Cat cafes are springing up everywhere and since 2017 The Catcade in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood has been a crucial stop for all cat lovers. Not only is this a space where you can play with cats while sipping on a soft drink or bottled coffee, but your money spent here will also go to a good cause. The Catcade is a non-profit organization that saves cats from high-kill shelters and the staff (Chris Gutierrez and Shelly Casey, some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet) actively works towards healing sick cats and finding foster or permanent homes for the cats at the lounge.

Did I mention The Catcade is arcade-themed? During your visit, you may see cats snoozing in what used to be a pinball machine that has been converted into a large cat tree.

One of my favorite parts about The Catcade is their cat yoga classes. Here, you can spend an hour doing yoga in the lounge with cats, which is entertaining, cozy, and even a little chaotic. During the final resting pose, the yoga instructor puts a treat on your stomach, luring cats to you. I highly recommend making a stop at the ‘cade if you are in the neighborhood because your money will be spent well and you can unplug for an hour hanging out with some pretty cool felines. If you’re lucky, resident cat Leo will snuggle his chunky orange tabby cat body across your legs. Make sure you book a reservation online, too.