. Excalipurr Cat Cafe had a selection of specialty coffees and teas, sodas and juices. There were baked goods! As it was 35 degrees that afternoon in Regina, I ordered an iced chai tea. I could not resist the Lucky Charms cereal marshmallow bar that had been dipped in white chocolate. It was over the top sweetness. Excalipurr also has cat themed cakes and cupcakes for birthday parties that are also available for booking.

T-shirts and other cat themed jewelry, and giftware, were available for sale with proceeds going to cat charities.

The Cat Room. Opposite the cafe is a short hallway that leads to the cat room. This room is customized for the cats. Lots of hiding places, cat beds, climbing/jumping platforms and also sofas, tables and chairs for the human guests. One is welcome to bring food and beverages into this area if you wish, just be on the lookout for cat burglars who may run off with your snacks!

The Rules. The cat room is the cats' home and as many of the cats are rescues, they can scare easily. This is also why one is not able to pick up the cats. However, if you sit quietly, they will come to you and might even curl up on your lap. There are baskets full of cat toys and one is encouraged to interact with interested cats by way of the felt mice, throw toys and feather and string chasing wands.

A ginger kitten stretches out.

Excalipurr is partnered with multiple rescue groups across Saskatchewan. They have partnerships with SOS Prairie Rescue and SCRAPS from Moose Jaw. All the cats and kittens are adoptable and have been spayed/neutered and are up to date on their vaccinations.

Snacks are so motivating. The cafe manager came into the room with a handful of cat biscuits which she tossed to the floor. From every corner of the room, from every hiding place a cat literally flew through the air over our heads. At any time Excalipurr has between 15 and 20 cats in residence and available for adoption.