By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 15, 2018 at 10:01 AM

It's tempting to make all sorts of kitty puns here, but instead we'll just share the good mews: Sip & Purr cat cafe will open to the public on Friday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The feline-friendly cafe, located at 2021 E. Ivanhoe Pl., will be divided into two spaces. The cafe side will offer coffee, wine, "juice-tails" and snacks, while the cat lounge will feature adoptable cats for cuddling.

"Not only are we creating a unique experience by offering folks the chance to interact with adaptable cats, we want our menu to be as special and locally-based as possible," says owner Katy McHugh.

Sip & Purr will be the first cafe in Milwaukee to serve Ruby Coffee, based in Nelsonville, Wis., and Twigs specialty soda from Shawano. Drinks made with Healthy Roots Cold Pressed juices mixed with alcohol will also be available.

Chef Elizabeth Martin, formerly of Wolf Peach, created a a menu of appetizers and sweet treats, including gluten-free options.

All of the cats at Sip & Purr are from the Lakeland Animal Shelter in Delavan and have been spayed / neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

To guarantee "kitty cuddle time," guests are able to book one-hour reservations in the Cat Lounge. Guests can also sign up for Yoga with Cats on Saturdays at 10 a.m. via the website.

Sip & Purr's hours are Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sip & Purr is closed on Tuesday.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.