The Scratching Post CU

114 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820, United States
$$$ Cat cafe
(21 Reviews)

Welcome to The Scratching Post CU, an enchanting cat cafe located at 114 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820. This delightful establishment offers a unique fusion of feline companionship and a cozy hangout spot, making it a must-visit for both cat lovers and those seeking a bit of quiet solace amidst the bustling city life.

As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by immaculate vibes and an atmosphere brimming with charm. The carefully designed environment ensures that both feline friends and human visitors can coexist comfortably, while the state-of-the-art amenities showcase a commitment to creating a harmonious experience. The spacious interior, equipped with powerful air filtration, offers a clean and comfortable refuge for those who might have cat allergies, making it more accessible for everyone—something that Lucy Chang, one happy customer, took note of in her rave review.

The Scratching Post CU is not just about cozy cats and inviting spaces; it’s also a place for engaging activities! The extensive board game library adds an extra layer of fun, inviting guests to unwind, enjoy some drinks, and spend quality time in the company of adorable kitties. Customers like Gillian Nolan have expressed their excitement to return and enjoy the playful ambiance while immersed in games surrounded by the charm of furry companions.

In between cuddling with the cats, guests can savor a selection of beverages, including the delicious fauxca (a delightful blend of hot cocoa and coffee) and the popular apple pie chai, both praised by customers for their exceptional flavors. There’s no full kitchen in-house, but The Scratching Post CU resoundingly makes up for it with a thoughtfully curated menu of light refreshments, perfect for pairing with your time spent playing or observing the adorable cats.

The meticulous attention to detail doesn’t stop at just ambiance and drink; the staff at The Scratching Post CU goes above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for both guests and cats. Jackie Carrubba highlights the helpfulness of the team, mentioning how they provide information on cat body language to enhance understanding and interaction, ensuring a respectful environment for the resident felines.

Accessibility is paramount here, with features that cater to all guests, including those with mobility challenges. The welcoming layout and thoughtful design guarantee that everyone can enjoy the charming experience of cat therapy without obstacles.

Whether you are a local or just visiting Champaign, The Scratching Post CU promises not only a delightful refuge filled with furry friends but also an inviting space that fosters connection, laughter, and comfort. Come and experience the joy of feline companionship today—you, your friends, and perhaps some sweet cats are in for an unforgettable time!

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

02:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

02:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday

02:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

02:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

02:00 PM - 10:00 PM

21 Reviews
Gillian Nolan

25 Aug 2025

Immaculate vibes, and probably the best setup for a cat cafe I've been to! The cat area was very cozy and - writing as someone with cat allergies- very clean with what must be powerful air filtration. The timed tickets/ max capacity meant the cats to people ratio works out wonderfully. Their board game library is also *very* expansive and I'm looking forward to coming back to play games! They have a great selection of both classic and more modern & niche games

Danielle Cozzola

19 Aug 2025

All right, Champaign...it was worth the wait! Went to the Scratching Post today to visit some beautiful kitties. It was a blast! All of the employees were kind and informative. They had a decent selection of drinks and food for reasonable prices. The whole place was spotless and the cat area is state of the art, for sure. I'll be taking any of my visitors here, because it is such an awesome place! I have visited many cat cafes, and I am so proud to say that my town now has one of the best ones I've been to. Great job!!

Cindy Lohr

12 Aug 2025

I have been to several cafes across Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. Scratching post is the best one. The chairs are so comfortable and inviting for cats to snuggle. I love all the different places that the cats can climb to and hang out. I loved everything about this place. Highly recommend

Lucy Chang

12 Aug 2025

So accessibility-friendly! The front door opens with a handicap-access button, the interior is spacious and easy to navigate, and there’s a variety of comfy seating. The tables were also a great height for a wheelchair—thoughtfully designed all around. I got the faux-ca (hot cocoa + coffee) and my friend ordered the apple pie chai—both were delicious! While there’s no kitchen, they offer a nice selection of packaged snacks. They also have an impressive collection of board games, which adds a fun, cozy touch to the space. The only feedback I have is about the bathrooms. There are two single-person, gender-neutral bathrooms. In the one with the toilet and changing station, there’s a green slide lock. I thought I had secured it, but someone accidentally walked in while I was washing my hands. It might help to install a more secure lock or one that clearly shows when the bathroom is occupied. The place was buzzing with people coming in for cat room reservations—I’ll definitely be back to meet the cute kitties myself!

Jackie Carrubba

10 Aug 2025

I really appreciate how much effort is put into making sure this is a good experience for both the cats & their human guests! The cat-visitation room is clean, well-ventilated, and comfy. There are a lot of places for the cats to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed, and a lot of toys visitors can use to engage the kitties. The staff also provide picture & video examples of upset cat body language, to ensure that guests don't try to interact with cats who aren't in the mood.

P (K)

02 Aug 2025

A nice Cafe here. They have lots of cats to pet. The atmosphere is very nice and comfy. The staff here are very friendly and helpful. It's a very well decorated cafe. A nice place!!!

Carlos Cuellar

23 Jul 2025

Great experience! The timed group entry system is a smart way to ensure everyone gets plenty of quality time with the cats—by far the best cat experience in town. I do wish more substantial food options were offered, as it’s currently limited to mostly prepackaged snacks. It would also be great if access to the board games were included with a snack or drink purchase; having to pay separately for the game library on top of entry and refreshments feels a bit excessive. Still, a great spot in town that I hope is here to stay

E. K.

07 Jul 2025

This is such a great space and experience. Everything is really well thought-out for the well-being of the cats. The space for the cat lounge was so nice and the rules put in place for visiting the cat lounge really make a difference. The cats looked really happy and healthy, and a lot were super excited to play. It was really fun to sit in the space and spot cats that were sleeping or off doing their own thing, too. Loved the cat lounge! The board games bar area was also super nice and they had a lot of great games. Love seeing such a cool local business with so much thought and time put into making it an amazing experience. Highly recommend The Scratching Post!!

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