Great place for cats. They did not accept gift cards
Gacha Raven!
We had booked a private grouping and can say don’t waste your money. We have been to El Gato many time before we moved. So, decided to book for a birthday event and drove almost a hour to come back. Never again. The staff was so rude from the moment we walked in. Snapping and uninviting; basically throwing menus in faces to order. No greetings or smiles or asking if we were celebrating something. It threw off the whole moment upon arrival. Then, inside, it definitely smells like cat pee. Not one worker seemed happy to be there. Unlike in the past, workers were so friendly and seemed to love what they were doing. The newer space is not near as cozy as the old. It just seemed mediocre if even. So disappointed in our experience.
Dru P
I'll be honest, I didn't try the food as I was here exclusively for the cats and they had cats. The staff here are nice and it's easy to tell that they care deeply for the cats here.
There were probably around a dozen or so cats available to visit in a large room stocked with anything a kitty could want. There are several options for toys if you want to play with the cats, as well as several seating options if you just want to chill.
It was a great experience and I will be returning often.
Quin Whiddon
We have a nonprofit in Austin for cats and while we were in Houston, we stopped by El Gato to check out their cat cafe. The cats were very sweet, the staff was very nice and informative and their mission is not only needed, but very much appreciated. Thank you for all that you do!
Jay Francis
I’ve never been but I’m a cat lover and look forward to checking it out one day
Ritha Belizaire
My 6 year old had the best time petting the sweet cats. I'm surprised we only left with a meowchata and not several new pets. We will be back! 😻
Twana Cooper
This was an outing with my granddaughter. She chose the place, and I provided the ride. The cat house was clean and well maintained however $18 an hour to play and feed cats was a little steep to me since I'm not a cat person and had to pay to sit in the room since my granddaughter is 13. Sixteen is the minimum age to go in alone. Cat treats are sold on site to feed cats and the cats know each time that door open something good was coming. The grand enjoyed it, and as we left, we were informed that all the cats were adoptable. I did order an Arnold Palmer from the on-site food truck, but this was not a pleasant drink at all. Memories with granddaughter PRICELESS and a donation to cute cats was OK too.
Mehmet İzol
It's a terrible place. Even when I said I just wanted to look inside and see what it's like, they said pay 18 dollars and then look. So, as you can see, it's a place that does business with the logic of cats are excuses and money is great.
Cole Hudley
Very fun went with friend and had so much fun
Richie Richmond
This is an excellent spot in Houston if you want to chill with some of the sweetest babies you'll ever meet. The cats and staff are all incredibly friendly and have the chillest vibes ever. I'd definitely recommend it if you have some extra time or if you don't.
I used to love this place but a lot has changed. Pros are listed at the bottom. Cons: Too many people at once, no place to really sit and enjoy a cup of Joe while you watch the cats. There used to be a lot more tables for people to sit at. Two cats were obviously in distress and trying to hide. There needs to be a space where the kitties can go to be left alone. Most were exhausted. They need breaks from humans, that way they are excited to see humans when they do instead of a “completely fed up with humans” look on their face. Kids were hitting the cats in the face with toys as their parents ignored what their kids were doing. Staff didn’t stop these obnoxious kids from tormenting the ‘already fed up with humans’ cats. One kid was relentlessly pestering the cats by constantly pushing the toy in their faces and the only cats that wanted to eat treats reverted to hiding because of this kid. I no longer felt like it was a comfortable place to go and drink coffee where the cats were respected. It felt more like I had entered a forced child labor facility but instead of children it were cats that had constant toys shoved in their faces. It seems as if money has become the importance instead of helping the cats. In the past, I felt like it was definitely to help the cats, but now it feels like the owner said, “hey! This is a good business” and now we have cats that are no longer relaxed and happy as they used to be. I know they are still doing a good thing, by adopting the cats to good homes, hence the three stars. But cats have feelings too. Just like a human child wouldn’t like a toy constantly shoved in their face and chased around when you’re trying to get away, neither does a cat. Maybe give the cats a two day break in the other room without too much interaction so they can ‘reset’ and be happy to be around humans again. Rotate the cats. Give them a small space where humans aren’t allowed so when they need a small space to go to to escape annoying disrespectful children, they can go there and let their anxiety come down. Pros: their gift shop has gotten a lot better. There is a lot more wonderful things to buy that are hard to find elsewhere. They are being picky with who they adopt the cats out to. And yes, I believe they should be picky- I just wish that pickiness would leak out into their everyday customer base. Cats are EXTREMELY tolerant. Maybe too tolerant. They do enjoy the treats. For the owner: I hope you are mature enough to take constructive criticism even if it is harsh and not sugar coated and make just a few small adjustments so the cats can rest or escape to a safe place. For the customers: I suggest that if you are bringing your kids there to run wild so you don’t have to watch them- DONT. Take them to McDonalds or Wal-Mart. Not here.
Spong Clan Spong
THE WEBSITE IS MISLEADING!! They no longer use the Cat Cottage. Everything is now done in their Yoga Studio, which has lower tier decor than what is shown in the Cottage pictures. The menu on the website is completely wrong. They barely sell coffee... at a self proclaimed COFFEEHOUSE. They now rely on a food truck. Personally couldn't try the food truck as it was out of service when I showed up. They only had gelato, a cold brew, 3 tea types, and water, which were all sold out while I was there for an hour and I was like the second time slot of the day. Due to the lackluster decor and no coffee, I think almost all the other people scheduled during my time slot left before time was up. Very disappointed. Will not give one star as the cafe supports a good cause and all the cats were very sweet, but for $18 for one hour, I don't feel the experience is worth it. UPDATE THE WEBSITE SO PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THEY'RE PAYING FOR!! Will not be going back.
Jay Larios
Unfortunately I can’t tell you about the food because the food truck was in the shop sadly. Anywho this place is awesome if you want to meet some cats or study ; the place only allows drinks in the cat room. They have treats you can buy in the front in the check in desk. You can come sit down meet the cats and study for a max amount of time of 4 hrs. You have to be careful feed them treats but you do have some they will swarm you 😂. Very friendly staff they are awesome.
Delilah
El Gato Coffeehouse is a cat cafe with different type of snacks and kitties. It is often crowded on weekends and requires a reservation. Walking in the room for reservations does smell a bit like kitty litter, but they have a door leading to the main room where the cats are that does not smell as much. There is a variety of cats of all ages and are listed on the website as well. We bought liquid cat treats as well as a hot coffee to sip on while we play with the cats. They are very playful and are comfortable around people. If you have treats, there's no doubt you'll get a cat or two following you. There are employees around the cat room making sure everything is good. These employees are very kind and are willing to tell you lots of things about the different cats down to their personalities. We went 2 weeks ago and submitted a form to adopt a cat. The adoption process takes a little bit, but the organizers are very patient with adopters and are encouraging with adopting the rest of the cats too. El Gato takes in rescued cats and gives them the necessary shots along with neutering them. Overall, I recommend this place 100% because of how well the employees treat their cats and customers, plus the friendly environment! You will not regret coming here!
Jacob_dog392
You need to pay 18 dollars just to see the cats. The establishment smells of cat litter and has a horrible odor, very over priced coffee that is clearly made with very cheap ingredients. Please stay away. If you really want to see cats just go to a shelter
Great place for cats. They did not accept gift cards
We had booked a private grouping and can say don’t waste your money. We have been to El Gato many time before we moved. So, decided to book for a birthday event and drove almost a hour to come back. Never again. The staff was so rude from the moment we walked in. Snapping and uninviting; basically throwing menus in faces to order. No greetings or smiles or asking if we were celebrating something. It threw off the whole moment upon arrival. Then, inside, it definitely smells like cat pee. Not one worker seemed happy to be there. Unlike in the past, workers were so friendly and seemed to love what they were doing. The newer space is not near as cozy as the old. It just seemed mediocre if even. So disappointed in our experience.
I'll be honest, I didn't try the food as I was here exclusively for the cats and they had cats. The staff here are nice and it's easy to tell that they care deeply for the cats here.
There were probably around a dozen or so cats available to visit in a large room stocked with anything a kitty could want. There are several options for toys if you want to play with the cats, as well as several seating options if you just want to chill.
It was a great experience and I will be returning often.
We have a nonprofit in Austin for cats and while we were in Houston, we stopped by El Gato to check out their cat cafe. The cats were very sweet, the staff was very nice and informative and their mission is not only needed, but very much appreciated. Thank you for all that you do!
I’ve never been but I’m a cat lover and look forward to checking it out one day
My 6 year old had the best time petting the sweet cats. I'm surprised we only left with a meowchata and not several new pets. We will be back! 😻
This was an outing with my granddaughter. She chose the place, and I provided the ride. The cat house was clean and well maintained however $18 an hour to play and feed cats was a little steep to me since I'm not a cat person and had to pay to sit in the room since my granddaughter is 13. Sixteen is the minimum age to go in alone. Cat treats are sold on site to feed cats and the cats know each time that door open something good was coming. The grand enjoyed it, and as we left, we were informed that all the cats were adoptable. I did order an Arnold Palmer from the on-site food truck, but this was not a pleasant drink at all. Memories with granddaughter PRICELESS and a donation to cute cats was OK too.
It's a terrible place. Even when I said I just wanted to look inside and see what it's like, they said pay 18 dollars and then look. So, as you can see, it's a place that does business with the logic of cats are excuses and money is great.
Very fun went with friend and had so much fun
This is an excellent spot in Houston if you want to chill with some of the sweetest babies you'll ever meet. The cats and staff are all incredibly friendly and have the chillest vibes ever. I'd definitely recommend it if you have some extra time or if you don't.
Restaurantji Recommends
I used to love this place but a lot has changed. Pros are listed at the bottom. Cons: Too many people at once, no place to really sit and enjoy a cup of Joe while you watch the cats. There used to be a lot more tables for people to sit at. Two cats were obviously in distress and trying to hide. There needs to be a space where the kitties can go to be left alone. Most were exhausted. They need breaks from humans, that way they are excited to see humans when they do instead of a “completely fed up with humans” look on their face. Kids were hitting the cats in the face with toys as their parents ignored what their kids were doing. Staff didn’t stop these obnoxious kids from tormenting the ‘already fed up with humans’ cats. One kid was relentlessly pestering the cats by constantly pushing the toy in their faces and the only cats that wanted to eat treats reverted to hiding because of this kid. I no longer felt like it was a comfortable place to go and drink coffee where the cats were respected. It felt more like I had entered a forced child labor facility but instead of children it were cats that had constant toys shoved in their faces. It seems as if money has become the importance instead of helping the cats. In the past, I felt like it was definitely to help the cats, but now it feels like the owner said, “hey! This is a good business” and now we have cats that are no longer relaxed and happy as they used to be. I know they are still doing a good thing, by adopting the cats to good homes, hence the three stars. But cats have feelings too. Just like a human child wouldn’t like a toy constantly shoved in their face and chased around when you’re trying to get away, neither does a cat. Maybe give the cats a two day break in the other room without too much interaction so they can ‘reset’ and be happy to be around humans again. Rotate the cats. Give them a small space where humans aren’t allowed so when they need a small space to go to to escape annoying disrespectful children, they can go there and let their anxiety come down.
Pros: their gift shop has gotten a lot better. There is a lot more wonderful things to buy that are hard to find elsewhere. They are being picky with who they adopt the cats out to. And yes, I believe they should be picky- I just wish that pickiness would leak out into their everyday customer base. Cats are EXTREMELY tolerant. Maybe too tolerant. They do enjoy the treats.
For the owner: I hope you are mature enough to take constructive criticism even if it is harsh and not sugar coated and make just a few small adjustments so the cats can rest or escape to a safe place.
For the customers:
I suggest that if you are bringing your kids there to run wild so you don’t have to watch them- DONT. Take them to McDonalds or Wal-Mart. Not here.
THE WEBSITE IS MISLEADING!! They no longer use the Cat Cottage. Everything is now done in their Yoga Studio, which has lower tier decor than what is shown in the Cottage pictures. The menu on the website is completely wrong. They barely sell coffee... at a self proclaimed COFFEEHOUSE. They now rely on a food truck. Personally couldn't try the food truck as it was out of service when I showed up. They only had gelato, a cold brew, 3 tea types, and water, which were all sold out while I was there for an hour and I was like the second time slot of the day. Due to the lackluster decor and no coffee, I think almost all the other people scheduled during my time slot left before time was up. Very disappointed. Will not give one star as the cafe supports a good cause and all the cats were very sweet, but for $18 for one hour, I don't feel the experience is worth it. UPDATE THE WEBSITE SO PEOPLE KNOW WHAT THEY'RE PAYING FOR!! Will not be going back.
Unfortunately I can’t tell you about the food because the food truck was in the shop sadly. Anywho this place is awesome if you want to meet some cats or study ; the place only allows drinks in the cat room. They have treats you can buy in the front in the check in desk. You can come sit down meet the cats and study for a max amount of time of 4 hrs. You have to be careful feed them treats but you do have some they will swarm you 😂. Very friendly staff they are awesome.
El Gato Coffeehouse is a cat cafe with different type of snacks and kitties. It is often crowded on weekends and requires a reservation. Walking in the room for reservations does smell a bit like kitty litter, but they have a door leading to the main room where the cats are that does not smell as much. There is a variety of cats of all ages and are listed on the website as well. We bought liquid cat treats as well as a hot coffee to sip on while we play with the cats. They are very playful and are comfortable around people. If you have treats, there's no doubt you'll get a cat or two following you. There are employees around the cat room making sure everything is good. These employees are very kind and are willing to tell you lots of things about the different cats down to their personalities. We went 2 weeks ago and submitted a form to adopt a cat. The adoption process takes a little bit, but the organizers are very patient with adopters and are encouraging with adopting the rest of the cats too. El Gato takes in rescued cats and gives them the necessary shots along with neutering them. Overall, I recommend this place 100% because of how well the employees treat their cats and customers, plus the friendly environment! You will not regret coming here!
You need to pay 18 dollars just to see the cats. The establishment smells of cat litter and has a horrible odor, very over priced coffee that is clearly made with very cheap ingredients. Please stay away. If you really want to see cats just go to a shelter
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