Pounce Cat Cafe: Charleston’s Cat Adoption Powerhouse Transforming Lives One Feline at a Time With the Purrrfect Amount of Love

By Mark A Leon

Nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston, Pounce Cat Cafe + Wine Bar (283 Meeting Street) has become a beloved local institution since opening its doors in December 2016. More than just a cozy spot to sip coffee or wine, Pounce is a vibrant hub where animal lovers and adoptable cats come together—changing lives, one “furrever” home at a time.

Origins and Vision

Pounce Cat Cafe was founded by Ashley Brooks and Annaliese Hughes, best friends who met during their freshman year at the College of Charleston. Their shared love of cats sparked a dream: to create a space where people could relax, unwind, and meet adoptable cats in a stress-free environment. That dream became reality when they launched Charleston’s first cat cafe, partnering with the Charleston Animal Society, the largest animal shelter in South Carolina.

Ashley Brooks, a proud College of Charleston alumna, and Annaliese Hughes envisioned Pounce as more than a novelty. They saw it as a transformative adoption model—one that would help shelter cats find homes faster by letting their personalities shine outside of cages.

Owners and Their Mission

Brooks and Hughes, self-described “crazy cat ladies,” have poured their passion for animal welfare into every detail of Pounce. Their mission is simple: improve the lives of shelter cats and increase adoption rates by offering a comfortable, interactive space for both cats and people. By fostering connections in a relaxed setting, they believe adopters can make more informed, lasting decisions—ultimately reducing shelter overcrowding and euthanasia rates.

Adoption Successes

Since its opening, Pounce Cat Cafe has seen remarkable adoption success. As of February, 2025, the cafe has helped re-home over 2,700 cats—making it one of the most successful cat cafes in the country for adoptions. The average stay for a cat at Pounce is just 7-10 days, a testament to the cafe’s unique environment and its ability to match cats with loving families quickly.

The adoption process at Pounce is straightforward. Visitors spend time in the cat lounge, and if they connect with a feline friend, they can begin the adoption process on the spot. The team partners closely with the Charleston Animal Society to ensure each cat is healthy, socialized, and ready for a new home.

Hours and Experience

Pounce Cat Cafe is open seven days a week, offering flexible hours to accommodate both locals and tourists: 11 AM – 6 PM Daily except Friday when they remain open until 8 PM.

Located at 283 Meeting Street, the cafe recommends reservations, as it’s often fully booked—especially on weekends. Each one-hour visit includes a non-alcoholic beverage, with beer and wine available for a small additional fee. Baked goods from local favorites like Saffron Bakery round out the menu, making every visit a treat for both humans and felines.

Value to the Charleston Community

Pounce Cat Cafe’s impact on Charleston extends far beyond its walls. By collaborating with the Charleston Animal Society, the cafe has helped reduce local shelter overcrowding and contributed to a significant drop in the state’s cat euthanasia rate—from 47% in 2016 to 18% in 2020. The cafe also serves as a community gathering space, hosting events, fundraisers, and educational programs that promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Moreover, Pounce offers a unique way for people who can’t adopt to support animals in need—whether through donations, fostering, or volunteering. The cafe’s warm, welcoming atmosphere has made it a favorite destination for locals, students, and visitors alike, enriching Charleston’s vibrant downtown scene.

A Lasting Legacy

Ashley Brooks and Annaliese Hughes have created more than just a business—they’ve pioneered a new approach to animal adoption and community engagement. As College of Charleston graduates, their story is a testament to the power of friendship, vision, and a shared love of animals. With each cat adopted, Pounce Cat Cafe continues to make Charleston a kinder, more compassionate place for all its residents—two-legged and four-legged alike.

Photo Credit: Pounce Cat Cafe