Tinker’s Cat Cafe
Address: 302 East 900 South
Telephone: 801-519-2287
Website: tinkerscatcafe.com
District: Liberty Wells
“When I was a baby, Tinker used to sleep with me in the crib. He lived to be twenty-two years old.” Lisa, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired by Japanese cat cafés and named her own shop, Tinker's Cat Café, after her beloved cat.
Opened in 2017, Lisa partners with Salt Lake County Animal Services, regularly visiting the shelter to handpick cats that need a loving home. “We foster them here until they are adopted. It’s amazing to see their personalities come out in a relaxed environment where they can feel safe." The two cats that Lisa has in her own home now are both adopted from her shop. Today, the café has become a haven for both cats and cat lovers, intertwining beautifully with its coffee. “Seeing the joy these cats bring to people is truly heartwarming,” says Remi, the manager at Tinker's.
Visitors to Tinker's Cat Café have the opportunity to spend either a half-hour or an hour with the cats. The small admission fee goes directly back to the care of the cats, covering essentials like food, toys, and medical care. “We get a lot of travelers who miss their own cats and just want some kitty time while they’re away. It’s also wonderful to see regulars who come back year after year, even from different states, just to visit us again. Some don’t even spend time with the cats - they just stop by for coffee to support us,” Remi shares, reflecting on the sense of community that the café has fostered.
The café’s food offerings are locally sourced: gluten-free and vegan treats from City Cakes and Pastry Arts, and coffee from Rimini Coffee. “We’re the only cat café in Utah, and we pride ourselves on supporting local businesses and artists." The café also hosts events like “Paint with Cats” and “Crochet with Cats,” where guests can enjoy a creative activity while surrounded by feline friends. These events, run by local partners like Twisted Paint, offer a fun, relaxing experience.
When it comes to adoptions, Tinker's takes the process very seriously. They make sure that potential adopters are ready for a lifelong commitment. “We interview them carefully to ensure that our cats are going to a forever home, not just a spur-of-the-moment decision.” Lisa and her team have facilitated over 550 adoptions since opening, with each cat being up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and ready for their new home.
The impact of Tinker's Cat Café goes beyond just adoptions. The mental health benefits of spending time with the cats are significant, both for visitors and staff. “I took this job for mental health reasons, and it’s incredible how much being surrounded by these cats and this community can boost your mood,” Remi admits. “Seeing someone come in having had a bad day and leave with a smile on their face is what makes this all worth it.”
Tinker's Cat Café is more than just a place to enjoy cats and coffee; it is a vital part of the local community, offering a sanctuary for both the cats they foster and the people who visit them. Lisa expressed how being a part of a place where many different people come together with the shared passion for cats makes it all worth it. "I love creating a space for people and animals to connect. It can be very therapeutic for most."
