Opposites Attract: The Permanent Feline Residents of Mr. Kitty's Cat Cafe

sorry folks, Theo and Leo have already found their forever home

Alexis Thompson

COFFEE & CATS. Theo (right) and Leo (left) are the permanent residents of Mr. Kitty's Cat Cafe & Boutique in downtown Eau Claire. (Submitted photo)
COFFEE & CATS. Mr. Kitty's Cat Cafe & Boutique deals in java and cats – what more could you ask for? Photo by Andrea Paulseth

Along bustling South Farwell Street in downtown Eau Claire, you might hear the faint meows coming from Mr. Kitty's Cafe Cafe & Boutique. The cozy establishment is a new local favorite, understandably sought out due to the many cats within that are sourced from the Eau Claire Community Humane Association (ECCHA). All cats are available for adoption with the exception of two. 

For owner Shelli Schuppel, it was love at first sight with Theo, a white cat with gray spots, who was a stand-out class clown amongst his batch of adoptees. While he kept up high spirits with his feline friends, it became evident that he needed a partner in crime to help him lead the pack.

Enter Leo, a loving and laid-back cat (despite the reputation of orange cats), who arrived a couple months later with an apparent friendship blossoming between the two. The purrfect balance, both of their personalities complementing one another. 

Theo, right, and Leo. (Submitted photo)
Theo, right, and Leo. (Submitted photo)

Together, the dynamic duo are peacemakers of the cafe. When new cats arrive, Schuppel looks to Theo and Leo to help manage the dynamics of the room. "They keep the calm in there. They keep everybody kind of sane," Schuppel said, likening them to hall monitors. When you get 15 cats in one room, there are bound to be some tussles, she explained.

While Mr. Kitty's is not a commercial kitchen, they offer percolated coffee, syrups, and other sealed drinks. Recently, they have teamed up with the brand, Kitty Town Coffee, brewing coffee grounds that are also available for purchase, with proceeds going directly to ECCHA.

So, if you find yourself in downtown Eau Claire in search of a relaxing, and cat and coffee-filled oasis, Mr. Kitty's has you covered; It's a place to unwind and settle with a couple of cozy cat companions – all the benefits without the responsibilities. 

Cafe and lounge.
Cafe and lounge. Photo by Andrea Paulseth

Book a reservation to visit Theo, Leo, and the other cats  at mrkittyscatcafe.com • Feel free to stop by for a cup of coffee and more at 502 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire