Cattyshack Cat Cafe unveils cozy renovation

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — The cats may still be the stars at The Cattyshack Cat Cafe, but owner Andrew Townsend said the café itself needed some attention, too.

The Fort Myers cat café recently closed for two weeks in April to completely renovate the space, creating a warmer and more inviting atmosphere for customers and, ultimately, helping the café continue its mission of rescuing cats in need.

“What keeps the lights on is the café,” Townsend said. “The café is how we help the cats. We wanted it to be more cozy and inviting.”

The newly redesigned space now features darker wood tones, hand-built wooden benches, updated lighting, and a completely redone bar area, designed to give customers a more comfortable experience while spending time with the cats.

But for Townsend, the renovations go beyond appearances. He said every change connects back to helping more cats find permanent homes.

The café has also shifted where it gets its cats, now partnering with foster-based organizations and taking in cats that may need extra help or have fewer adoption opportunities.

“You have these older people collecting cats and trying to help,” Townsend said. “We want to be there to help out any cat in need anywhere.”

Townsend said his passion for animal rescue is deeply personal. Before opening the café with his wife, Amber Redfern, he spent years playing professional poker, but eventually wanted to do something that felt more meaningful.

“I decided that I wanted to give back more,” Townsend said. “That’s why my wife, Amber Redfern, and I decided to open up the café.”

Inside the cat clubhouse, guests will now find new seating areas where they can sit, feed, and interact with the cats while enjoying food and drinks from the café.

The menu has expanded as well, with new additions including waffles, flatbreads, mac and cheese bites, kid-friendly options, and an upgraded breakfast sandwich.

The drink menu also received a refresh with specialty cocktails like the Tiramisu Espresso Martini and The Poison Apple.

For Townsend, though, the focus remains on the animals. Every latte, flatbread, and cocktail sold helps support the café’s rescue efforts and gives more cats a chance at finding a forever family.

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