The Mad Catter Vintage Cat Cafe in Eastbourne

Went down with my friend last Saturday had lunch in harry Ramsdens didn't have to wait long for our dinner then made our way down to the mad catter cat cafe the cafe was busy with other customers one of the cats tonic came and sat on our table the girls were very nice as always so had an hour there cats as always were very content then we came back and went and had a look at the cars that were there

My Review (Posted 5 days ago) The Mad Catter Cat Café offers a cosy setting with 17 cats and friendly staff. However, the £5 entry fee (per person for 1 hour 15 minutes) doesn’t include any food or drink, which makes it less competitive than other cat cafés that include a drink in the price. For a family, the cost adds up quickly. There’s no clear information about where the cats come from—nothing on the website or inside to confirm whether they’re rescues. The café says the fee supports the cats’ welfare, but no specific details or links to rescue organisations are given. Food and service get mixed feedback from others, but please ignore my star rating for food—I didn’t eat there and was required to select a rating in order to post this review. The same goes for atmosphere—my rating is based only on the view from outside and my brief interaction with the person manning the door, who was polite but brisk. The café has a minimum age limit (6+), with children only allowed during specific hours. It’s independently run and claims to be Sussex’s only cat café. Overall, an interesting idea and potentially enjoyable visit, but more transparency on pricing and the cats’ background would help improve trust and value.Update following owner’s response: Response from, The Mad Catter Cat Café (5 days ago) Hello We took the business over in 2022, we cannot speak of the cafe prior to that as it was completely different management. We are home to 16 cats, 8 of which were raised by the previous owners and 8 who were born in 2020. The cats were never ‘bred’ for the cafe, due to lockdowns during covid, many surgeries were delayed/cancelled which resulted in an accidental litter – this is what we were told from the previous owners. Our cats now live together as a family, all having very strong bonds with each other. We’ve personally never advertised that the cats are rescues nor are they up for adoption. We are not a charity – we have our £5pp entrance fee which goes towards our cats’ care. Like every cat cafe, this is vital to ensure our cats are well looked after, with rising costs, vet bills and food costs. We are actually the cheapest cat cafe and allow the longest session time. The average is £10pp for an hour, many not including a drink. We have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old which is managed well as we only allow 3 children in per session, but there is no specific hour for children. We are transparent with all this information as it is accessible on our website, on our FAQs. Overall, we maintain all of our licenses and have welfare checks to support this. We are a family business and our cats are part of our family – they are incredibly loved and cared for. My Reply, to Mad Cat Café's Response Thank you for the detailed reply. It’s appreciated that the current management has clarified the cats’ background and acknowledged that the cats are not rescues, nor advertised as such. This helps clear up the lack of visible information on-site or in initial online searches. I also appreciate the explanation about pricing and session length compared to other cafés—that context is helpful for potential visitors. That said, it may still benefit first-time customers if this kind of information (such as the origins of the cats and how the entry fee compares to others) were made more prominent up front—perhaps in signage at the café or earlier in the booking process. That could avoid any misunderstandings or assumptions. Thanks again for your polite and informative response.

Great experience, it was a surprise for my niece and we loved it. The staff was lovely, and the cafe was very clean. We had a delicious and huge waffle with ice cream and yummy toppings. The cats were just so adorable 😍. Definitely recommended 👍🏼.

Nice little place! There’s a 5 pound entry fee, when I arrived they didn’t have space so realised had to book in advance! But that might just be because of holidays.

We had a lovely time here today. The cats roam around, and are well behaved. We were able to wander about and stroke the cats while they were chilling on their climbers. We didn’t eat but had some lovely speciality lemonades.

We travelled from Swindon to visit family and I took my children for a treat here and it did not disappoint. The cats loved the attention my two gave them, they were so friendly. We enjoyed some milkshakes and a piece of a very tasty carrot cake. The cats are beautiful and so well cared for and the staff are really nice. Next time we come to Eastbourne, we'll be back. Thankyou 🙂

Stumbled upon this place while exploring Eastbourne. Luckily wasn't busy so we got in with out booking. Very relaxing and calming watching and interacting with the cats. I don't mind paying £3 entery fee how else the the owners to afford food and vet bills for the cats, which where all happy and healthy. We only had drinks that were nice then our time was up. We will be back. Edit 22/3/2025 Came back !! Even better than the last visit...cappuccino in a mug not a silly cup.

Very relaxing atmosphere, the cats are well looked after, chilled and lovely to be around, the food was delicious and the staff are very welcoming. I can't wait to go again.

What a wonderful place to go !! The cats were so relaxed as was I. All the cats looked well, they chose if they wanted to react with us, they have high places on the walls so they sit or on this occasion slept. The food for humans was great and a bonus to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. Thank you. 💕

I had often walked by the cafe and said we must book up to go there. Anyway, my wife booked me to go as a birthday treat. I was excited to go and see all the cats. On arrival for our booked slot we entered the front door and was held there by a second door where the attendant talked through a grill in the window to verify our booking. She seemed a little rattled and officious. We proceeded to be let through and directed to our table. After sitting down she was quick to present the rules and do’s and dont’s about interacting with the cats and again she came across as officious and not welcoming and friendly. By this time I was already feeling uneasy and. Anyway we proceeded to order a drink and some food. This arrived swiftly and was off a good standard. I had ordered a banana milkshake which was delicious. Having finished it a cat jumped on the table and proceeded to lick the residue of cream before I had time to move the glass the attendant angrily raised her voice in a condescending way, said “could you keep the cat away from that as all cats are lactose intolerant” and huffed thereafter! We left soon after somewhat disappointed about our experience- and did it feel we were not treated as valued customers and because of the lack Of friendly service it felt a strained atmosphere and overall uninviting - we won’t return!

Went as a present to my cat loving boyfriend (I’m a little weary of cats myself). But we both equally loved it! Lovely atmosphere and nice food- especially loved my latte little touch!

Cute cats and nice space, with enough space to move around and play with the cats. I went here when I visited Eastbourne for the first time and it did not disappoint! I recommend getting the iced peach tea 🐈

Just experiencing the interactions with the cats, completed the visit. Staff were very friendly. Prices are very good. But you must book as they do not have an open door policy. If you find the odd cat hair, this is not the place for you!

I have recently visited a great cat cafe which was everything the Eastbourne venue is not. The main issue and the most important reason I will never go back is that they breed the cats. When I asked how the cats came about I was fully expecting a heart warming refuge story. Nope, at the time I visited (a birthday treat during covid) I was told that their original mama cat had had 17 kittens. Cats are a great money maker apparently. In my latest visit to a good cat cafe, the cats came from a refuge and are in the cafe until adopted. The food and drinks in the guide cat cafe were tasty and affordable. In Eastbourne we did not finish our food (the worst cheese toasties ever) and the hot chocolate was tepid. Never again.

Great cafe with lots of adorable cats and friendly staff. Must prebook. The cats are quite last and aren’t very sociable but most will let you stroke them as long as you want. They’re fun to watch too:) The person running the cafe is happy to answer your questions about the cats and tell you more about them. Would definitely recommend a visit here.

Visited for the first time today. It was really lovely, just to sit and see cats everywhere you looked. Some were quite happy to engage with us and be stroked. We enjoyed the lovely relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. It's a must for cat lovers.

A delight for cat lovers, where food and drink comes second to all the amazing cats. So friendly and fun. Highly recommend.

Lovely place to go. Lovely to see the cats And they are very relaxed there.

Me and my daughter went yesterday 2 the cat cafe and the kitties were lovely! Coffee was good! Ladies who ran the cafe were both friendly and attentive!! 😊

Despite giving a 5 star id like to say that it all felt a bit unethical. The poor cats were overstimulated and really wanted no human interface. Even the most chatty cats were just wanting some space. As a cat lover I really felt bad. The cats are surely well looked after but i ask, at what cost? The carrot cake was delicious! The only reason why I might go back, if at all.

Dear friend took another friend and I there today. It was heavenly. Gorgeous well behaved cats and other guests there, including well behaved children obviously enjoying the time there. Lovely staff and would thoroughly recommend a visit if you love cats

Had an hour with the cats yesterday cats always very content the two girl staff always nice to talk to very chatty took the cats some treats the cats were sometimes asleep always love visiting when I'm down there

Never been but I'll give it 5 ⭐s for having cats (:

The behavior was both racist and extremely rude. It’s not as though we’ve never seen cats before, nor are you the only ones with cats. If your policy requires us to leave, you shouldn’t have charged us. Your rules are not kid-friendly, and you should clearly state that children are not allowed and acknowledge your discriminatory attitude. The staff were very rude.

What a wonderful Cat Cafe! The staff are excellent and the cats well cared for and super laid back. I will certainly go again and take more friends there so they can enjoy the experience as much as I did 😻

Thank you to the The Mad Catter - Vintage Cat Cafe for the little birthday table and birthday card aswell! Had a fun time with the kitties 😸

Really enjoyed my visit! It’s a lovely relaxed atmosphere and the cats are very friendly. Staff member was very polite and I enjoyed my chai latte. You can tell the owners really love their cats! Definitely will visit again :)

Beautiful cats. Can’t wait to go back.

My daughter had a lovely time and a great birthday the cats were brilliant the food was really yummy Thankyou :)

Sheer bliss. More than decent food and service backed up by a brilliant cast of felines. Who could ask for more.

Lovely visit to cat cafe, clean, good friendly service, cats adorable. Food was lovely had chocolate brownies & cheese scone. You can walk around and pet cats, if you're lucky one might sit on your lap. Definitely visit again

Lovely cat cafe, would recommend! 🥰

Nice and quiet. Lots of friendly cats. Food was great too nice drinks and cakes on the menu!

Spent an hour with the cats before I had to go back to the seafront to wait for the coach home cats are always very happy they have loads of things to sleep on don't mind people visiting them they have little things to sleep by the window so they can look outside

Couldn't have asked for anything else. Wish we could have stayed longer! Absolutely beautiful and will definitely be back. All the cats are so adorable and friendly. Very relaxing environment. Must visit for any cat lovers 😻😻😻

Was a nice experience but wouldn’t go again. The cats were sweet and cute; however, the crisps were advertised as walkers, yet when i received them they were off brand. There was also quite a bit of hair in my drink and food!

Amazing the best I enjoyed it so much a peaceful place for family!!!!

The cats are ornamental - look but don't touch. I cannot blame them, really, I'd probably get fed up of being pawed at by children every day too. But they barely even tolerate you as a guest, instead they will simply leave or go claws out if you try to interact with them, and run past tables when moving around to minimise the chances of anyone trying to pet them. Not just us, this was true of all the guests on the afternoon we were there. So, a bit sad, we won't be going back.

Myself and my Grandson visited today for the first time, relaxed and chilled atmosphere and happy cats.. it was lovely as was the cheese scone and hot chocolate.. Time and patience answering my Grandsons many questions.. thank you.. We will be back soon..

Lovely café with a relaxed atmosphere and more cats than you could ever need. The cats are all charming and really well looked after. We enjoyed a quality service, and the whole place is clean and nice smelling inside. Looking forward to coming back.

This is my first time visiting such a cafe; always wanted to visit one since I'd seen the concept in Japan and this experience did not disappoint! There's about 8 cats, all very well behaved and chilled out. It was nice to just be around them and I was even treated to having Rowina (fluffy tri-coloured) lie next to me on my jumper for a bit. Had a carrot cake which was very nice and a coffee. The menu might seem a bit limited but it's totally understandable with curious felines getting close to your plate (and they will; they'll sit on the table you're eating at)

The cats are great, lots of chilled cats happy to be stroked, really nice calm atmosphere. The food is basic, and not particularly inspiring, but essentially you are going for the cats, so it doesn't really matter!

Great place to go if you love cats. Friendly staff, yummy chocolate brownie and the coolest cat who jumps into your arms when you leave the toilet.

The atmosphere is so relaxing, I have never felt more relaxed! Seeing the cats so happy and looked after is amazing, they are really looking after them well. I will be returning hopefully soon. Beautiful cats with chilled out personalities every one of them. The carrot cake was not great. I was expecting something better, one that was homemade for the price we paid. The latte was absolutely tiny. Overall it is a lovely place, but maybe next time I won't get anything to eat or drink.

Worth a visit to see the cats. Could do with better food.

We visited for the second time with our children after visiting in 2022. Both times the experience has been brilliant, cats are friendly and well cared for and staff are friendly plus there is a gift shop which the kids love!

We had a lovely time playing with the cats The staff was very nice Food and drink good price and tasty Carm music.

A really beautiful furry family of 16 gorgeous cats. Both owners daughters were an absolute joy to meet too. A beautiful loving environment. Was totally relaxed and like therapy. Absolutely recommend!

Amazing experience! Lovely staff and the cats are beautiful. They are really well looked after and it's so cosy and calming in the cafe!

I visited the cafe with my 6 years old son. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing! It was very therapeuting😃 Calm place, great music and these beautiful cats! We will come back

I just discovered this place on tiktok can't wait to visit

Came here for a birthday outing with a friend! Was a super peaceful experience and wonderful atmosphere. The cats were adorable and very affectionate. My favourite kitty was Marmalade - had such a chilled out personality and so pretty! But all the cats were equally as beautiful and made me smile. The staff here were just as wonderful and I was treated to a surprise birthday banner, card, and cat coasters to have on my table. Had such a great time and loved the food and coffee also. Amazing place overall. Definitely recommend! 👍

Love this place 🩵🥰🐱 I keep finding excuses to come back 🤣

Absolutely adorable! Wonderful experience, great value for money and the cats seem well looked after. They also take great care in keeping the place as hygienic as possible, separating the cats from the kitchen, hand sanitizer on each table and providing additional plates to place cutlery on rather than having to put it on the table cloths where the cats can walk over. I took my Nana here for a belated Christmas present and we both had an incredible time. Special shout out to Tonic and Cherri, such cuties 💜

The atmosphere at the cafe is lovely and the cats are super cute ! x

Friendly , welcoming staff, relaxed atmosphere, gorgeous cats , delicious food and flavoured lattes .Highly recommend this place for everyone.

Went here with friends for breakfast/brunch and it was absolutely fantastic. The café has a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. You can tell the cats have a good home and are treated well. The food was delicious and extra fun with the well-behaved cats all around our table ☺️ definitely visiting again sometime!

Great cat cafe, the food is amazing and the tea and coffee is served beautifully. Lovely cat outline on top of the coffee. The service was excellent got served straight away. The staff are very friendly and helpful and efficient. The atmosphere is out of this world with all the cats around, they are beautiful, we had Rowena sit with us, she was a beautiful cat. The others are just lying around the room in their favourite beds and favourite places to hide. They are all well looked after and all well behaved. All very well with he children that visit. It's so well organised and you get an hour and 15mins, with the cats. The time just flies by as you are with the cats it's so relaxing you don't realise the time. I would recommend it to anyone and I would definitely go back again. It's such a lovely cat cafe.

Visited The Mad Catter for my daughter's birthday. It was lovely and relaxing. The staff are friendly and welcoming. The service was good 👍 , I would highly recommend The Mad Catter Cat Cafe

Absolutely loved it. A wide range of yummy foods and drinks, really friendly staff and cats. The place is very cosy. Definitely recommend it!

I went here with my family and had a great time. The food and drinks were nice, there was a large variety of options . The atmosphere was lovely everyone there was very friendly and the lovely people working there were so nice, especially the cats!

My daughter loved her vist, the birthday decorations and card were a lovely touch. Can't wait to visit again.

My mum took me here for my 20th birthday as I am obsessed with cats and we had the most wonderful experience! The staff were extremely welcoming and kind, and the atmosphere is very relaxing. The staff had lovingly written out a cute birthday card for me and set the table with a birthday banner! Me and my mum are extremely grateful for this! I ordered a gluten free salted caramel flapjack and diet pepsi, and my mum ordered some crisps and a tea. Our drinks were very generous sizes and the food was presented beautifully and tasted amazing! Honestly the best flapjack I have ever eaten. I am really happy there was gluten free options, as being someone who is newly celiac its difficult to eat out nowadays. Its very clean and sanitary, I didn't even see one cat hair on any of the tables or chairs which is super impressive. Also the decor was adorable and the cats had many toys, beds, trees and even a TV and faux fish tank! We also appreciated the cute little 'cat menu' which had the cats pictures and names as well as their ages and relations! And now onto the best part,,, THE CATS!! Oh my god they were all so precious! Most of them were sleeping but that's absolutely to be expected and is just so cute. Tonic jumped onto the table and tried to eat our crisps which was very funny lol! We are honestly so happy she jumped onto the table as we got to give her lots of attention. We are crazy cat ladies after all haha. They all had very soft fur and were immaculately clean and well groomed. I have a diploma in feline behaviour studies and with my knowledge can say the cats are very happy and content with their surroundings. They had some very funny little spats when they (usually Audrey lol) try to take eachothers beds. Very entertaining hahah. Its wonderful that they have so much stimulation but also are able to retreat downstairs into the basement for some away time. Coming here was one of the best experiences of my life and we will definitely be coming back more! Wish we lived closer! We live about an hour away in Burgess Hill but the drive was absolutely worth it lol. Im coming to Eastbourne on monday to visit my friends but we will come to coo at the cats through the window hahah. Thanks so much for everyone working today for making such a wonderful day and we cant wait for next time!

This place is absolutely amazing. Food was great quality and delicious. The cats were super friendly and a pleasure to meet. I enjoyed every minute in there and didn’t want to leave!! I would definitely come back and I will be telling all my friends and family about this place!

An amazing experience. My Granddaughter and grandson were enchanted. Said it was one of best things they have ever done. Was very clean, food and drinks were good. They have asked to go again!

Ohh what a treat for any cat lover. Such a special experience. Absolutely in our element today when my daughter and I visited. Thank you soo much. Will definitely come again 😻😻😻

Lovely place. Lovely staff and loved all the cats. They are very friendly and very well cared for. Food was also nice

Visited the place few weeks ago for the very first time and we were not disappointed. Food and drink selections are decent, staff was super friendly. We are honestly can't wait to visit again!

Absolutely wonderful! Lovely staff, and beautiful cats of course! Love the decor too.

Absolute joy to visit. Highly recommended

Never been to a cat cafe before. This was lovely and relaxing, great you can just order as much or little food and drink as you like. Cats didn't seek affection but most were happy to be stroked when lying in a hammock etc. We went at 4pm in school holidays so maybe they had had enough of being fussed over by then.

Really lovely cafe to visit, the cats are really friendly and the food is nice.

My husband and I visited this wonderful cafe for the first time today. We couldn't have been made more welcome by both Emily and Chantel. At the time of booking, I mentioned that it was our wedding anniversary - when we arrived, we found congratulation banners on our table, and a card from the staff and cats. The food was delicious (they even catered for my gluten-free diet), and it was great fun meeting and greeting the 16 cats. It is obvious that the cats are well cared for and very much loved (visits to the cafe are timed, and limited to 20 people maximum, so that the cats don't get too stressed). I really cannot recommend this cafe highly enough - it's paradise for cat-lovers everywhere.

Was lovely but the cats are overly friendly and like to be alone. Nice idea though and kids did enjoy it. Service in great and super friendly. Good value food and drink.

The cats were adorable and very friendly. Very reasonabley priced. My grand daughters had such a good time. We will return soon.

Plenty of car to see and good service or the food

Boyfriend is a cat-lover so i thought that this would be a nice experience for him.. did not disappoint! Honestly had such a lovely time. The atmosphere was welcoming, friendly and wholesome. The coffee and food were divine, the cakes were so delicious and the cats were adorable! It's such a cute little place and I highly recommend it.

The cats were adorable, marmalade was honestly my favourite until he got fed up, but I really loved gin and tonic as they both were so friendly and so cute and they cuddled up together, the hospitality is great there, I do wish there was a bigger menu but I love the design of cats that come with the drinks. The cats were so cute and all had their own personalities, I would definitely go back there again just too see gin and tonic!! Aside all that it truely deserves 5 star!! (I’m not sure how to place photos on reviews so if you know please let me know)

Food and drinks good quality and good value, service very friendly. Cats not particularly friendly...they didn't come to people for affection...maybe they'd had enough by the end of the day!

Microwave pasties, not a good look. Paying extra for the cats seems over the top

Very friendly cats in an amazing cat appropriate set up, very friendly staff too. Had a ball! PS. Can't believe some people complain about the entry fee of £3. Have you guys seen how much some of the London cat cafes charge for entry only? Upwards of £25.

Lovely place and cats friendly and cuddly

The most loveliest place to go if you like your fury felines. This was a lovely calming place for me to just 'be'. Lovely service, lovely atmosphere and the tea and cake was spot on! Can't wait to come back!

Lovely chilled fun time, Would of been nice to have more choices on the menu.

As cat cafe enjoyers, we were looking forward to visiting this cafe while we we're visiting Eastbourne although, we felt a little let down. The cafe was clean, well decorated with a verity of merchandise and the servers we're very friendly. However, we were very disappointed with the small amount of space but many cats in the cafe, leaving us very cramped on our table. We have been to other cat cafes, the youngest aloud in being 10 years old, we did think that 6 year olds may be a bit young to be let in. I wouldn't discourage any one from going, just be aware of the small menu, presence of young kids and a smaller space :)

Friendly staff who cared about the cats. Cats comfortable ad happy bar one. Great experience for cat lovers

Fabulous place, cats and staff are fantastic - perfect place to chill out for a bit

A truly unique experience, food was lovely staff were polite and everyone really enjoyed there time there

A lovely, relaxed time spent with the gorgeous cats. I love that they have a space away from customers to retreat to.

Lovely relaxed atmosphere Great staff Tasty full works hot chocolate and cake

Have just come back from the cat cafe as a Mother's Day gift to me. The cafe is lovely warm and clean and the cats are beautiful and well behaved. We were served by a lovely lady who was polite, friendly and helpful. We all had great Hot Chocolates, Brownies and a Caramel slice. Lovely chilled out atmosphere too and the cats are very content. I was also presented with a bunch of Daffodils and a Happy Mother's Day which was a kind and thoughtful touch. Have booked to return in the summer.

A nice little place. Staff there were really welcoming and made us feel at home. Drinks and snacks really reasonably priced, and thought the £3 entry fee was OK too. The only reason I'm not giving 5* is because of the children running riot. The second you get near a cat, a child appears and scares them away. The cats took to higher ground and looked like the whole thing was a chore for them. The cafe don't allow under 6s which I think helps but maybe still 6 year olds a bit young? Overall, a nice place to have a drink and see some cats.

Bellissimo posto. Consiglio vivamente di visitarlo. L'atmosfera è accogliente,personale gentile e puoi goderti il tuo cappuccio in compagnia degli amici gatti

Wow.Thank you so much.My 2 granddaughters had such a lovely visit.The cafe made it very special by having birthday banners and birthday cards on the table reserved for us.The cats are beautiful and very relaxed in their surroundings as were we.I will definitely be returning a perfect unwind for an hour.

I'm going to start by saying I'm not a cat lover and I have allergies. And it's for this reason we don't have a cat ourselves. Unfortunately my daughter loves cats so this was the perfect place to take her. As a café it holds its own, the addition of well cared for and friendly cats makes the experience extra special. I didn't suffer from any problems from being in the café surrounded by cats because it is so clean. We absolutely loved it and we will definitely be back. Me for the carrot cake and my daughter for the cats. An easy 10/10

Brilliant place - made an effort for my daughter's birthday which I wasn't expecting at all. Food and drink reasonably priced and tasted great too. Would go again!!

First time back at the cat cafe since it re-opened under new management. Lovely experience very relaxing and calm environment. Very large bath bun yummy yummy so excellent value for money. Entry price has been reduced and your time slot is also extended which is really good. The cats were all lovely and do what cats do. All in all a very enjoyable experience, we will definitely be back.

Love coming and watching these gorgeous fluffy

Really love this place they seem to really care about the cats . Appreciated that there were vegan options available.

Lovely calming cafe and very well behaved cats although one did play attack my head which I thought was funny. Lovely staff even though I only had coffee. Worth the £3 fee. Worth a visit ❤️