Howard County Welcomes Its First Cat Café with Taiwanese Delights

Luna Cat Collective, Howard County’s inaugural cat café, opened its doors in Ellicott City on October 4, 2023. This unique establishment allows visitors to interact with ten adoptable cats while enjoying a selection of Taiwanese tea and pastries. The café aims to provide a comforting community space for both guests and the feline residents.

Owners Ruth Wang and Brendan Morrison envisioned the café as a place where people can unwind and where cats can find loving homes. Wang expressed the relaxing nature of cats, stating, “Cats are very calming. They are very stress-relieving, so we thought that this would be a perfect place to build a community space.” The café collaborates with Small Miracles Cat and Dog Rescue to facilitate the adoption process, providing a pathway for these cats to secure their forever homes.

Wang and Morrison began their journey in November 2022, shortly after their wedding. Wang, who grew up in Gaithersburg, wanted to honor her Taiwanese heritage, which influenced both the café’s menu and concept. The idea took root during a challenging period for Wang after losing her mother to ovarian cancer in 2018. She found solace in adopting two cats, discovering their healing presence during her grief. “They were with me all the time at the time I was grieving,” she recalled.

Inside Luna Cat Collective, a serene atmosphere prevails, enhanced by soft Taiwanese music and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee sourced from Vigilante Coffee Company in Hyattsville. The café also features Taiwanese baked goods from Japong Bakery, delivered fresh every few days. “I wanted this space to feel very comfortable, like you’re walking into a Taiwanese café,” Wang stated.

Every cat present is available for adoption, with paperwork accessible both at the café and on the rescue’s website. One cat, named Jasper, already has a pending adoption application. The café provides a secure environment for the cats, many of whom arrive with challenging backgrounds. Morrison emphasized the importance of offering them a sense of safety, which is central to their mission.

The café is designed to cater to both the needs of the cats and the guests. Cats can retreat to designated areas when they need solitude, ensuring that they have moments away from visitors. With limited hours, typically operating for seven hours daily, the establishment allows the cats enough downtime to recharge.

Despite encountering obstacles while preparing for the café’s opening, Wang and Morrison persevered. Initially aiming for a December 2024 launch, they faced numerous health and safety regulations, reviewing over 50 potential locations before securing one that met both zoning requirements for an animal facility and a restaurant. “We were very optimistic,” Wang laughed, acknowledging the challenges they faced.

Since opening, Luna Cat Collective has garnered a warm reception, with visitors returning to spend time with their favorite feline companions. Wang noted, “One of the most rewarding things for me is sometimes I see some guests walk in and they’re having a really stressful day and when they leave they’re just smiling.”

The café has become a sanctuary for people and cats alike, offering comfort and companionship. Wang hopes to continue creating a space that fosters healing for both guests and the animals. “Seeing people smile just means the world to me,” she shared. For Wang and Morrison, Luna Cat Collective represents more than just a business; it embodies their shared journey of healing, community building, and the joy of connecting people with pets in need of homes.