What do you get when you combine artisan coffee, a lounge full of free-roaming cats, and a heartfelt mission to find every feline a forever home? You get the Smitten Kitten Cat Café in Fishers, Indiana — a one-of-a-kind destination that’s equal parts coffee shop, cat sanctuary, and community treasure. Opened during the last week of January 2023, it quickly became Hamilton County’s first cat café, and it’s been delighting visitors ever since.
The idea first came to owner Holly Moss after hearing about a cat café in Indianapolis. After visiting with her son — who is on the autism spectrum — she decided that creating a similar space could help him manage social anxiety while offering something truly unique to the community. That personal mission is woven into every corner of the café, giving it a warmth that goes far beyond the coffee.
What Makes This Place So Special
The Smitten Kitten partners with several animal rescues around central Indiana, and at any given time, the café houses anywhere from 18 to 24 cats and kittens. These aren’t just charming decorations — they’re all up for adoption, and every visit gives you a real chance to meet your future companion. The café rotates between accepting adoptees from various humane societies and rescues, having rehomed over 735 cats in its first two years of service. That’s an incredible track record for any animal welfare effort.
All cats at Smitten Kitten are adoptable through the Humane Society for Hamilton County, and adoption fees exclusively benefit the Humane Society — not the café itself. It’s a genuinely selfless setup that keeps the focus squarely on the animals. Café staff are trained and on-site during operating hours to help guests who are interested in adopting.
Once inside the cat lounge, you’ll find free-roaming cats high and low. The residents change based on adoption, so you might encounter shy kitties hiding under couches or inside dark cubbies, spot others perched on tree limbs or elevated cat shelves along the walls, and meet still others who are downright friendly and outgoing. Plenty of toys, scratch pads, and brushes are available for guests to use while interacting with the cats.
The Coffee & Treats Menu
When you walk through the front doors, you’re greeted by the aroma of fresh-ground coffee, cat-themed gifts, and a full ordering counter. Visitors can hang out in the café area enjoying sweet treats from local bakers and full-of-flavor brews from Noble Coffee Company. The coffee program is no afterthought — Holly sourced her coffee partnership from Noble Coffee and Tea in Noblesville, working with them for several months before opening and hiring experienced baristas trained in the Noble Coffee method.
The pastry lineup includes goodies from Tina’s Traditional, Generations Pie Company, and even delicious vegan and gluten-free options from Sea Salt and Cinnamon. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, there’s something on the menu worth savoring. The café also offers drinks with alternative milk options like almond and oat milk, catering to a range of preferences.
Atmosphere & Décor
The café is adorned with cat-friendly furniture and large windows that invite natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The ambiance is punctuated by the soft purrs and playful antics of resident cats, each with unique personalities, making every visit feel distinct. It’s the kind of space that immediately slows your heart rate — in the best way possible.
One of the standout design features is the wall of windows lined with a counter and stools — a sunny, serene perch perfect for sipping your latte while cats weave around your feet or pose dramatically on nearby shelves. A custom design firm in Indianapolis sculpted a bespoke 9-foot-tall cat tree that stands as a centerpiece in the cat room, giving the lounge a truly immersive, playful feel that you won’t find anywhere else.
The café also draws a notably diverse crowd, including many guests who are autistic or on the spectrum. The cats have a remarkable ability to calm people down — something Holly Moss has observed firsthand with visitors of all backgrounds. The space has an almost therapeutic quality that makes it special beyond just its novelty.
Other Considerations
What does it cost to visit the cat lounge? Cat lounge access is priced at $10 per person for a 30-minute session and $18 per person for a full hour. These fees help cover staffing, food, and personal care items for the cats. Walk-ins are welcome in the main café area for coffee and treats at no charge.
Do I need a reservation? Reservations are highly recommended so that you can relax, decompress, and share quality time with the adoptable cats and kittens. The cat lounge has limited capacity to keep the environment comfortable for both guests and the cats, so booking ahead is a smart move — especially on weekends.
Can I bring my kids? The Smitten Kitten offers visitors young and old the chance to interact with cats, and while there is no age limit for guests to enter the lounge, everyone in your group will need to be able to follow the rules. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult inside the cat lounge. No running, loud noises, or picking up the cats — guidelines that keep the experience calm and safe for everyone.
What are the hours? The café is open Monday and Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Note that the café is closed on Tuesdays.
Is there anything I should watch for on my way out? A set of airlock-style double doors keeps the cats safely in the lounge. Be sure to fully close the first door behind you before opening the second. A couple of the kitties are known to try to make a break for it, so keep an eye out for anyone sneaking between your feet as you leave. It’s all part of the charm.
Smitten Kitten Cat Café & Coffee Shop
📍 7852 E 96th St, Fishers, IN 46037
Website: https://www.smittenkittencatcafe.com
