Providence’s First Cat Cafe is Underway

Courtesy of Cafe Gato

A drive to a wedding in Michigan led to the spark of an idea that will soon have Providence booming with cats and coffee. Kaylin and Max Mugica-Drumm came across a cat cafe in the Grand Rapids and fell in love with the idea of a place where cats could find homes in a cage– free environment. They have always shared a passion for adoption as they adopted their first pet, Kirby, together in 2020. The couple decided that they wanted to further this idea back home and thus “Cafe Gato” was born.  

Cafe Gato translates to cat cafe in Spanish. The title was inspired by Max’s upbringing in Cuba. He has always dreamed of owning his own business since he immigrated to the U.S. nine years ago. Kaylin, meanwhile, grew up in Rhode Island with a passion to bring something new and exciting to the community.  

Providence is the central spot of Rhode Island for cafe culture as the city is known for its vast selection of coffee shops. Max and Kaylin not only want to add their concept to the mix but also bring something different as well. The cafe will be support the safety and adoption of cats while connecting people through a cup of coffee. They hope to become a tourist attraction to ensure more education of their mission to those all over.  

Courtesy of Cafe Gato

The process for making this dream a reality officially began when the pair secured a partnership with the Potter League for Animals in Middletown — the local rescue will be responsible for providing the cafe with adoptable cats. A Kickstarter campaign was also launched on National Coffee Day — the first of October — to aid with funds and investors. The goal is to reach $47,000 towards the creation of the cafe with a target opening of spring 2025. Other ways you can aid the Mugica-Drumm’s in their vision is by visiting their booth at the upcoming Potter League Heart and Sole Walk for Animals on October 20. College campuses will also be on their agenda as  students are a major target audience for their location. 

Kaylin and Max are dedicated to ensuring their role in finding homes for cats in need along with providing the best quality coffee to guests that support their establishment. In Columbia, they took barista training classes to become educated in the crafting of coffee. Providence is in for a purrfect treat as the arrival of this spot will make it the first cat cafe of the city. You can learn more and support the campaign here, and find regular updates on their journey on Facebook, Instagram, and their website, cafegato.cafe.