Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of felines at O Porto dos Gatos, a charming cat cafe nestled near Porto’s historical heart. As you wander through this captivating city, distinct from Lisbon, take a break and indulge in a delightful breakfast experience amidst the purr-fect company of adorable cats. In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit.
Budget-friendly visit
While O Porto dos Gatos maintains its welcoming atmosphere by keeping entry fees minimal, the real costs come from indulging in their delightful drinks and treats. For a reasonable sum of €10-€15 for two people, you can enjoy the company of the feline friends as long as you like. What’s more, there are no limits on your stay or the amount of time spent interacting with the cats – making it an ideal spot to relax and socialize.
Ethical
The Porto cat cafe’s unique approach doesn’t involve forcing its feline residents to entertain visitors. Instead, the cats are free to live in the cafe until they find their forever homes. It’s not uncommon for these adoptable animals to have their own preferences when it comes to interacting with humans, and the cafe respects those boundaries. In fact, there’s no guarantee that a particular cat will choose to engage with you at all – but that’s exactly what makes this experience so special.
By prioritizing the cats’ wellbeing and autonomy, the cafe creates a truly unique and enriching environment for both visitors and the animals themselves.
The experience that this Cat Cafe Porto offers
Step into O Porto dos Gatos, and you’ll be immediately enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious interior is divided into two main areas: the cafe space and an inner courtyard. As you enter the cafe area, you’ll notice a beautifully designed farmhouse-style setting that exudes coziness and welcomes you with open arms. The walls are adorned with subtle cat-themed decor, including a stunning mural of a feline face on the left wall, adding a touch of whimsy to the space.
The rooms of this cat cafe in Porto
While the front area of the café has a strict no-cats policy, things open up a bit as you make your way towards the back. The first room you’ll encounter is actually dedicated to our feline friends, complete with an assortment of toys, cozy little beds, and sturdy cat trees. You’re welcome to spend some time with these adorable animals at one of the tables and seats provided. Just keep in mind that food is not permitted in this area.
As you continue on, you’ll find a spacious outdoor area that’s been carefully maintained to provide a comfortable atmosphere for both humans and cats. The area is enclosed by a lightweight fence to prevent any curious cats from wandering in or out. This tranquil space feels like an extension of your own backyard, making it the perfect spot to start your day with a leisurely breakfast on a sunny morning. And as you sip your coffee, you’ll have plenty of feline company to keep you entertained.
The cats
The feline population at the cafe fluctuates depending on the rescue and adoption processes that take place. On average, around a dozen cats call this cozy spot home, although numbers can vary as more cats find their forever families. When we stopped by, about 10 cats of varying coat colors were lounging about, each with its unique personality. Interestingly, the cafe focuses primarily on providing a safe haven for adult cats, rather than kittens.
This is because young felines often require specialized care and medical attention before they’re ready to be rehomed.
Things you can do at Porto’s cat cafe
Take advantage of the on-site toys and interactive play areas, where you can engage with the felines up close. Alternatively, retreat to the cozy indoor room for an intimate experience, allowing you to lavish attention upon these loving creatures with gentle petting and affection.
Adopting from O Porto dos Gatos
Joana and Fátima, the dedicated owners of O Porto dos Gatos, are eager to find forever homes for their adorable felines. If you’re interested in adopting one of these lovable cats, be prepared to spend a few days getting to know them before making it official. But don’t worry if you just want to visit and play with the kitties – the cat cafe is always open to visitors, regardless of adoption intentions.
The Vegetarian Cafe experience at this Porto Cat cafe
In Porto, O Porto dos Gatos cat café stands out for its impressive array of vegan and vegetarian options. As one of the city’s partially vegan cafes, it offers a unique dining experience that’s hard to resist. With an extensive menu featuring homemade treats like cakes and snacks, organic teas and juices, and more, it’s no wonder we found everything on offer sounded incredible during our visit. The best part?
You can enjoy these delights at any time of day – whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. Beyond its delectable offerings, the cafe also hosts an art competition that’s open to all creative types. If you have a passion for painting cats, you can participate by posting your artwork on the cafe’s Facebook page.
The best submissions will be showcased in the cafe itself, with proceeds from any sold pieces going towards charity – making it a purr-fect way to give back while pursuing your artistic interests.
Our experience at the O Porto dos Gatos cat cafe in Porto
Arriving at O Porto dos Gatos, we were pleasantly surprised by the cafe’s warm atmosphere, which felt like visiting old friends. To avoid any potential crowds, we opted to go first thing in the morning and it proved to be a great decision – we had the place almost to ourselves for about an hour! We highly recommend beating the rush by arriving at opening time. As we settled in, we were immediately charmed by the cozy ambiance, which set the tone for our delightful experience.
Our culinary choices included a scrumptious piece of carrot cake and a rich brownie, accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice – all were exceptional. The reasonable prices only added to the cafe’s appeal. While our treats were being prepared, we took advantage of the opportunity to mingle with the resident felines in the outdoor courtyard. The cats, sensing our affection, began purring contentedly as we showered them with attention and snuggles.
We spent a lovely hour or so there, enjoying the sunshine and the company of these endearing creatures before retiring indoors for more quality time with our new friends. Our visit left us feeling relaxed, replete, and thoroughly entertained. If you’re planning a trip to Porto, we wholeheartedly endorse O Porto dos Gatos as a must-visit spot for breakfast.
Practical information about O Porto dos Gatos
Located at Avenida Rodrigues de Freitas, numbers 93-95 in Porto, this charming café is just a 15-minute stroll from the city’s historic centre. The cat café is open Monday to Thursday from 10am to 8pm, on Fridays from 2:30pm to 11:30pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 8pm, with Sundays reserved for relaxation. When you’re not cuddling with the felines, consider exploring nearby attractions like the City Library or the Military Museum of Porto. Got questions about this purrfect spot?
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