Cat Cafe Manchester Is Returning To The City Centre After Five Years

The new Barton Arcade location (pictured) is where the Classic Football Shirts shop used to be. 

Prepare To Be Whiskered Away, As Cat Cafe Manchester Returns

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Manchester’s beloved Cat Café is making a long-awaited return to the city in 2026. After a purr-longed absence, the feline-friendly hangout is setting up shop in a new home: Barton Arcade on Deansgate.

What Happened To The Cat Cafe Manchester?

Fans of the original spot in the Northern Quarter, which closed back in January 2021, will remember the cosy café where you could sip coffee in the company of sleepy, whiskered companions. Sadly, the original venue closed during the thick of the pandemic, when restrictions and lease issues forced the café to shut its doors for good (TikTok-viral Gooey now serves droolworthy treats in its place). But the story didn't end there - the café’s Liverpool sister site has been thriving, keeping the mission alive: to make animal-assisted wellbeing accessible to all.

Now, the cats are ready to reclaim their place in Manchester’s heart. A cheeky social media teaser hinted at the comeback, featuring a photo of the old Classic Football Shirts store, soon to be transformed into the new cat haven. 

What Is The Cat Cafe?

For the uninitiated, Cat Café UK flips the typical café model on its head. Rather than paying for your food and drink, you pay for the time spent in the relaxing company of cats. Unlimited hot drinks come with your visit, and you're free to unwind, read, or just watch the cats do their thing. And yes, it’s as soothing as it sounds.

The Liverpool branch has become a community space. From cat yoga and book clubs to autism-friendly sessions and movie nights, they’ve created a place where everyone feels welcome (as long as you’re gentle with the kitties, of course). Visitors over 10 can drop by anytime, while younger guests have special visiting hours daily.

When Is The Cat Cafe Manchester Opening? 

Manchester’s new feline lounge is aiming to reopen its doors in spring 2026, following delays that pushed the initial summer 2025 opening back. If it’s anything like its sister location, expect a calming space filled with coffee, community, and a whole lot of fluff.

How Much Will The Cat Cafe Manchester Be? 

The price is yet to be confirmed, but judging by the Liverpool outpost, which is around £16 per person, we can expect similar figures. 

Pooches more your thing? Check out our guide to dog cafes in Manchester.