The Cat’s Whiskers York Review: Is York’s Cat Café Worth It? (2026)

My boyfriend’s mum booked me a trip to The Cat’s Whiskers York for a birthday surprise. Looking for a cat cafe York to visit? I’m…

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My boyfriend’s mum booked me a trip to The Cat’s Whiskers York for a birthday surprise. Looking for a cat cafe York to visit? I’m so glad there’s a York cat cafe near me as I’ve always wanted to visit one. The Cat’s Whiskers York is the city’s only cat cafe, and it’s brilliant. So here’s our visit to York’s first and only cat cafe.

Updated August 2026 – I originally visited The Cat’s Whiskers back in 2019, so the cats themselves will have changed since then (they’re rescues, so they come and go as they get rehomed — which is brilliant, really). The practical details below are as current as I can make them, but always double-check prices and booking on their website before you go.
Cat relaxing at The Cat's Whiskers York cat cafe
The Cat’s Whiskers York Photos

Quick Guide: Visiting Cat Cafe York

Before I get into my review, here’s what you need to know about The Cat’s Whiskers York cat cafe:

The Cat’s Whiskers York at a glance:

  • Cost: £7 per person for 1-hour session
  • Location: 46 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF (city centre, near Minster)
  • Booking: Essential – book online at thecatswhiskersyork.co.uk
  • Age restrictions: Under 10s not permitted; 10-14 must be with adult
  • Number of cats: Several resident rescue cats roaming freely
  • What’s included: 1-hour session with cats, plus option to buy drinks/cakes
  • Rating: 4.7/5 stars on Google

What to expect at York cat cafe:

  • Two floors with different rooms (Minster Room, Library Room)
  • Photo albums at each table with cat information
  • Some cats up for adoption
  • Charitable focus supporting animal welfare
  • Relaxed, cosy atmosphere
  • Cat-themed decor throughout

About The Cat’s Whiskers Cat Cafe York

The Cat’s Whiskers Cat Cafe is a cute and cosy cafe in the centre of York, England, located in a beautiful Grade II listed building with views of York Minster. It’s York’s only cat cafe and has become a popular destination for cat lovers who want to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea whilst spending time with some furry feline friends.

The cat cafe York is home to several resident cats who roam freely around the cafe, and customers can interact with them by playing with and stroking them. The cats have plenty of space and toys to keep them happy and entertained, with the cafe thoughtfully designed around their needs and comfort.

The Cat’s Whiskers York remains York’s only cat cafe in 2026 and continues to be a popular destination for cat lovers visiting the city. As York cat cafe goes, it’s unique – there aren’t any other cat cafes in York, making this a special experience.

Interior of The Cat's Whiskers cat cafe York showing seating area with resident cats
The Cat’s Whiskers York

The Cat’s Whiskers Menu

The Cat’s Whiskers menu offers a range of food and drink options, including coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cakes, and cream tea. They use quality cafe equipment to make tasty drinks. The cakes are lovingly made by Helen at The White Cherry Bakery in Pocklington, using the finest locally sourced ingredients where possible. They offer a selection of vegan and gluten-free options. You can view the menu here with the most up-to-date prices.

The Cat's Whiskers York menu showing drinks, cakes and prices
The Cat’s Whiskers York Menu

The York cat cafe is relaxed and cosy, spread over two floors with plenty of seating areas where you can enjoy your food and drinks whilst spending time with the cats. There’s a Minster Room and a Library Room on the first floor offering different spaces to relax. The decor is playful and cat-themed, featuring cat-related artwork, photographs, and murals. The cafe is also involved in various charitable activities and events, such as cat adoption days and fundraisers for local animal shelters, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare.

Our Visit to The Cat’s Whiskers

I’ve not been to a cat cafe before, but I’ve always wanted to. Most of the cats are just not that bothered by other people and are happy to be stroked. A couple were less enthusiastic about being poked and prodded, but it was a hot day!

We had an hour in the cafe and wandered around the two floors finding cats to play with and stroke. Each table had a photo album with information about each cat on there. Most of them were strays, and a few were even up for adoption. Recent visitors have mentioned cats like Elvis, Sprout, and Pumpkin amongst the friendly feline residents.

It was a lovely hour to spend. The only thing is that we went on a hot day, and there wasn’t any air conditioning, so the cafe was very hot. I ended up ordering a cold drink as I couldn’t face a hot one!

Look at the cute cats! I wish there were more cat cafes in Yorkshire!

Cosy seating area with cats at The Cat's Whiskers York
The Cat’s Whiskers York

The Cat’s Whiskers York: Practical Information

Prices

It costs £7 per person per one-hour session. Children under 10 can’t visit the cafe, and those between 10-14 must be supervised by an adult.

Age restrictions

This is an important one if you’re planning a family trip — children must be aged 10 or over to visit. It’s not suitable for younger kids, so worth checking before you make plans.

Booking

It’s best to book online to confirm your place to avoid disappointment, as the cafe operates on pre-booked hourly sessions. Walk-ins might be possible if they have space, but I wouldn’t chance it — especially at weekends or in school holidays. Sessions are timed, so spots do fill up.

Accessibility

Sadly, The Cat’s Whiskers York isn’t very accessible to disabled people. The only toilet is on the 2nd floor and there is no lift. However, recent reviews indicate they do cater for wheelchair users on the ground floor.

Address

The Cat’s Whiskers, 46 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF

The Cat’s Whiskers Opening Times

  • Monday 10:45am-6pm
  • Tuesday CLOSED
  • Wednesday 10:45am-6pm
  • Thursday 10:45am-6pm
  • Friday 10:45am-6pm
  • Saturday 10:45am-6pm
  • Sunday 10:45am-4:45pm

For the most current opening times, visit their website at thecatswhiskersyork.co.uk.

The Cat’s Whiskers Reviews

The Cat’s Whiskers York has received excellent reviews from visitors, with many praising the friendly and professional staff, the well-cared-for cats, and the lovely atmosphere. Recent visitors have highlighted the clean environment, delicious hot chocolate and cakes, and the relaxing experience. The cafe maintains high standards with a 4.7 rating on Google, and reviewers consistently mention how well-designed the space is for both cats and visitors.

Have you visited The Cat’s Whiskers York? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!

Cosy seating area with cats at The Cat's Whiskers York
Cat sleeping at The Cat's Whiskers York"
Cosy seating area with cats at The Cat's Whiskers York
Happy cat at The Cat's Whiskers York cat cafe
Happy cat at The Cat's Whiskers York cat cafe
Happy cat at The Cat's Whiskers York cat cafe
Happy cat at The Cat's Whiskers York cat cafe
Cat sleeping at The Cat's Whiskers York
The Cat’s Whiskers York

Current Status (February 2026): The Cat’s Whiskers York cat cafe continues to operate as York’s only cat cafe. Check their website at thecatswhiskersyork.co.uk for current opening times and to book your visit to this popular York cat cafe.

Have you visited the Cats Whiskers York?

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Cafe York

Is there a cat cafe in York? Yes, The Cat’s Whiskers York is York’s only cat cafe. Located at 46 Goodramgate in the city centre, this York cat cafe has been operating since it opened as the city’s first cat cafe. It’s the only cat cafe York has, making it a unique attraction for cat lovers visiting the area.

How much does The Cat’s Whiskers York cost? The Cat’s Whiskers York charges £7 per person for a 1-hour session with the cats. Food and drinks (coffee, tea, cakes, cream tea) are available to purchase separately. Booking is essential for this York cat cafe as sessions are pre-booked hourly slots to manage visitor numbers and keep the cats comfortable.

Can children visit The Cat’s Whiskers cat cafe York? Children under 10 are not permitted at The Cat’s Whiskers York. Children aged 10-14 can visit the York cat cafe but must be accompanied by an adult. This policy ensures both visitor safety and cat welfare at the cat cafe York.

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