Cats at Play Cafe is a cafe, boutique and cat lounge on Eagle Street in downtown Asheville. The cafe serves coffee, tea, matcha and seasonal drinks, and the boutique stocks cat-themed gifts and accessories. A separate rescue lounge gives visitors time with foster cats who are available for adoption through the cafe's rescue partners.

Visitors on Tripadvisor describe a clean, cozy space and helpful staff, with several saying they returned or planned another visit.

Cats at Play Cafe

Asheville's food scene is mostly local, and this guide walks it neighborhood by neighborhood. Start with our [Asheville Food Guide](/asheville-nc/dig-deeper/242-asheville-food-guide-where-to-eat-asheville-nc) for Michelin picks. For specials by day and happy hours, see the [Dig Deeper guide to deals, specials and free things to do](/asheville-nc/dig-deeper/142-deals-specials-free-things-to-do-asheville-nc). Downtown, [Posana](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/34-posana) on Biltmore Avenue builds its menu around local farms, [Bargello](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1883-bargello) makes hand-rolled pasta on Pack Square, [Old Europe Pastries](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1716-old-europe-pastries) has made Hungarian pastries since 1994 and now sits on Broadway, and [Capella on 9](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1369-capella-on-9-rooftop-bar-and-lounge) serves tapas on the roof of the AC Hotel. On the South Slope, [Tiger Bay Cafe](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2068-tiger-bay-cafe) cooks Latin and West Indian food inside Ben's Tune Up, and the [Funkatorium](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1134-the-funkatorium) on Coxe Avenue pours sour beer. Haywood Road in West Asheville has [Biscuit Head](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1753-biscuit-head), [Thai Pearl](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1985-thai-pearl-west-asheville), [Finest](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/4262-finest) and [Westville Pub](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/118-westville-pub). Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville has [plant](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1574-plant), [Mountain Madre](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1186-mountain-madre), [Mother Ocean Seafood Market](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2187-mother-ocean-seafood-market) and [828 Family Pizzeria](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/962-828-family-pizzeria). In East Asheville, [RendezVous](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1907-rendezvous) serves French bistro food on New Haw Creek Road. [Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1185-rocky-s-hot-chicken-shack-west-avl) fries Nashville-style hot chicken on Patton Avenue in West Asheville and on Sweeten Creek Road in South Asheville. For vegan kitchens and meat-free menus, see the [Dig Deeper guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Asheville](/asheville-nc/dig-deeper/2-best-vegetarian-food-in-asheville-nc).

Asheville Food and Drink: Restaurants, Specials and Happy Hours

Looking for shopping in Asheville? These local stores, galleries and boutiques are worth the trip, downtown and across town. [Instant Karma](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1501-instant-karma-asheville) sells hippie gifts at two shops, one on Lexington Avenue downtown and one on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Downtown, [Static Age Records](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/4065-static-age-records) sells records and hosts shows on Lexington, [Blue Spiral 1](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1479-blue-spiral-1) fills three floors with contemporary art on Biltmore Avenue, and [VaVaVooom](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/974-vavavooom) is a woman-owned lingerie boutique on Broadway. In Biltmore Village, [New Morning Gallery](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1480-new-morning-gallery) shows more than 500 American craft artists. North Asheville's Merrimon Avenue has [Jus' Running](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1014-jus-running), [Asheville Raven & Crone](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1253-asheville-raven-crone) and [Asheville Pet Supply](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1016-asheville-pet-supply). [Orbit DVD](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/969-orbit-dvd) is an independent movie and game store in West Asheville. Out east, the [Antique Tobacco Barn](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/1391-antique-tobacco-barn) packs more than 75 vendors into 77,000 square feet, and the [Southern Highland Craft Guild](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/656-southern-highland-craft-guild) sells Appalachian handcraft at its Blue Ridge Parkway shop. South of town, [Boutique Royale](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2644-boutique-royale-lingerie-gifts) carries lingerie and gifts on Sweeten Creek Road, and [Signs for Hope Marketplace](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/2487-signs-for-hope-marketplace) in Fairview gives every dollar to a local nonprofit. Black Mountain's [Old Town District](/asheville-nc/explore-places-to-go/4063-old-town-district) is a walkable afternoon of shops and galleries. Every shop below has hours, photos and directions.

Shopping in Asheville, NC: Local Shops, Boutiques and Gifts

Experience Asheville, NC, your gateway to the best live music, vibrant nightlife, premier shopping, and unforgettable things to do. Stroll through bustling markets and unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds, or browse Asheville’s eclectic shops for local art, fashion, wellness, and gifts. Savor Asheville’s dynamic food scene, from award-winning restaurants and cozy cafés to innovative food trucks and local favorites. 

Dive into the city’s thriving hemp, CBD, and THCA community with welcoming dispensaries and specialty wellness stores. Whether you’re looking for top bars, relaxing cocktail lounges, a memorable bite, or hidden gems off the beaten path, Asheville offers fresh adventures and experiences every season. Stay updated on the latest events, hotspots, and must-visit places, Asheville is your home for discovery.

Cats at Play Cafe

What you need to know

Local's Tip

What the locals say

What you need to know

What the locals say