Fancy Cat Cafe in Southaven offers a cozy space for cat lovers

Fancy Cat Cafe opened its coffee shop Jan. 12 and the cat area Jan. 13 at 5048 Getwell Road in Southaven, and it currently houses 15 cats from Pet Compassion Center; entry to the cat space is $9 for 30 minutes or $13 for an hour and the shop emphasizes espresso-style coffee alongside the separate cat area.

Fancy Cat Cafe opened in Southaven on Jan. 12 (cafe) and Jan. 13 (cat area) at 5048 Getwell Road. It was founded by co-owners Matt and Crystal Stephens, whose more than ten years of fostering and rescuing animals inspired the business. The space is arranged with the café and the cat area separated but visible through windows, and the owners emphasize an espresso-style coffee bar alongside the cat lounge. The cat area currently holds 15 felines sourced from Pet Compassion Center in Memphis. Key facts: - The café opened Jan. 12 and the cat area opened Jan. 13 at 5048 Getwell Road in Southaven. - The cat room houses 15 cats from Pet Compassion Center; those animals have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. - Entry to the cat area is priced at $9 for 30 minutes and $13 for one hour; owners said those fees cover the cats' care. - Coffee and pastries come from local suppliers: Dr. Bean's in Memphis and Lucy J's Bakery at Crosstown. - The cat area uses safety features the owners call an "airlock" (two doors that open one at a time) and has a separate room for litter pans and food access. Summary: Owners said community interest was strong before opening and they hope the setup will increase interaction with adoptable cats and lead to adoptions. They reported positive feedback and noted that walk-ins are accepted while weekend visits are best booked online.