The Scratching Post CU

The Scratching Post Cat Cafe in Champaign, Illinois operates under a distinctive dual concept that sets it apart from traditional cat cafes: it functions simultaneously as a cat adoption lounge and a comprehensive board game cafe with equal investment in both offerings. Located at 114 E. University Avenue, the space demonstrates thoughtful design with completely separated HVAC systems for the two areas, allowing visitors to experience either side independently. The cat lounge occupies nearly 1,000 square feet and houses 25+ adoptable cats, while the board game cafe features hundreds of games, a large viewing window into the lounge, and a comfortable seating area. This hybridized approach creates flexibility—guests can reserve lounge time, arrive as walk-ins, play board games with lounge views, hold private events, or combine multiple activities in a single visit.

The cat lounge showcases exceptional environmental design and cat welfare practices that reviewers consistently highlight. The space includes multiple elevated cat trees with a run system in the rafters, abundant cozy beds in various styles, extensive enrichment toys, and dedicated staff attention to cleanliness and comfort. The $15 entrance fee for 50-minute lounge visits (ages 7+) directly funds the cats' ongoing care, including veterinary services, food, litter, toys, medical care, and the air filtration systems that support the cats' health. Partnered with the nonprofit Boop Cat Rescue, which serves as the parent rescue and oversees all lounge cats, The Scratching Post maintains a 501(c)(3) alignment where adoption fees support the rescue partners' efforts.

Beyond the core cat experience, The Scratching Post offers specialized programming including board game concierge services where staff teach games and provide table service ($20/person), TTRPG nights hosted by a professional gamemaster, team building events for corporate groups, and full-space rental for custom events. The board game library itself has become a significant draw—with 500+ games available via $5 game passes—and the cafe remains open 2-10pm Wednesday through Sunday, creating evening accessibility. Reviews emphasize the overall cleanliness, trendy aesthetic, friendly staff helpfulness, and the genuine sense that the organization prioritizes cat welfare while facilitating adoptions through multiple rescue partners including Boop Cat Rescue, CATsNAP, and VALOR.

The adoption process centers on in-person connections developed during lounge visits, with adoption fees returned to the rescue partners who brought each cat to the lounge.