Felines have inspired many fads, but the recent rise of cat cafes might be the best—and cuddliest—of all. KitTea, at long last, brings the trend to San Francisco, with an open and airy Hayes Valley space.

The Japanese teahouse and cat adoption lounge gives SF residents the chance to get a caffeine kick and a kitten all in one go, joining cities including Oakland, New York, San Diego, Portland, and Washington DC. Courtney Hatt, the founder of KitTea and proud mother of four cats, envisioned KitTea as a community space, and hopes to also host movie nights, birthday parties, office retreats, and more. 

KitTea is partnered with the Petco Foundation and local cat haven Give Me Shelter. Visitors to the cat cafe can reserve spots for $25 an hour to play with eight to 12 active and friendly cats while sipping on several varieties of unlimited tea. All the cats come from Give Me Shelter and Wonder Cat Rescue, and can be adopted directly from the cafe. The cat lounge is equipped with laser pointers, feathers, and perches to entertain the felines, while booklets describe the adoptable cats and their temperaments.  //  KitTea, 96 Gough Street, Monday 11am-3pm, Tuesday-Sunday 11am-8pm, kitteasf.com