If you’ve ever been to Valley Junction, you’ve probably strolled past the big bay window of 312 Fifth St., where there’s almost always a cat or two napping in the sun. Coffee Cats is part coffee shop and part cat lounge, and any cat lover’s dream. For a $10 cover charge, visitors can hang in the lounge with 10-12 cats from the Animal Rescue League.
Cat cafes are big in Japan, but here in Iowa, they’re few and far between. In July 2020, owner Mary Jankowski was toying with the idea of retiring from mental health counseling when she saw an article on cat cafes. She pounced on the chance to open her own here in Des Moines. After researching all the laws and regulations, finding a space and contracting with the ARL to fill the lounge with residents, Coffee Cats was open for business.
Guests can stop in any time for specialty espresso drinks like the Calico Mocha, but reservations are recommended for a spot in the cat lounge. The cafe sources its coffee beans from local coffee chain Grounds for Celebration, its pastries from Pies and Pastries by Lana, and a supply of salads, wraps and other snacks from local vegan meal service New World Kitchen. You might also recognize the donuts from Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery, available on weekends.
The cafe opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Beyond casual coffee, the cafe offers activities year-round, including cat yoga, toy and supply drives for the ARL, birthday parties, bingo and trivia.
—Hailey Evans, dsm associate editor and office cat lady
