Love this. To be able to interact with cats. The volunteers are wonderful and caring. And this is the best thearpy. We spend an hour there. We would spend an hour there. We also do paint night every once awhile and love seeing the cats. read more

I'm a caseworker, and one of my clients was in crucial need for food for his three famished cats. He'd run low on funds and been stuck in the house due to the poor weather and impaired mobility, so, remembering that Black Cat Market had helped with cat food last year, I called them to inquire about help. Though I neglected to get the woman's name who answered, I must say that she was gracious and accommodating, setting aside some food for us to pick up. While my client waited in the car, I popped in to pick up the free supply that she'd reserved, and her kindness continued. I've a feeling that everyone affiliated with BCM is of similar integrity, and we're thankful for their existence in our city. - David read more

Fun space to play with cats. They sell cat related items there as well. No food or drinks which is fine--just be aware it's not a cafe in that sense. read more

We adopted our Peppy from Black Cat, and Livy was nothing but helpful. Peppy escaped recently and Livy was instrumental in bringing her home - she provided endless advice, loaned us supplies, and even came to help us set up a humane trap which she provided, all while dealing with literal threats and harassment from people who believe they're entitled to a cat as soon as possible. She and Black Cat Market do so much for these cats, even after they've been adopted, and it's obvious she loves not only every single cat, but the people who adopt them as well. read more

The Black Cat Market - Our Peppy - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Anytime my family travels the US we make it a point to visit all the cat cafes we can find. We have 5 cafes around us in STL, MO and have visited DC, Charleston SC, Newport News VA, and Minneapolis MN. This one I want so much to thrive as we love cat cafes. You pay to street park, the outside was lovely with a painting on the window and staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The gift shop area was great with a lovely area for kids to color. This is the 2nd cafe that makes you take off your shoes so please wear socks. The downside is compared to all the cafes we've visited this was a disappointment. I encourage litter boxes downstairs as to prevent it from smelling of ammonia due to urine. I encourage more comfortable seating with side tables instead of kitchen chairs and plain benches. Couches and chairs with coffee tables would be great too. This might encourage cats to come up more due to the no picking up cats rule. What is up with no coffee or bakery items? Cafes either pair with a local barista or bakery or have their own setup. It is $9 per 1/2 hour. $12-$15 per hour is normally what I've encountered throughout traveling so on the high side with less amenities. I do encourage supporting this business as I believe they could succeed more with changes. My PGH family has never heard of this cafe so taking them opened up their eyes to what was around the cafe. I don't want to rate too low but I encourage changes to thrive. You must book via email and they do take over a week to respond and I never had my voicemail returned. read more

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Stopped here on a Sunday afternoon as a walk-in. $5 gets you 30 minutes with the kitties. When I went, there were 10 cats (including one kitten), which we were told was on the low side. Most of the cats were sleepy, but willing to let you pet them which was relaxing. The kitten was very playful and there was an assortment of toys to play with. My daughter loves animals and told me repeatedly that it was the best part of her day. I'm surprised we got out of there without adopting a cat, but it was nice to see the bulletin board of all the kitties with their new owners! Overall a great place with a great mission, and we will be back when we're in need of some kitty therapy. read more

The Black Cat Market - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Such an amazing time! Best $5 I have spent in a long time. We made an appointment on their website for a Saturday afternoon at 1. We were instructed to show up a little bit before the appointment to get registered and fill out a waiver. We waited for a little to get in, but the appointment started almost right on time. (the group before us were not being respectful of the time frame, but that not BCM's fault) Most of the kitties were sleepy and didn't want to be bothered, so i think a morning appointment would have been a better idea, but still getting to pet sleeping kitties was good enough therapy for me. We will be back! this is such a cool idea. read more

The Black Cat Market - a chalkboard sign in front of a window - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

So amazing! It's only $5 a person and you get to chill with peeetrayssa! We found this on our weekend trip and since I cannot go more than 24 hours without cuddling a creature we had to stop in. They have little shop items and as of now they still require masks which was no big deal. The cats and kittens were adorable and it was such a great place. Adopt don't shop and support places like this beauti read more

The Black Cat Market - a cat sitting on a chair in the middle of a room - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I live in pet-free digs - landlord's orders - so sadly I don't have an animal to look forward to seeing greet me eagerly when I get home. Thankfully, the solution is not far away; a cat cafe! A place where you can grab a cup of coffee, peruse a Little Free Library/leave-one-take-one bookshelf, and, this is the important part - be eagerly greeted and welcomed by friendly animals! For only a few dollars (around 10-ish), you can pay to sit in a room with fuzzy, friendly, pointy-eared critters each with their own distinct personality. The little dears will crawl into your lap, circle you and purr, and a few of them will even enjoy playing catch or tug-of-war! The folks who manage this place take great care to look after the animals and make sure that they are comfortable and well-fed. You can also adopt! Great place, and always love seeing the cats here doing their thing. Got cat class and got cat style! read more

Had a great experience here! The cats were adorable and well cared for. Staff was very friendly and helpful. 30 min with the kitties is $8 each. Highly recommend if you are looking to adopt or if you just want to hang out with some kitties! read more

We just left and If you're looking to adopt do not come here. First of all it is $9 a person to see cats for 30 minutes - but there's only like 10-15 cats and most were sleeping / in cages / hiding and you can't pick up or hold any of them. The staff is insanely rude and basically wouldn't give me any help or info because I was interested in a kitten. She actually tried withholding information on adoption completly - which felt super odd. I brought my kids to adopt an animal and it felt like the woman was annoyed that kids were there and was just irritated with any questions I had whatsoever. It's advertised as a cafe but defiantly is not. Seems like they're exploiting cats for profit rather than looking for homes for them. Would not go back. read more

The Black Cat Market was a great experience for my friends and I. It's clean, the staff are friendly, the cats are affectionate and clearly well-cared for. If you're hoping for energetic cats, come near opening time! If you're looking for a more mellow experience, make your reservation for the afternoon. read more

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We were the first appointment of the day at 10:00 and arrived at 9:55 like it stated on the website. The worker was sweeping the cat room as we walked in, and came out to check us in. We payed ($5 per person) then she walked us back to the cat room and explained that this is the most amount cats they have ever had. The name, age and gender of each cat were on the chalk board wall right before you walk in the room. We walked in the room and the smell of litter box and cat urine was a little bit overwhelming but definitely understandable for the amount of cats. The kittens were so excited to play and run around. It was the cutest thing ever although the older cats were a little mad that there were kittens. It is definitely more interesting with 4 month old kittens running around because the adult cats do not play. In addition, the café part of this business was not much of a café. There was a coffee machine but I did not notice a menu. The worker also did not offer us to purchase a drink. On the other hand, there was an abundance of cat memorabilia to purchase. We bought a shirt to further support their business. I love the idea of this business and how they are helping the cat community! Don't forget your mask, to make an appointment, and to visit this business! read more

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This place has so much heart. Over a hundred cats were adopted from here since about a year ago! My friend and I stopped by for coffee, but they didn't actually have coffee when we came. They have a simple menu, but I appreciate that their main purpose was for the kittens. I ended getting a Peruvian chai that came in a bottle. Even their tea was environmentally conscious! It says they will plant a tree for every bottle of tea. We stayed for a while and the sttaff was super nice. We didn't pay the $5 to cuddle with the cats, but enjoyed looking at them through the window. read more

The Black Cat Market - Chai ice tea - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Lovely cats, friendly worker, unsatisfactory setting. For people who intends to ride there: Road is in construction! Be aware! Fell off my bike and found this place by chance. Cats were adorable! However, the cat room looked empty and primitive to me. Hard seats only -- understandable, after all there are cats around. But there were spider webs on the ceiling! Instead of music, there was only the noise produced by the air conditioner. Additionally, a few decorations on the blank walls might help make customers stay longer. read more

Stumbled upon this cat cafe while discovering and exploring Garfield on the first Friday of August when they hold a festival in town of art, ears, and wares. As I'm walking along Penn Ave, this place caught my eye. Whaaa? Cats for petting, you say? Who, me? Me with 4 cats of my own? Why, certainly I'll go in and have a go. Can never pet too many of em. The kind staff at the front desk gave me the what fors, what to do, how much, etc. (Hmm, looking on their website I realize the two gals at the desk were most likely the owners. Drat. I wish I would have known or asked.) They said usually it was 5.00 for 30 minutes but tonight being busy with the stroll event they were doing 2.50 for 15 minutes time in the cat room. I'm all about that deal so proceed to follow staff into the room, laden with I think 21 cats that evening, mostly Kittens, a few adults, all from Frankie's Friends in New Kensington and all looking for homes. I got to search out each feline and at least make eye contact and sweet talk to each one. I have to say none, exactly zero, were interested in letting me pet them -- they were either too busy playing with one another or just put off by me. My feelings were hurt, being a true cat person but yeah, I know cats, too. Hmppfh. The facility is nicely set up, welcome desk at the front, artwork for sale throughout and the cat room with big viewing windows in the back. They time your visit so you don't have to worry about watching a clock yourself. There are seating, toys, and plenty of cat perches in the room. A lovely experience and friendly and helpful employees/owners. read more

Staff was amazing! The cats were incredible, a variety of sizes and colors and ages. Cute merchandise as well!!

I originally came in because I thought they had coffee. They actually do not serve coffee but there are lots of cats! It's more like a gift shop with a "free range" animal shelter. We paid $7.00 each to spend 30 minutes with the kitties. It was money well spent. A kitten climbed on my boyfriend's head. I left without coffee but I certainly wasn't upset about it. read more

The Black Cat Market - Critter the kitten - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I love it here!! Today is the soft opening and it's so super cute and fun. They will soon have a full espresso bar. It's an adoption center so the kitties are up for new and good homes. It's so clean and welcoming. Met with one of the owners, Indigo and she is the nicest person. She explained how they work with a cat rescue to help these furry babes get adopted into forever homes. It's $4 for 30 minutes of play time with these little creatures. If you ask me it's a perfect way to spend a lunch break, relieving stress from the workday grind. Support local business and critters in need!!! read more

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As soon as you walk into the building the ammonia stench of cat urine was overwhelming. The cat room was dirty, the water was dirty, and the litter was spoiled. One cat had a huge gash on its head that was actively oozing, we told the staff member and she was surprised. One cat was confined in a small mesh enclosure because he didn't get along with one of the other cats. The enclosure was very small, and had urine soaked litter and no water. As a cat owner myself the conditions were very disappointing and unsafe. read more

The Black Cat Market - Cat was confined in a small mesh enclosure because it didn't get along with one of the other cats - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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There were cats in a stinky room at the back of what looked to be an abandoned storefront on Butler St. The clerk had little to no interest in making accommodations for the non-cat folks. There were zero drinks available that I could see. I am still confused why it's called a "market" unless it's a less clever way of saying Black Market that sells cats. All of the furniture looked like it was dug out of a dumpster behind Goodwill. If you want an amazing cat cafe experience, try Colony Cafe downtown. EDIT for the owner: I was inside and all the way up to the counter, there is a sad rust colored bucket chair pushed up against the glass with a black and white cat motif pillow in it that I sat in. There was a singular random drop leaf looking table with a dirty coffee pot and some pamphlets sitting on it that not once did any staff member think about perking up. I even signed the waiver for my 12 yo nephew and paid $5 for the privilege of petting stinky cats in the back room. Not once did the sad clerk offer a beverage or anything other than sad looks bc she had to put her cell phone down. I'm allergic and would never enter a room full of cats. The reason I gave you 1-star is bc the WiFi was free. Otherwise it was a horrible experience and we left within 10 minutes bc my nephew said the cat room was "stinky". What I don't like are lazy establishments capitalizing on a niche market but taking no opportunity to actually offer a service. Are you, the owner, saying I should deprive my 12 yo nephew spending time with cats in a cafe where I should be able to get coffee while he plays with cats? Your WiFi password for that day:blackcat13 in case it seemed I was not inside. Do better. read more

I've been to many cat cafes, and this was one of my favorites. I really enjoyed how unpretentious and truly dedicated to cat rescue it is. I truly could've hung out with these kitties all day. read more

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As many have said, I guess they're still waiting on the go ahead from the health department to serve coffee/food, but that's not the point of coming to a cat café, is it? The point is the cats, and that's where this place shines. It seems like they do a solid job of taking care of the cats, and there is a considerable number of cats to hang out with (16 at the time of my visit). There are plenty of toys for the cats to play with, and they seemed quite happy overall. The staff member was also friendly and seemed to genuinely care about her feline charges, and the price to spend time with the cats was reasonable ($7 for half an hour--totally worth it). I highly recommend this place for cat lovers wanting to brighten their day with some cat time. read more

I love Black Cat Market!! We went to visit a couple months ago and ended up adopting a sweet and loving cat. They care so much for the cats and our lovely boy came home so healthy and happy and well-socialized. We had a great time at both of our visits and the staff was so kind. Also, they have a really cute selection of merch and cat toys! read more

Not a relaxed "cafe" atmosphere that you hope it might be. It's more of a cat rescue and you are paying to go pet cats in a room that stinks and is generally dirty. Needs mopped more regularly and litter boxes need cleaned out and washed more often. If I hadn't had a mask on, I don't think I would've made it the whole 30 minutes. I didn't see any sort of coffee shop in there. Waste of time and money unless you are looking to adopt a cat. read more

My boyfriend and I were super excited to have a cute afternoon with tea and kitties, and after a brief look-through of them online we decided to give it a go. However, we made the unfortunate mistake of trusting their website, where the heading photograph reads, "Walk-Ins Welcome!" And yet, when we get there a sign on the door informs us that appointments are necessary. We went inside to check for clarification, only to receive a condescending response (and although it is expected, it smelt overwhelmingly like cats, almost enough to put us off from wanting to eat anything in the first place). In my opinion, it is kind of ridiculous to ask people to make a reservation for a cafe. But, I wouldn't have minded making one, if it had been clear that it was necessary on their website. I don't live in the city and only went down there to visit them, so I would have liked to have all of the facts available from the get-go Even on the appointment tab online, it only "recommends" making one, but the sign on their door expresses that they are necessary. read more

Contrary to their "Walk- Ins welcome" sign, we were turned away at the door and the place was empty! One guy in the cat room. Was told we could make an appointment for next week - really?? Don't recommend. read more

Went to Black Cat Market today, but it was closed during normal business hours. Hours of operation are 10-4 on Saturdays but at 1 PM nobody was there. I called at 10:30AM, but nobody answered so I assumed they were busy and made a reservation on their site instead. Neither the website or voicemail indicated they would be closed today. I'll re review this cafe when I can actually enter the place. 2 star review as of 10/19/19. This is because I understand that circumstances come up and people need to close for the day, but there was nothing posted anywhere (website, voicemail, or store front) saying that they would be closed during business hours today. It was very misleading that I could still make an online reservation if they were not open. Also, I usually take the bus to places but since I would need multiple bus transfers to get to Black Cat Cafe I took an uber which turned out to be wasted $$$ since they were not open. read more

My favorite Pittsburgh cat cafe. The kitties are so sweet, and the room is clean and well-designed for both kitties and humans. The benches also serve as tunnels in case any kitty is feeling less social. The employees are kind, friendly, and enthusiastic. I love that they host a variety of events in the cafe, from art openings to terrarium workshops to sexual assault survivor coffeehouses. BCM is committed to helping both cats and the community. Drinks are limited to a small but delicious refrigerated selection (including la colombe), which are allowed in the cat room! And it's only $5 for a half hour. read more

Quite possibly heaven on Earth. And the best $5 you'll spend all day, by far! If you are a cat lover, I cannot recommend this cafe enough. Very friendly service and plenty of cats to play with. read more

The cat room was really fun and everything, but the drink options were very minimum so I ended up getting a canned cold brew that was not my favorite. Also, the appointment to pet the cats was a little difficult to get. Would come back to pet the kitties. But probably not if my main intention was to get a coffe or tea. read more

The Black Cat Market - outside - Pet Adoption Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My partner and I came to have a drink and play with kitties and we had a blast! They've adopted out over 70 cats, and the owner is so friendly! As a cat lover, this is a great spot to hang out! read more

Brought my 4yo in because he's a cat lover, but we can't have a cat because my husband is allergic. He was so excited to spend some time with the cats. A half hour was the perfect amount of time. He enjoyed rolling a ball to one of the cats and playing with them with other cat toys too. A few weeks later, we came back with our 4yo cousin, and she had a great time too! We'll definitely be back when we need our cat fix - and we are happy to be supporting a woman owned small business that has adopted out 50 cats since opening! read more

I had such a good experience. Indigo was kind when greeting me and explaining the rules of the cafe. There was a cool installation interactive art piece which I partook in and it was awesome. Then I cuddled with the kitties and played with them. It was awesome. The kittens cupcake and buddy were friendly and playful. Cupcake being more of the cuddle monster. She loves pets and hopped on my stomach for a nap with pets. I loved it. The atmosphere is cute and it's such a great idea. It cost less then I thought to be with the cats for a half hour. That was a relief. Overall it was wonderful. read more

This place is just what I need after leaving my cats behind at my family home in California. I've only lived in Pittsburgh for about a week and I feel deprived of the physical intimacy of cuddling, petting, and holding a cat! A great place to meet some new furry friends while getting a coffee fix! But keep in mind, last time I was there, the cafe portion wasn't really open to serving their menu (aside from canned/bottled drinks in the fridge) because of the pandemic and the uncertainty of how they'll operate after re-opening. The cat room is still open to customers though for $5 for 30 minutes, so don't mind if I do! This place is also great if you're looking to adopt a cat as it's more interactive between you and the cats and maybe gives you time to bond and make a choice, rather than just walking down a shelter seeing rescues for display and choosing a pet when you don't really know how they're like til you get home. Anyway, I highly recommend this place! The kitties are free to be pet, held, and played with, so come get your fuzzy friend fix! read more

I can't stop coming back! The Black Cat Market always has a wide variety of cats (kittens to seniors). All the cats are adoptable too! For $5 per half hour session, the price can't be beat. Everyone I've brought here has instantly fallen in love. I can't say enough about how kind the staff are. At the start of every session they tell you the names of every cat they currently have, along with a little about them. It's clear the staff love what they do and are well aquatinted with the cats they have at all times. They have drinks available too if you want something to drink while you visit the cats. read more

Such a cute little cafe with super friendly employees! The cats were so cute and playful as well. Going to this cafe was a very fun way to spend a monday morning with my boyfriend! :) read more

I love this place so much. They have delicious teas for refreshments and of course- KITTIES! It's a cute little place and the kitties are so adorable. I wish I could live here forever and pet kitties all day. read more

I found this place on yelp and me and my boyfriend went and absolutely loved it! the place is quiet and all the kitties are super sweet! i love that you can adopt the cats as well as just play with them if you want! definitely going to go back, such a fun time! read more

I booked a half hour of kitty time for my two kids and I. It's nice that this place is on the upper end of Lawrenceville, it was easy to grab a spot right out front. We walked in and immediately all started talking about how fun the interior was; lots of cat themed items, so if you need a gift for one of your cat-loving friends, this is a good spot to go for one. They had a small selection of cold drinks to choose from as we waited for our turn in the kitty room. I don't remember the girl's name who was working, but she was really nice and explained to us the rules, introduced us to each kitty and gave us info about their age and mannerisms, then let us get our snuggle on. The cats varied in age and temperament but all were at least a little social, and one kitty was flopping all over our laps and getting every pet he could get, and we LOVED him! Very clean and well maintained room where the cats are kept. We had so much fun and can't wait to go back! read more