Catoro Cafe

Established in 2019, Catoro Cafe operates as East Vancouver's premier rescue cat cafe, boba tea shop, and cat supply boutique, creating a unique, nature-inspired sanctuary dedicated to reconnecting urban dwellers with animal companionship and rescue work. Located at 666 E Broadway in a thoughtfully designed forest-themed cat lounge, Catoro houses 15+ adoptable rescue cats awaiting their forever families while providing visitors a low-stress environment for genuine animal interaction and therapeutic connection. The cafe's integrated business model—combining cat visitation, specialty bubble tea, and carefully curated cat supplies—reflects a holistic commitment to supporting both the immediate rescue cats and the broader feline community. Rooted in indigenous territory acknowledgment of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Catoro operates with explicit awareness of place and community. Since opening, the cafe has facilitated over 1,400 adoptions—a remarkable testament to the power of allowing potential adopters to meet cats in a calm, welcoming environment where both human and feline can relax and bond naturally.

Google reviews consistently emphasize the genuine warmth, compassion, and evident passion of the Catoro team, with visitors noting that owners are often present in the cat forest sharing detailed information about each cat's unique personality and needs. One reviewer described it as "just the loveliest catfe" where "it's so evident how much love and energy they pour into this place. It really is such a gem." Another guest highlighted that "the owners and so friendly and compassionate," creating an atmosphere of authentic care that extends to suggesting visitors bring cat food donations—a practice the cafe "always appreciates." The physical space receives repeated praise for being "spacious" and maintaining a "quiet," "comfy" environment with thoughtful decor and descriptions accompanying each cat's profile pictures. The forest-themed aesthetic creates an immersive, nature-connected experience that visitors find deeply restorative. Cats themselves are universally described as "super cute," "absolutely adorable," and possessing distinct personalities—one reviewer's favorite, Moose, was noted as "so cutee and chill," "so cuddly," and "so happy that she kept purring." Another guest's favorite, Tom, was described as having "drunk couch potato vibes" and being "funny when he's sitting." Reviewers specifically appreciate that despite potentially having fewer cats on any given visit, this reflects Catoro's genuine rescue philosophy—"I would rather see fewer cats inside if that means there are fewer or (hopefully) there aren't any other stray cats searching for a safe place to stay." The cafe's special events, particularly Movie Nights with kitties, are highlighted as "sweet" experiences where cats may join guests on laps during screenings. The beverage program—featuring Catoro original drinks like Foggy Cat and Catoro Milk Tea with toppings like Mango Stars, Tapioca Pearls, and Crystal Jelly—receives consistent praise for being "very nice and sweet."

Located at 666 E Broadway, Catoro operates Tuesday-Thursday 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays). A 50-minute cat forest visit is $18 CAD per guest; bookings are strongly recommended and can be made in advance. Children under 5 years old (including infants) are not permitted in the cat forest; children ages 14 and under require one supervising adult (18+) with a maximum of one adult per two children; teenagers ages 15-17 may enter unaccompanied. Shoes are not permitted in the cat forest; clean, sanitized slippers are provided. All cat forest bookings are non-refundable; 24 hours notice is required to reschedule. Transit is convenient via Skytrain: from Fraser Valley, take Expo Line to Broadway/Commercial Station and switch to 99 Translink Bus westbound (get off at Fraser St); from Vancouver/YVR/Richmond, take Canada Line to Broadway/City Hall Station and switch to 99 Translink Bus eastbound (get off at Fraser St). Limited free parking is available in Catoro's back lot, with additional free residential street parking nearby. The cafe serves specialty bubble tea and maintains an online shop featuring cat-themed merchandise and cat supplies, with all proceeds benefiting rescue efforts and cat care. Special events include Movie Nights in the Cat Forest (dates and films vary) and Gentle Hatha Yoga classes led by trauma-informed, neurodivergent-friendly instructor Doaa Magdy (returning in September). The adoption process requires: booking a visit to meet cats in person, completing a detailed adoption application, email follow-up from adoption coordinator (up to two weeks response time), approval based on best match, adoption contract and fee payment, and scheduled pickup date/time (typically within one week, requires 24-hour notice for changes). Catoro stocks cat essentials and offers monthly subscription services with local delivery. Contact: (604) 423-2987 or info@catoropets.com