Arlene, one of the cats available for adoption at Familiar Cat Café, is seen during the grand opening on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Marion, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

MARION, Iowa — Josie LoCurto was among the crowd of feline fans streaming in during the grand opening of Familiar Cat Café.

“We just like cats,” said LoCurto, of Marion, who visited the new business with her husband. “I’ve heard of cat cafés, and now that we have one, it’s pretty exciting.”

Owned by Kat Sung, Familiar Cat Café, 935 Sixth Ave., had a soft opening last week and held a joint grand opening Saturday, July 25, 2026, with its neighbor, Cedar Witch Goods, 945 Sixth Ave., Marion.

Kat Sung, owner of Familiar Cat Café, is seen during the grand opening on Saturday, July 25, 2026. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Similar businesses have recently opened in Iowa, including a cat lounge in Iowa City that does not sell food or drinks, and a coffee shop/cat café, in West Des Moines, but Familiar is the first of its kind in Linn County.

Familiar Cat Café offers time with adoptable cats starting at just $5, along with coffee and other refreshments, providing a sanctuary for humans and their “feline familiars.”

Customers can reserve 60-minute sessions in The Mew-ion Lounge online, while 15- and 30-minute sessions are available for walk-in only on a first-come, first-served basis.

Currently partnering with Funky Paws Rescue of Buchanan County, the café helps facilitate cat adoptions and reduce shelter overcrowding. The first adoption of one of its six resident cats has already been announced.

“Shy boy” Riley was adopted on Friday, July 24.

Riley, one of the cats at Familiar Cat Café, was recently adopted. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Customers can also view and shop works from local artists and makers who sell their products on consignment at the café, in addition to choosing from an array of beverages.

The business is located in an 1890’s house that was meticulously rehabbed by That’s My Jamb, using wooden trim salvaged by Save CR Heritage from a house of the same period that was slated for demolition just blocks away in Marion.

Larissa Nelson-Moser, a cat caretaker, said she has worked a variety of jobs in the past.

“I wanted something more calming and relaxing for my mental and physical health,” she said of her role at Familiar Cat Café.

Jewelry and other items are available for sale at Familiar Cat Café. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The cat lounge and café areas are divided by French doors, and customers can order a beverage without visiting the lounge, if they’d prefer.

As part of Saturday’s festivities, Lizzy Dvorsky, of CR Face Painting, offered face painting during the café’s grand opening.

Next door, Cedar Witch Goods, owned by Katie Adams, opened in late May, offering “witchy” bath products, books, jewelry, artwork and other gifts.

See more photos from the joint grand opening, below: