Catzen was designed as a new model for a cat café in St. Paul. The goal was to create an open café space for all guests with clear views into the cat den, while offering a secure and comfortable environment for the cats. The project covers 3,800 square feet across two floors.
Create a welcoming café space open to the public with visibility into the cat den.
Provide a secure, comfortable environment for the cats with features that encourage natural movement and relaxation.
Design a flexible layout that supports both everyday café use and specialty programming, such as coffee classes.
Establish a cozy, mid-century inspired atmosphere that reflects the energetic and approachable spirit of St. Paul.
Layout / Structural Changes
The café was positioned as the welcoming centerpiece, with open views into the cat den. A custom bench at the entry cleverly integrates a passageway for cats, leading to the basement den and storage areas. Upstairs, a coffee lab was added to host classes and events while maintaining sightlines into the den.
Materials and Finishes
The interiors feature a mid-century inspired palette with lively tiles, warm tones, and playful colors, creating an atmosphere that feels both approachable and thoughtfully designed. Soft seating and durable surfaces strike the right balance between comfort for guests and functionality for the cats.
Key Elements
The den centers around a fireplace and heated floors, encouraging cats to gather near visitors. Comfortable lounge seating replaces formal tables, reinforcing a relaxed, homelike feel. The bench with its hidden cat passageway provides a memorable design feature, while the coffee lab expands the space’s use beyond everyday café service.
Balancing visibility between the café and cat den while maintaining secure separation for animal safety.
Designing a kitchen suitable for charcuterie and small plates without overextending the available footprint.
Creating an inviting cat den environment that is both functional for animal care and engaging for guests.
The project delivered a café that works both for guests and for the cats. The layout keeps the café open and welcoming while giving clear views into the den. The cats have a safe, comfortable space with heating, soft seating, and a way to retreat downstairs when needed. The upstairs coffee lab adds another use for the space, creating opportunities for classes and events. Overall, the design makes the most of the square footage, keeps operations efficient, and gives Catzen a distinct identity in the local market.
