Milwaukee’s first cat cafe to open in summer 2018

Sip & Purr — Milwaukee’s first cat cafe — announced that it has signed a lease with New Land Enterprises at 2021 E. Ivanhoe Place on Milwaukee’s East Side.

Cat cafes — a growing worldwide trend — are a way for customers to enjoy a cup of coffee or snack while “decompressing with a furry friend.”

The Cat Lounge at Sip & Purr will also be a neighborhood cat adoption center. Potential adopters can interact with cats in a relaxing environment and visualize how that cat will fit in at their home.

“There’s a lot of untapped potential to get these cats adopted into loving homes, and that’s exactly what we’re setting out to do,” said Katy McHugh, owner and founder. “Providing the adoptable cats with a stress-free, cage-less living area from the get-go really helps their personalities shine through, ultimately resulting in more adoptions.”

The cats arrive from partner Lakeland Animal Shelter, fully-vetted and ready for new homes. The shelter has been using the cage-less open cat colony concept to facilitate adoptions for over 15 years.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better rescue partner,” said McHugh. “They are truly an expert at this concept. “

McHugh said Sip & Purr will offer wine, coffee, small bites and sweet treats. Patrons can dine in the cat-free cafe — keeping with health code standards — or in the Cat Lounge in the company of adoptable cats.

“The outpouring of support from the community since going public with plans to open Milwaukee’s first cat cafe is more than we ever dreamed of,” says McHugh. “We couldn’t be doing this without you (Milwaukee).”

Sip & Purr plans to open in early summer of 2018. For more information visit sipandpurr.com.