Cats 'n Coffee: DC Gets Its First Cat Cafe

The nation’s capital is known for its buttoned-up government types who work around the clock. How about unwinding with a latte and a purring kitty cat?

D.C.will see its first “cat cafe” — a trend that has popped up in countries around the world — starting Saturday with Crumbs & Whiskers in Georgetown. The cafe is located at 3211 O St. NW in Georgetown.

The cafe offers assorted coffees, teas, waters, smoothies and shakes (a $5.50 each) as well as cookies.

The cafe is by reservation only ($12 an hour on weekends, $10 an hour on weekdays) and it features about 20 cats, all up for adoption. If you plan to go, here are the rules:

Crumbs & Whiskers: House Rules

• Be gentle. And remember that cats are curious, so they will naturally come to you.
• Cats are.....cats. If something goes wrong, please don’t sue the humans. To be safe, we ask that you sign a liability waiver before you visit.
• Cats eat cat food. People eat people food. Let’s keep it that way.
• Please don’t wake a sleeping cat. They hate it.
• Just like us, cats have ‘stranger danger’ instincts too - please don’t pick up cats. It keeps you safe, and the cats stress free.
• Flash photography HURTS. But general photography is awesome.
• In order to ensure the safety of our cats, Crumbs & Whiskers does not allow children under 13 years of age. If there is a minor in your group, please ensure that the minor waiver is signed by a parent/guardian. All guests must sign the waiver and sanitize hands before entering the cafe.
• If you have allergies, we cannot provide you with allergy medication. Please bring your own allergy medication or grab some from a nearby pharmacy.
• Please do not bring your own cats to Crumbs & Whiskers. We have plenty, really.
• If you are seen mistreating a cat at any time, you will be asked to leave and will not be offered a refund

PHOTO courtesy of Crumbs & Whiskers via Twitter