Café Schnurrke – Is Cologne’s FURRst cat café worth visiting? (2023 update)
Cologne cat Café Schnurrke
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Each year, hordes of globetrotters flock to the city of Cologne (also known as Köln) in Germany, to visit its renowned Christmas markets, or as the locals call them, “Weihnachtsmarkt,” and soak up the magical atmosphere.

But if you really want to make the most of your stay in Cologne, there’s one hidden gem you can’t afford to miss: Café Schnurrke, Cologne’s FURRst cat café.

cat cafe cologne

Welcome to Café Schnurrke, the FURRst cat café of Cologne (Köln)

Café Schnurrke draws its inspiration from the beloved Taiwanese and Japanese tradition of cat cafés, where individuals seeking the companionship of feline friends can find solace, because they are not allowed to have any pets in their own tiny apartments. With the rising popularity of cat cafés worldwide, Café Schnurrke emerged as a delightful addition to the cat café phenomenon.

In 2014, a woman named Sabrina set up the cat café, infusing it with her passion for simple and delicious vegetarian dishes, delectable breakfast options, and, of course, the joy of four wonderful cats. However, due to health reasons, only two cats could ultimately reside in the café. After four successful years, in 2018, Sabrina made the decision to entrust the café to Wolf and Alex.

Under the new management, Café Schnurrke underwent a month-long renovation period and reopened its doors on February 28, 2018. Since 2022, the café is in the sole hands of Wolf.

cologne cafe

Cozy café atmosphere

Named after the German word for “purring,” Café Schnurrke is one of the coziest cafés you can go to in Cologne.

The café atmosphere is warm and inviting. With its vintage sofas, delightful decor, and a welcoming ambiance reminiscent of a cozy living room, it’s the perfect place to relax.

However, the true stars of the show are the four resident cats who freely roam around the “katzencafé”, adding an extra touch of warmth and joy to your visit.

freddy cat

Meet the cats of Café Schnurrke

Freddy: Café Schnurrke’s social butterfly

Freddy is the most sociable cat of the “katzencafé.” Born in 2017, this adorable cat had a serendipitous journey from a dustbin in Sofia, Bulgaria, to his forever home at Café Schnurrke in Germany.

Embracing his new surroundings, Freddy quickly became an integral part of the café’s charm, delighting in the company of visitors. Freddy’s adventurous spirit extends to his culinary preferences, as he shamelessly helps himself to delectable morsels, even if they happen to be on your plate.

With his irresistible charm and a love for making new acquaintances, Freddy adds an extra dash of excitement to every visit at Café Schnurrke.

freddy 4 ever

Lora: the playful kitten

In a tale reminiscent of Freddy’s, Lora too was discovered nestled inside a dustbin in Sofia. Initially, she may appear reserved, carefully observing her surroundings. But once she evaluates the situation, her playful nature emerges.

Unlike Freddy, Lora doesn’t crave constant attention but finds solace in playful interactions. While she appreciates the company of adults, Lora isn’t particularly fond of children.

cat cafe germany

Cheri: the elderly resident

Among the feline residents, Cheri holds the title of being the eldest. She’s almost always sleeping in the back of the café, behind the kitchen, where no one can see her.

Unlike her more affectionate companions, Cheri is not particularly fond of cuddles and appreciates solitude. She relishes in being left to her own devices, enjoying her quiet moments undisturbed.

cafe schnurrke

Cleo: the restaurant outcast

Born in May 2014, Cleo(patra) once occupied the role of a restaurant cat, but her presence was never truly embraced, especially after she became a mother to a litter of kittens. However, fate intervened, and Cleo found her rightful place at Café Schnurrke, where she was welcomed with open arms. Here, she reigns as royalty, basking in the affectionate atmosphere and cherishing her newfound sense of belonging.

insel der katzen

Food and drinks

Café Schnurrke’s menu exclusively features vegan food from around the world, offering a diverse array of culinary delights that cater to varying tastes and moods, influenced by both the weather and personal preferences. From comforting homemade soups to scrumptious cakes, everything on the menu shares a strong commitment to regionality and sustainability, ensuring that each dish is not only flavorful but also aligned with ethical and environmental values.

There’s also a wide variety of cold and hot drinks: coffee, herbal tea, hot chocolate, homemade lemonade, etc.

Around Christmas, Café Schnurrke adds an extra touch of festive magic to their menu, offering several lattes flavored with seasonal spices or (my pick) a comforting spiced hot chocolate.

vegan spiced hot chocolate

General information for Café Schnurrke

How to get to Café Schnurrke?

Reaching the feline haven that is Café Schnurrke is a breeze. It is conveniently situated just a stone’s throw away from Cologne’s main city center, about a 15-minute walk from Cologne Cathedral.

Address: Ritterstraße 27, 50668 Cologne (Köln), Germany

schnurrke

Opening hours

  • Monday and Tuesday: closed
  • Wednesday: Open exclusively for reservations or ticketed events.
  • Thursday and Friday: From 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.
  • Saturday and Sunday: From 09:00 am tot 01:00 pm and from 03:00 pm to 07:00 pm.

It’s important to note that during the final hour of operating hours, no entry is permitted. Please plan your visit accordingly to fully immerse yourself in the café’s cozy ambiance and the joyful company of the resident cats.

While it’s not mandatory to book your visit in advance (except for Wednesdays), it is highly recommended due to the café’s intimate size and popularity. Café Schnurrke tends to fill up quickly, and securing your spot ensures you won’t miss out on the extraordinary company of these amazing cats. You can make a reservation online via the Café Schnurrke website.

schnurrke köln

Entrance fee

In December 2021, Katzencafé Schnurrke introduced a fixed entry fee per person. The intimate space of the café, with its limited seating capacity of around 20, necessitates this pricing to cover rent and sustenance costs. The admission prices are as follows:

  • General Admission: €8.88 per person, which includes two beverages of your choice during your visit.
  • Children (Ages 6-16): For our younger feline enthusiasts, the admission fee is €5.55, inclusive of one drink.

A special discount of 10% on your total bill awaits you from Wednesday to Friday, during the first hour of opening.

For those seeking a quick coffee fix or a brief moment of respite, a short coffee break of up to 30 minutes can be enjoyed without requiring an entry fee. Take a moment to savor a delightful cup of coffee before continuing your day.

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Final thoughts

As an avid explorer of cat cafés across the globe, I can confidently say that Café Schnurrke has firmly secured its place among my top favorites. Having had the pleasure of visiting over 20 cat cafés, this delightful establishment in Cologne truly left an indelible mark on me. Even amidst the enchantment of the city’s bustling Christmas markets and my stay at the exquisite Maritim Hotel Köln, Café Schnurrke managed to steal the show and capture my heart.

From the moment I stepped foot into the café, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant warmth that enveloped the space. The clever use of rich, inviting colors, particularly the abundance of red tones, and the gentle glow of warm lighting added an extra layer of coziness to the already comforting atmosphere. It truly felt like stepping into a cherished living room, where relaxation and companionship seamlessly intertwined.

And then there were the cats—it was impossible not to develop a little crush on Freddy.

If you find yourself in Cologne, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Café Schnurrke to your itinerary. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a world of warmth, flavor, and feline charm. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

cologne cat cafe

Explore the feline wonders of cat cafés worldwide

In addition to Café Schnurrke, there are numerous other captivating cat cafés around the world that offer delightful experiences for cat lovers and enthusiasts alike. Here are just a handful of what we have covered here on Traveling Cats so far (use the search function to find other cat cafés near you):

Espai de Gats (Barcelona): Nestled in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Espai de Gats is a haven for cat lovers seeking a moment of tranquility. With its cozy atmosphere, delicious treats, and a variety of cats ready to offer their affectionate company, this cat café is a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

Meowtropolitan (Seattle): Situated in the city of Seattle, Meowtropolitan is a whimsical paradise where visitors can indulge in the joy of sipping their favorite beverages while being surrounded by playful and affectionate cats. The café also hosts events and activities to promote animal welfare and adoption.

Le café des chats (Paris): In the romantic city of Paris, Le café des chats invites visitors to revel in the perfect blend of French charm and feline companionship. With its stylish interior, delectable pastries, and a resident cat family, this café provides an enchanting setting for cat enthusiasts and café aficionados alike.

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium (London): Located in the heart of London, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium offers a unique experience where patrons can unwind in the company of adorable rescue cats. This cat café places a strong emphasis on animal welfare and provides a cozy and welcoming environment for guests to enjoy delectable treats and soothing beverages.

Kuro Neko (Kortrijk): This cat café boasts a tranquil atmosphere and a curated menu of delectable goodies. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, savor a cup of coffee, and forge connections with the charming feline residents.

La Ronronnerie (Nice): Nestled in the sunny paradise of Nice, La Ronronnerie beckons visitors to immerse themselves in the purrfect harmony of delightful treats and the comforting presence of cats. This cat café exudes warmth and hospitality, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the company of their furry hosts.

germany cat cafe

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  • 2 Responses

    1. My daughter would love your blog/posts because she loves cats! She has 2 little tiny dogs & her cat who she had many years, but that’s her baby! It’s black & it creeps me out! Siamese cats do too. I’ll take a good ol’ tabby cat any day! hahaha, but right now I have a black Labrador that turns all brown in the sun…. go figure. Have a nice day!

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