Cats & Crystals is Oceanside’s first cat café, transforming a former pop-up concept into a permanent brick-and-mortar haven. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, from noon to 4 pm, offering a fresh take on the cat café trend that’s been gaining traction over the past two decades.
This isn't your typical café. Cats & Crystals transports guests into a fairy forest-inspired lounge where adoptable cats roam freely amid butterfly seats, mushroom side tables, and a tree-like cat tower. The enchanting decor creates an immersive, photo-worthy experience while spotlighting its mission: raising awareness for animal rescue.
Through a partnership with Today Tomorrow Forever Animal Rescue, visitors can mingle with cats seeking homes during 50-minute sessions priced at $20, bookable online seven days a week. The grand opening shifts to a first-come, first-serve model with 30-minute slots, welcoming guests to explore the space alongside outside vendors showcasing their wares.
The concept, founded by Britney Ortiz after losing her mother to cancer in 2019, channels a family legacy of fostering cats from euthanasia lists into a business that merges art, shopping, and rescue. Adjacent to Jitters Coffee Pub, the lounge lets visitors grab a coffee before entering - no shoes allowed in the cat area, so socks are a must, and outside cats are prohibited to protect the residents.
The concept, founded by Britney Ortiz after losing her mother to cancer in 2019, channels a family legacy of fostering cats from euthanasia lists into a business that merges art, shopping, and rescue. Adjacent to Jitters Coffee Pub, the lounge lets visitors grab a coffee before entering - no shoes allowed in the cat area, so socks are a must, and outside cats are prohibited to protect the residents.
The experience extends beyond cuddles with a gift shop offering cat-themed merchandise like accessories and enamel pins, plus a collection of beautiful crystal jewelry tying into its mystical vibe. Children are welcome under parental supervision, broadening the appeal for families.
For San Diego’s North County, where cat cafés have been slower to catch on compared to downtown hotspots like The Cat Café and Whiskers & Wine in North Park, Cats & Crystals brings a novel attraction to Oceanside’s coastal scene.The grand opening promises a lively kickoff, with Jitters Coffee Pub fueling the day and adoptable cats stealing the show.
For San Diego’s North County, where cat cafés have been slower to catch on compared to downtown hotspots like The Cat Café and Whiskers & Wine in North Park, Cats & Crystals brings a novel attraction to Oceanside’s coastal scene.The grand opening promises a lively kickoff, with Jitters Coffee Pub fueling the day and adoptable cats stealing the show.
Cats & Crystals is located at 510 North Coast Highway, Suite B, in San Diego's North County city of Oceanside. For more information, visit catsandcrystals.com.
Originally published on March 20, 2025.