Crumbs and Whiskers - Los Angeles, California

In early 2017, cat cafes weren't really a well-known and popular venture; however, word of mouth told me that they were well-liked in Japan and were slowly making their way to the states.  As with most trends that make their way into western culture, the east and west coasts usually get first dibs and, sadly, the rest of the U.S. is pretty much left out.  The only cat cafe in the U.S. I had heard of  at the time was Crumbs and Whiskers which was, as you can guess, only located in LA and DC.  So, around my 29th birthday, I found myself in LA visiting my grandmother when I made a reservation at my first cat cafe - Crumbs and Whiskers.

Crumbs and Whiskers is located near the Fairfax District and you have to pay a pretty penny to help the owners pay that Melrose Avenue rent - $25/person for the entrance fee (which is still the going rate).  Inside Crumbs and Whiskers are chairs, faux fur rugs and kitty cat hiding places galore.  What stood out to me was the cute pink neon sign that read "COFFEE AND CATS, PLEASE."  Adorned on the walls are stackable shelving (i.e. kitty walkways) so the cats can watch the curious visitors from afar.  Crumbs and Whiskers does not prepare beverages inside the cafe, but rather partners with local coffee shops who you can order from and have your drink delivered to you shortly after you arrive. 

The great thing about Crumbs and Whiskers is that they assist in labeling the nice kitties from the mean kitties by colored bow ties tied around each kitty's neck.  I forget what each color meant, but essentially, if a kitty was wearing a pink bow tie, it meant they were nice and if they had a gray bow tie, it meant touch at your own risk.  Of course, mean and nice kitties alike, all cats are adoptable.

I spent one hour in Crumbs and Whiskers and loved every minute, but have one complaint.  One of the rules is that you're not allowed to pick up ANY cat.  Ummmm...who wants to go to a cat cafe and not pick up a cute cat to cuddle with?  I mean, I get it... I guess...but I would have enjoyed myself more if I could actually hold those precious balls of fur close to my heart.

<3 B

Crumbs and Whiskers is located at 7924 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90048 and reservations are recommended.  www.crumbsandwhiskers.com