About Me & Familiar

Hi, I’m Kat Sung (they/them), the human behind Familiar Cat Café. Familiar is a long-held dream I have been actively working to bring to life. I am currently building toward opening a physical cat café by mid-2026, with every step guided by intention and accessibility.

My background is in human services and crisis support, where I spent years holding space for people during some of their most vulnerable moments. That experience deeply shapes how I envision Familiar as a space that centers care and compassion. I now work at a veterinary clinic, where I am learning hands-on skills in cat care, health, and behavior that directly support the wellbeing of the cats who will one day call the café home.

Familiar is more than cats and coffee. It is an extension of my spiritual and advocacy work, including my practice as an oracle card creator and reader. The café is designed to be a grounding, welcoming space that encourages reflection, rest, and genuine connection without spiritual bypassing, toxic positivity, or cultural appropriation.

At its heart, Familiar is about Cats, Coffee, and Cosmic Vibes, but it is also about healing, belonging, and connection. Whether you come for a quiet cup of coffee, time with adoptable cats, or a gathering with community, my hope is that Familiar feels like a place where you are honored and valued.

 FAQs

  • I am currently working with a landlord to secure a location in Marion. My hope is to open by mid-2026.

    For now, please visit our Online Store to support bringing Familiar Cat Café into reality!

  • I am working to partner with a local animal shelter. The café will care for resident cats that are waiting to be adopted. We will also assist customers with the adoption process.

  • There will be a tiered payment structure to enter the cat room determined by how long you choose to visit.

    60 mins will be available by online reservation and walk-in.

    15 and 30 min walk-in only options will also be available.

    Children within certain age limits may be discounted or free - still working to figure this part out.

    There will be a limit to how many people can be in the cat room at one time - determined by the size of the room and city regulations.

    There will be rewards punch cards for both cat room visits and café drinks.

  • The café area will offer refreshments to purchase and seating. This portion will also house the gift shop featuring locally sourced art and products. These items will feature feline, nature and spiritual themes. 

    The café will host public, private events and fundraisers

    Public Events:

    • Events will feature cat education, relaxation, and/or spiritual themes. Potential examples include family/kid story time, “cat nap,” cat safety, group meditation, group sound healing, etc. 

    • Customers will be able to purchase tickets online or in person prior to these events on a first come first serve basis. Price will include the experience plus price of one free drink per person.

    Private Events:

    • Group events (think birthday parties, team building, etc) will include 60 minutes in the cat room, beverages for each person, and cat treats. Upgrades available for an additional price include reserved seating in the café before/after the event and oracle card readings for adult guests.

    • Pricing will vary depending upon week day or weekend reservation.

    Fundraisers:

    • Schools and organizations may hold fundraisers at the café on a predetermined day. For a portion of that day the fee for cat room entry will be “free-will donation.” All money collected during that time will be given to the school or organization.

In the News

Familiar Cat Café was featured in the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Check out the article here!