Catnap Cafe

391 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023, New Zealand
$$$ Cafe , Pet adoption service
(971 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Catnap Cafe, a delightful oasis located at 391 Colombo Street in Sydenham, Christchurch. This charming cafe isn’t just a spot for your morning latte or afternoon pick-me-up; it’s also a sanctuary for feline friends and cat enthusiasts alike. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm ambiance filled with soft chatter, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the gentle purrs of resident cats lounging around.

Catnap Cafe sets itself apart with its unique blend of cat companionship and quality cafe offerings. Imagine sinking into one of their cozy chairs as you sip on a steaming cup of expertly brewed coffee—their baristas know their craft well, ensuring each cup is made just the way you like it. As one happy customer, Briar C, noted, “They make it perfectly, exactly how I like it, every time!” Whether you opt for a normal brew or go decaf, Catnap guarantees a smooth, satisfying experience, thanks to a dedicated grinder just for decaf beans.

The cafe prides itself not just on its beverages but also on its delectable food menu. Customers rave about the chocolate brownies, described as a must-try by Rose Lewis—don’t leave without indulging in this divine treat! In addition, alternative milks are available free of charge, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and making your experience even more enjoyable.

But it’s not just about the food and drink—it’s the cats that truly capture the hearts of visitors. The cafe hosts a variety of adorable cats, each with their own story and personality. As Jenna Morrell describes, it is a “safe haven for cats” where many have been rescued and cared for before finding their forever homes. Customers like Nikki Malagayo appreciate the calm atmosphere, noting that it allows the cats to relax while providing a peaceful space for visitors. It’s a perfect destination for families looking to unwind while enjoying the company of lovable cats.

In Catnap Cafe, every visit is more than just a meal; it’s an unforgettable experience intertwined with compassion for our furry friends. The staff is not only amiable but also passionate about animal welfare, adding layers of meaning to your time spent here. Each visit is an opportunity to relax, enjoy the enriching ambiance, and support a cause devoted to caring for cats.

Whether you’re a coffee lover, a cat enthusiast, or looking for a family-friendly outing, Catnap Cafe is sure to exceed your expectations. Join the many happy patrons who have made this café a beloved part of their weekly routine. Hope to see you soon—bring your love for cats and a craving for delightful treats!

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

971 Reviews
Rose Lewis

18 Oct 2025

Best place ever! Staff and owners are amazing. Super impressed with the spaces set up for the cats & they are just absolutely adorable! ⬛ Their food and drinks are delicious (especially the chocolate brownies) & alternative milks are free of charge which is very appreciated. They sell some great cat toys as well, which my cat has been loving. 10/10 experience every time :)

richard yeowart

11 Oct 2025

A lovely place to relax for an hour with all the cats with a Good coffee. They do such good work for their resident cats and their cats who are looking for a loving new home

Briar C

07 Oct 2025

Catnap Cafe is the perfect place for cat and coffee lovers! The cats are, of course, a big draw card but I mostly come here for the coffee now!! They make it perfectly, exactly how I like it, every time! Very smooth, whether normal or decaf! I can’t have caffeine at the moment and they now have a separate grinder devoted to the decaffeinated beans so it’s always freshly ground espresso rather than pre-ground decaf from a bag like a lot of places! They also don’t charge extra for different types of milk. I also love that with the exception of offering dairy milk and ice-cream for people’s drinks, the cafe is otherwise totally vegan. They don’t have a food menu or offer meals but all the yummy little treats in the cabinet are vegan and some are gluten free as well.

Jenna Morrell

26 Sep 2025

This safe haven for cats is well served by the wonderful staff. So many cats have been rescued and cared for here before moving onto their forever home. I enjoyed chilling with the cats and reading about their unique abilities. A very relaxing and comfortable hang out- I wish I could've stayed all day. I was too busy with the cats to take any pics, but here is the painting in the dinning area.

Nikki Malagayo

18 Sep 2025

Have been coming here almost every week for over a year with young children I look after and we love this place. A room full of cats, amazing customer service, plus their cafe food is delicious. We also appreciate the quiet and calm atmosphere as we notice the cats get stressed or anxious when there’s a lot of noise and sudden movements. With so many strangers coming through the day it’s understandable that it can be overstimulating for them. Kudos to all the staff as they put a lot of work into creating a safe and enjoyable space for both the cats and the customers. Highly recommend this place

Dennis Farr

22 Jul 2025

Had a fabulous time here, and hour with some cute cats...was mid afternoon so a few were sleeping but others,were great interaction. Apparently morning is most playful time. Had superb hot chocolate in the small cafe,area while we waited for the booked appointment.....bookings are required so the cats don't get overwhelmed. If you like cats, make a visit and support finding homes for abandoned furry babies. Excellent.

Kelsey

16 Jul 2025

GOD I LOVE THIS PLACE mark my words as SOON as Bethany is available I will adopt her SO fast. She's such a little diva I love her already. The vibes at this place are IMMACULATE. Great place to go if you have autism or sensory issues. It's quiet, the cats come and go as they please, and the coffees are sublime. I always get the iced almond milk chai with vegan ice cream and it is SO good. They come with little spoons for you to eat the ice cream, and they are cat shaped!!! So cute!!! Plenty of seating, wonderful kitty antics to watch, and for $16 an hour you can rest your weary heart with the company of about 15 cats. The staff are knowledgeable and it's so clear that they love the cats so much, it's really great to see. I wouldn't recommend bringing young kids here as it isn't the place for loud noises, but young adults and up would enjoy it. In the end, cannot recommend this place enough. I'd give you all the stars and more if I could.

Photography by Liam Anderson

11 Jul 2025

Faaaar out! My serotonin has dropped wayyyyuuuu down! Oh god it was so prescious and sweet, all the cats were so tame and loving and some boisterous, some absolutely in bliss, just so nice and such a wonderful place for a date or just a destresser. Thank you

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