Lancatster Cat Cafe: Where Coffee, Community, and Cats Come Together
Partners like Mid Penn Bank make it possible for ASSETS to support small businesses like LanCATster Cat Cafe.
When Jax Lanza and John Bender opened LanCATster Cat Cafe just three months ago, they weren’t just starting a coffee shop. They were creating something Lancaster hadn’t seen before, a cozy space where great coffee, adoptable cats, and community connection all live under one roof.
It’s an idea that grew from Jax’s passion for animal rescue, mental health advocacy, and building inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. They saw a need for another experiential business in Lancaster, something that was both joyful and purposeful, and decided to make it happen.
A Mission with Many Layers
At its heart, LanCATster Cat Cafe is about second chances. Every cat in the cafe comes from a rescue and is waiting for a forever home. In just three months, 18 cats have found theirs. While the animals get love, socialization, and a safe place to heal, visitors also benefit, finding a peaceful space to unwind, and enjoy the calming company of a furry friend.
It’s also about inclusion. Jax and John have intentionally built the cafe as a queer-affirming space, where everyone can feel comfortable and free to be themselves. Whether you’re stopping in for a latte, browsing local art on the walls, or simply sitting quietly with a cat curled up in your lap, you’ll find a sense of belonging here.
From Idea to Reality
Before opening, Jax joined ASSETS’ Idea Incubator program to sharpen their business plan. The course gave them the structure and confidence to bring their vision to life. From understanding the nuts and bolts of running a business to refining the “product” they were offering, ASSETS helped them take the leap from dream to reality.
Looking Ahead
For now, they are focused on keeping the cafe a staple in the Lancaster community, a safe, fun, and peaceful place where cats and humans can find each other. But they’re already dreaming about the future. A larger space could mean more room for visitors, more art, more coffee, and most importantly, more cats getting a chance at a better life.
Want to Visit?
If you love coffee, community, and cats, LanCATster Cat Cafe is ready to welcome you. Stop in for a latte, browse local art, and spend time with the adoptable cats who call the cafe home. To guarantee your spot in the cat lounge, book a session in advance through their website at www.lancatstercatcafe.com.
Find LanCATster Cat Cafe on Instragram and Facebook
