Toe Beans Cat Cafe

Established in September 2018 and acquired by mother-daughter duo Lillian Miller and Julie Lockhart Thompson in March 2020, Toe Beans Cat Cafe has become a cornerstone of Port Hope's animal rescue community with an impressive track record of 2,836 forever homes found since its inception. This dedicated foster-based cafe operates as a sanctuary for adoptable cats from multiple regional and international rescue partners, including Spicy Kitten Rescue, Barn Cat Co-op, Cottage Paws Rescue, Retired Queens Rescue, Feral to Forever Cat Rescue, and international partners like Save a Soul Kuwait and the Cayman Island Humane Society. Their mission—"Eat, Drink, Adopt, Repeat"—reflects their commitment to creating a welcoming space where visitors can enjoy quality espresso drinks and fresh-baked goods while socializing with rescue cats awaiting adoption. The cafe receives no outside funding and relies entirely on visitor entry fees and merchandise sales to sustain their foster program, embodying a true community-powered model of animal rescue support.

The cats at Toe Beans are meticulously cared for, with all foster felines arriving vet-checked, spayed/neutered, vaccinated to age-appropriate levels, flea and tick treated, and dewormed prior to entering the cafe. Visitors consistently praise the exceptional health and happiness of the cats, describing them as well-cared-for and thriving within the spacious cat lounge. One guest noted being "blown away by the dedication of the staff," highlighting how their genuine passion for the cats is evident in every interaction and decision, while another described the experience as naturally teaching children to be "gentle, respectful, and patient with animals." The space is thoughtfully designed with multiple climbing structures, comfortable beds, and engaging toys, allowing cats to express their natural behaviors while remaining available for human connection. Reviews emphasize the healing and calming nature of spending time with the cats, with families noting how even active children naturally slow down and become patient when in their presence. All visitors must wear socks in the cat room (shoes are removed for cat safety), and a waiver is required upon arrival.

Toe Beans is located at 119 Peter Street in Port Hope, Ontario, and operates Sunday through Friday 10am–4pm, Saturday 10am–6pm, with Tuesdays closed. Entry to the Cat Lounge costs CAD$10 plus HST per person; children under 3 are free (maximum 3 kids per adult); sessions are 55 minutes. Appointments are highly suggested to avoid disappointment, though walk-ins welcome as space allows, and same-day bookings must be made by phone at (905) 800-1050. The on-site menu features espresso drinks ranging from CAD$4.95–$8.90 (Latte, Mocha, Cappuccino, Dirty Chai available hot or iced), sandwiches like the signature Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese for CAD$9.95 and BLT/ALT for CAD$10.95, plus fresh-baked brownies (CAD$3.95–$4.25) and cat-themed cookies (CAD$1.46–$26.95). Adoption fees vary by rescue partner and cat, ranging from CAD$250–$495, with 100% of fees directed to the originating rescue. Pre-approval is required before booking an adoption appointment. They also offer private birthday party hosting (up to 20 people, CAD$200 for full lounge rental), a volunteer "Cat Snuggler" program, and world-wide shipping on their merchandise. Contact them at (905) 800-1050 or ToeBeansCatCafe@gmail.com.