The Scratching Post CU

The Scratching Post is a cat and board game café in Champaign, Illinois, combining a welcoming social space with opportunities to meet adoptable rescue cats. Its cat lounge, an almost 1,000-square-foot area serving as a foster home for more than 25 cats, offers reserved visits where guests can play with, pet, or simply enjoy the cats’ company. Visitors who form a connection can apply to adopt a cat.

Separate from the lounge, the board game café has its own HVAC system and large viewing windows, allowing guests to watch the cats while enjoying the café. A game pass provides access to an extensive board game library, and the menu includes light snacks and drinks. Guests can reserve cat lounge visits or game tables, and the venue hosts events.

The Scratching Post supports community involvement through volunteering, donations, and partnerships, while sharing cat-care information and adoption resources. Its online shop sells apparel, mugs, stickers, totes, and cat toys. Located at 114 E. University Avenue, the café is open Wednesday through Sunday.