A building with a bright blue cat mural stands out against a dull backdrop on S. 24th St. Upon entering the building, the smell of coffee beans and catnip fills my nostrils. 

Felius Cat café opened on Sept. 18. Partnered with Omaha Wags to Riches Rescues and Mug Life Coffee, it combines cat adoption and coffee. Customers can choose to sit near the entryway or in the cat cuddle room. 

The cat café trend started in Taiwan and has proliferated throughout East Asia. Cat cafés have been popping up all over the U.S., but the Midwest has only seen this trend develop in the last few years. 

Felius is the first and only cat café in Omaha. For $14, guests can spend an hour in the cat cuddle room, and it is $10 for each additional hour. The cat playroom can be reserved for parties and exclusive snuggle sessions. Fees go towards cat care, and all of the free-roaming felines are adoptable. Unlimited cat cuddles are just $35 a month — the best gym membership for the ultimate feline fanatic.  

For the main attraction, the cat cuddle room, Felius offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Entrance is restricted to ages 6+, and before and after entering the room, guests are required to wash their hands in order to ensure that all cat petting is sanitary. A maximum of 10 guests are allowed in the cat cuddle room to establish a safe and comfortable atmosphere for the cats. 

Upon entering the room, cats flock to the entrance with audible purrs. Most of the senior cats prefer light petting while napping in their beds, but the kittens are always prepared for an hour filled with energetic play.

After leaving the cat cuddle room, my clothes were covered in cat fur, and the kittens were resting in their beds after an exhausting hour of play.

The café menu includes the staple coffee shop items — cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes and pastries. All of the menu options are reasonably priced and made fresh daily, and guests can purchase exclusive Felius merchandise: cat ear headbands, cat carriers and toys. 

Felius certainly doesn’t lack in the café portion. The sweet almond latte isn’t your typical cup of coffee because of its creamy rich flavor that is not too bitter. The pistachio macaron is delectable with its vanilla and nutty hints, and the raspberry macaron is the perfect balance of sugary and tangy. 

The ambiance of the café is very warm and cozy. The walls are adorned with black and white polka dots, and the entryway is filled with modern decor. Furry cat towers, soft blankets and colorful cat toys make the cat playroom seem very inviting. 

If you fall in love with a particular cat, you can fill out an adoption application. Adoption fees are just $100, and all cats come spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

All in all, Felius Cat café offers sweet desserts, rich coffee, a calming atmosphere and sociable cats. Felius is definitely worth a try if you’re a cat or coffee lover looking for a truly unique experience.