The new cat cafe that has the town talking is going up to the Planning Commission for approval early next month.
The Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe is slated to open at 109 S. Alfred Street and offer both a place to drink and play with adoptable cats.
“Imagine a place that feels like home, where you can drink wine and play with cats, all while contributing to a good cause,” the business said in its application. “This is that place. Mount Purrnon Cat Café and Wine Bar plans to be the area’s first cat café, combining adoptable cats, history and wine to create a unique experience for visitors.”
The cafe will have free Wi-Fi as well as beverages and snacks. The bar/cafe area will have a separate entrance from the cat lounge, keeping the food and drink separate from the cats and meaning someone could — for some reason — go to Mount Purrnon and not interact with the cats. They will still be able to observe the cats from the cafe, though.
“Featuring an early U.S. history theme, Mount Purrnon also plans to offer information on the area through books, reference materials, and maps,” the company said. “On select Friday and Saturday nights, the cafe will also hold special events like cat yoga, trivia and game nights.”
Cat cafes started in Taiwan in the 1990s, Mount Purrnon said in the application, and quickly became a popular destination. The cafes temporarily house adoptable cats, giving shelters more space to take in other pets.
“Cat cafes have been shown to reduce euthanasia rates and increase adoption rates,” the company said.
Photo via Mount Purrnon/Facebook
Recent Stories

Alexandria Women for Good donated $6,720 to Alexandria’s Community Lodgings from their first donation cycle! They toured one of the learning centers, met some of the staff and kids, and handed over a big check.
Alexandria Women for Good is a newly formed local Grapevine Giving Circle composed of local Alexandria women who make the commitment to give back to the local community regularly and intentionally. Each quarter they raise money to give to local nonprofits making a difference.
For more information visit: https://www.grapevine.org/giving- circle/3y6h4Ay/Alexandria-Women-for-Good
Pictured left to right: Laura Herron, Laura Turner, Kate Wiley from Community Lodgings, and Laura Bloodgood

Hi, my name is Moneim Z., and I am a blind male with chronic kidney disease, who needs a living kidney donor for a transplant. My blood type is B+, and I can accept a kidney from individuals who have blood types B and O.
To read my story, please see the attached letter.
To contact me directly, please email me at [email protected] or call at 571-428-5065. My living donor coordinator at INOVA Hospital, Amileen Cruz can be reached at (703) 776-8370 , or via email at [email protected]
Thank you!
Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.