Reader Submitted Article/About the Author
This article was submitted by Amanda Tyler McGuire, a Hickory resident with a passion for supporting local businesses and sharing family-friendly activities. When she’s not busy dancing or planning her next adventure, you can find her volunteering at the Catawba Science Center or at her children’s schools.
What’s better than a decadent cup of coffee? How about that same cup while watching a bunch of adorable kittens play?
Brews & Mews Cat Cafe, located in downtown Lenoir, offers the ultimate cozy experience by combining coffee and cats, all for a good cause. With its inviting storefront and warm atmosphere, this cat café is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a delightful drink while spending time with adoptable felines.
How Does It Work?
Brews and Mews operates like a traditional café, offering a wide variety of drinks for all ages. Their menu features lattes, chai teas, boba teas, and more, along with some fun cat-themed options. One standout is “The Stray.” According to their online menu, “Order a stray and we handle the rest!! Like a stray cat, it just shows up—you don’t know if it’s sweet or not, but you’re gonna try to pet it anyway.” It’s a playful twist on the surprise drink trend!
As for the cats, they have their own dedicated cat room inside the café. Guests can book a time slot online or in person to visit with the kitties. For families with young children, under the age of 6, there are certain times set aside that offer a more controlled setting (see their website for details – though you can visit the cafe side at any time). Inside the cat room, visitors can interact with playful felines, who have the freedom to enter a private space if they need a break. The day we visited, several kittens had just arrived that morning. They were a bit hesitant to enter the room at first, but with a little patience, they eventually warmed up to us. The space is set up with cat toys, making it easy to engage with the kittens and older cats alike.
Thinking About Adopting?
If you happen to fall in love with one of the cats, you’re in luck—every cat at Brews & Mews is available for adoption! The adoption fee is typically $125 and includes the first round of vaccinations, rabies shot, deworming, flea and tick treatment for the first month, and spay/neuter services. This setup allows potential adopters to truly bond with a cat before making a commitment, ensuring they find the perfect match for their home and lifestyle.
For families like mine, who love cats but can’t have them due to allergies in the household, Brews & Mews provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy feline companionship in a fun, low-commitment way. Our visits help socialize the cats, support the café, and, of course, fill our hearts with kitty cuddles.
More Than Just Coffee and Cats
Brews & Mews also hosts private events like birthday parties and bridal showers. They welcome volunteers, including students, to help care for the cats and keep them well-socialized.
If you’re making a trip to downtown Lenoir for coffee and kitties, consider exploring some of the other unique local spots nearby. One standout is Wolf Moon Salt Cave and Stress Reduction Center, located at 814 Harper Avenue. This wellness retreat offers a Himalayan Salt Rock Cave, yoga sessions, massage therapy, aesthetic services, and private salt room experiences.
During my visit, we celebrated a birthday in the Salt Cave. The experience was unlike anything I’d tried before—the floor was covered with natural salt granules over a heated surface, and a machine pumped salt into the air, creating a relaxing and detoxifying atmosphere. With walls made of Himalayan salt, the entire space was designed for ultimate relaxation. After my session, I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and I can’t wait to go back.
Plan Your Perfect Day in Lenoir
A visit to Brews & Mews, followed by some self-care at Wolf Moon Salt Cave, makes for an unforgettable day trip. Whether you’re looking to adopt a furry friend, enjoy quality time with loved ones, or simply unwind with a warm drink, these local gems are well worth a visit. Next time, I plan to bring my daughters for a special mother-daughter day filled with kittens, coffee, and relaxation.
Have you visited Brews and Mews or Wolf Moon Salt Cave? Share your experience in the comments below!