Mexico has a staggering number of stray dogs and cats—many of whom once had a home. Sadly, the country leads Latin America in rates of pet abandonment. After living here for nearly three years, I’ve come to witness this reality not just on the streets but through daily posts on social media, where desperate calls for help and rescue are far too common. A quick look through my Facebook is enough to depress any animal lover.
Thankfully, there are countless independent rescuers and organizations working tirelessly to care for these animals, often with limited resources and overwhelming demand. If you care about animal welfare and want to support those doing the hard work on the front lines, visiting one of Mexico City’s ethical cat cafés is a meaningful way to do so. It’s also a small but impactful act of responsible travel, where your choices support local initiatives that prioritise compassion over commerce.
I’ve visited three that were created with a clear mission: to care for vulnerable cats and help them find a forever home.
If you’ve never been to a cat café before, think of it as a regular café or restaurant—except you’re sharing your table with a few furry companions. It’s a cute twist on your usual coffee outing. That said, you might be wondering whether pet cafes are ethical. The short answer? Like most things, it depends—but the ones I’m about to share have been designed with animal welfare at their core.
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The opinions on this and other posts about recommended products are based on my experiences with such products and/or my personal beliefs about sustainability. Some linked tours are options I have selected to suit the experiences described, but I may not have personally used the specific guide or company offering them. For more information, check my disclaimer page.
Mistu Cat Cafe
Location: Veinte de Noviembre 126, Historic Centre
Opening times: 12.30h to 19.00h
Close-by attractions: 10-minute walk from the Zocalo Square
Cafe Experience
As one of the most popular Cat Cafes in Mexico City, Mistu Café is an experience-centered spot that draws in cat lovers from all over. Located in a central area, it’s well-organized and home to many friendly felines ready to interact with visitors.
Given its popularity, expect a wait—when I visited, I had to wait about 40 minutes before getting in. Don’t worry, though, the cafe has a large waiting area where you can sit, or you can explore the mall in which the venue is located.
Once inside, guests are given clear instructions on how to interact with the cats, including how to properly hold them. The entry process is meticulous—before sitting down, customers must cover their shoes with plastic protectors, get sprayed with disinfectant, and wash their hands. The attention to hygiene and cat welfare is impressive, and the extensive menu makes the wait worthwhile. I only ordered a crepe and a tea, but the dishes that were coming from the kitchen looked gorgeous!
Something Unique
Mistu Café is more than just a place to grab coffee—it’s a feline wonderland. The space is beautifully decorated, with dedicated play areas filled with swings, toys, and cozy nooks for the cats to explore. The cats have plenty of enrichment, making the café feel like a true sanctuary for them.
History and Adoption Program
Mistu Café was created in 2021 by two friends, both independent rescuers, who were committed to helping stray cats. They initallly started off selling products to raise funds and, later on, they decided to start the cat cafe, which also serves to create an interactive and more meaningful get-to-know-you experience with the kitties before adopting.
They have a very well established support system, counting with volunteers, donors and a vet clinic specialised in cats. They offer multiple ways for visitors to contribute, from donating needed items and money to sponsoring a cat.
If you’re interested in adopting one of the resident cats, you can let them know right there and once the adoption has been approved they will take the cat to your home.
Sustainable Practices
Mistu Café incorporates sustainability in a few key ways:
Animal Welfare: Their commitment to animal welfare is central to their mission, ensuring all their cats are well cared for while they wait for their forever homes.
Sustainable Food Choices: They offer a few vegan and vegetarian menu options.
Community Engagement: they engage with the community by providing volunteer opportunities.
Mistu Café is a must-visit for cat lovers looking for an immersive and well-thought-out experience in Mexico City!
Some Pics of Mistu Cat Cafe
Catfecito
Location: Baja California 266, Condesa
Opening times: 12.00h to 20.00h
Close-by attractions: 10-minute walk from Clock Fountain in Parque México
Cafe Experience
The entrance of Catfecito makes its mission clear from the start: their dedication to cat rescue and adoption. Visitors must wait outside until a staff member lets them in. While I didn’t experience a wait, reviews mention it can take up to 30 minutes during peak hours.
Inside, the café has a cozy and warm vibe with wall paintings, cat nooks in different corners, and rotating themed decor. When I visited, it was Harry Potter-themed , complete with Hogwarts letters hanging from the ceiling, adding a whimsical touch. However, the back of the café was a bit cluttered, with boxes of drinks stored under a table.
A standout feature is the transparent safe room, designed for vulnerable cats, such as a mother cat with her kittens. This space ensures they have a peaceful retreat when human interaction isn’t ideal. Catfecito also displays detailed information about their shelter on the walls, making it easy to learn about their rescue efforts.
As for the food, Catfecito offers a standard cat-themed menu alongside a rotating menu matching offerening a limited selection of comfort food with burgers, chicken wings, and desserts.
Something Unique
Themed menus and decorations that change regularly—when I visited, it was a Harry Potter theme, complete with Hogwarts-inspired decor.
Craft beer, which isn’t common in cat cafés and adds to the experience for those who enjoy a good brew.
Adoption Program
Catfecito was created by the cat rescue group Gato Gazzu as a way to sustain their work. The café introduces visitors to adoptable cats, while the official adoption process happens through Gato Gazzu’s website. A recovery fee helps cover medical and care expenses.
Sustainable Practices
Animal Welfare & Transparency: They provide a safe space for cats and are open about their operations.
Supporting Local: They sell artisan products and source some ingredients, like craft beer, from local suppliers.
Community Engagement: Events like Capibara Fest bring people together to support animal causes.
Sustainable Food Choices: Limited vegan options, but at least one is always available.
For a café that blends themed fun and rescue work, Catfecito is a great spot to visit in Mexico City.
A Few Pics of Catfecito
Vegattos
Location: Insurgentes 19, San Rafael
Opening times: 11.00h to 17.00h, closed on Mondays.
Close-by attractions: 6-minute walk from Monumento a la Revolución
Cafe Experience
Vegattos stands out not just as a cat café but as a fully integrated vegan space. It’s divided into two areas: a vegan supermarket with seating and a dedicated dining space that’s more spacious. The supermarket stocks cat-related products alongside sustainable personal care items like solid soaps and shampoos from local brands.
Among all the Cat Cafes in Mexico City, Vegattos felt the most spacious, with its rustic wooden furniture adding to the cozy atmosphere, even if it was a bit run down. Their menu is 100% vegan, with a strong focus on seitan-based dishes. I had a vegan burger and really enjoyed it, and they also serve local kombucha.
One thing that surprised me was the low number of cats—only three were present when I visited. Unlike other cafés, there wasn’t a formal introduction to the rules, though some information was displayed on the walls.
Something Unique
Vegattos is more than just a cat café—it’s a fusion of veganism, sustainability, and animal welfare, making it a one-of-a-kind space in Mexico City. It definitely is a must visit if you need something for your sustainable travel kit.
What started as a cat rescue project 16 years ago evolved into a vegan shop and eventually expanded into a fully realized café and supermarket. In fact, Vegattos holds the distinction of being Mexico City’s first vegan supermarket, offering a variety of plant-based products alongside its cat-friendly environment. The café itself is a direct reflection of its founder’s passions—a long-time cat rescuer and committed vegan, she combined both worlds into a space where people can enjoy great food while supporting a meaningful cause.
Adoption Program
Vegattos is run by El Gato Vago, the shelter founded by the café’s owner. Adoptions are facilitated through their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Sustainable Practices
Vegattos takes sustainability seriously, going beyond the usual efforts:
100% Vegan: Their commitment to plant-based eating minimizes their environmental impact.
Plastic-Free: They avoid single-use plastics as much as possible.
Local Sourcing: Some ingredients and products come from local producers.
Composting & Waste Reduction: They compost food scraps and use a dry toilet to minimize water waste.
Recycling Initiatives: They collect tetra pack containers for recycling.
Community Engagement: They actively participate in events like Vegan Fest at Huerto Roma Verde—which, by the way, is worth adding to your Mexico City itinerary!
If you’re looking for a cat café with a strong ethical foundation, Vegattos is an excellent choice. It’s more than just a place to enjoy coffee with cats—it’s a space that promotes sustainability, veganism, and animal welfare.
A Few Images of Vegattos
So, if you’re planning a trip to Mexico City and want to add a heartwarming, socially conscious experience to your itinerary, I highly recommend stopping by one of these cat cafés. It’s a small but impactful way to support local rescue efforts—and a truly ethical animal experience to add to your travel itinerary.
If you do end up visiting any of them, I’d love to hear about your experience, so feel free to drop me a message or leave a comment!
Plan Your Trip Thoughtfully
Find accommodation on Booking.com – Compare hotels, guesthouses, and locally run stays. Don’t forget to check the sustainability certification, if available, on the left sidebar. If hostels are your thing, check Hostelworld, too.
Compare car rental options in Discover Cars – In some countries, international agencies operate, while in others, cars are arranged locally. Always check recent reviews before booking. I have only rented cars in the U.S. and Australia, so experiences may differ elsewhere.
Bus tickets – Search routes between cities. In some regions, tickets are available online, while in others, they are purchased locally.
Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pick Ups – Pre-book a pickup for a smoother arrival, especially after long-haul or late-night flights.
Saily eSIM – Set up mobile data before you land so you are connected right away. Coverage may be limited in remote areas, but when I used it in Spain, it worked perfectly.
VPN – Useful for secure browsing on public WiFi and accessing banking or travel accounts abroad.
Visitors Coverage Travel insurance – Particularly important for remote destinations, outdoor activities, or places with limited medical facilities. I haven’t personally used this insurance yet because I have relied on my own personal insurance coverage for years, but it has very good reviews.
Travel-friendly credit card – Cards with no foreign transaction fees and strong travel perks can make international trips smoother. I personally use Capital One Venture X and have used Chase Sapphire Preferred in the past. Compare what makes more sense for you.
Walking shoes – Comfortable, versatile shoes matter on long city days or uneven terrain.
Packing cubes – Stay organised and pack more efficiently, especially on multi-stop trips.
Scrubba Wash Bag – Wash clothes anywhere and pack lighter for longer trips.
Travel adapter – Essential for charging devices across different plug types.
Reusable water bottle – Reduces plastic waste and keeps you hydrated on the go.
Travel towel – Compact and quick-drying for beaches, hostels, or remote stays.
Portable charger – Useful on long travel days or when outlets are scarce.
Sunscreen – Make it reef-safe if going to the ocean.
Basic first aid kit – Especially helpful in destinations where pharmacies may be limited.
Memrise language app – Learning a few key phrases before you go makes everyday interactions more respectful and meaningful. I love this app and it helped me a lot before moving to Mongolia.
