People often assume you need money, luck, or connections to make your dreams come true. But for me, it all started with a small, strange idea—and the courage to change the direction of my life.
When I began to feel unsure…
I was studying to become a kindergarten teacher. I’ve always loved children, and I thought I was on the right path. But as time went on, I realized something was missing. Deep down, I felt that this wasn’t what I wanted for the rest of my life. I started dreaming of something different. Something unique. Something that would bring me joy—and others, too.
A bold decision
So I left university and started working. I found a job where I could take on real responsibilities and save up money. I worked hard for months and spent every spare moment building a vision in my head—a peaceful place where people and cats could spend time together in a cozy, loving atmosphere.
The idea comes to life
I discovered the concept of a cat café through a video from Japan. I was instantly enchanted. People were sipping coffee while cats strolled around them. I thought: this is it! I wanted to recreate that magic—only with my own style, in my hometown of Eger, Hungary.
The first steps
I started doing research: what permits I’d need, where I could adopt cats, how to meet hygiene regulations. Meanwhile, I collected furniture, designed the space, and tested recipes. I wanted every detail to feel personal—the drinks, the décor, even the stories behind the cats.
Opening Cicuskám Cat Café
In 2022, at age 21, I opened Cicuskám Cat Café. “Cicuskám” means “my little kitty” in Hungarian—a sweet and loving name that perfectly reflects the spirit of the place.
Today, the café is home to eight rescued cats: Buffy, Latte, Coconut, Valerie, Panda, Lucy, Bitsy, and Zeno. Each one has a unique story. Panda came from a shelter where he only had a week left before being returned to the wild. Bitsy was found weak and dehydrated—but now he’s one of our most playful cats.
I also live with a sweet little dog named Chloé. She’s not part of the café, but she’s very much part of my life. And believe it or not, she gets along beautifully with all the cats—calm, gentle, and full of love.
A day in the cat café
Running a cat café isn’t just cuddles and coffee. I wake up at 5:00 AM, feed the cats, clean the space, and get everything ready before opening at 9:00. We close around 7:00 PM. Throughout the day, we serve guests, prepare drinks, keep everything clean, manage social media, bookings, and—most importantly—watch over the cats’ well-being.
What this place means to people
Many guests come here not just for coffee, but for healing. Some are dealing with anxiety or sadness, others simply want to escape the chaos of daily life. One woman told me she hadn’t felt anything in months—until Lucy climbed into her lap and started purring. These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do.
A growing community
Cicuskám Cat Café has become more than just a business—it’s a little community. We’ve held charity drives, adoption events, handmade markets, and even cat-themed art contests. Guests have formed friendships here. Many come back regularly. It feels like a family.
What’s next?
As our following grew on TikTok and Instagram, more and more people from the U.S. started messaging me: “If you opened a place like this here, it would be packed every day!” That inspired me to launch this English blog—to share the magic of our café with cat lovers everywhere.
Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that dreams are rarely easy—but always worth it. When I decided to leave my studies and start working toward my dream café, many people doubted me. Some said it wouldn’t work. Others thought I was too young or unrealistic. But deep down, I knew I had to try.
So if you’re reading this and you have a dream—no matter how big or small—please don’t give up on it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, or for permission from the world. Start where you are. Take the first step. Work hard. Learn. Fail. Try again. Be brave enough to imagine something different, and stubborn enough to keep going when it gets hard.
I believe that every dream matters. And I believe in people who are willing to fight for theirs.
And if one day, you walk into a quiet little café full of purring cats and the smell of fresh coffee—you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Tiny paws, big hugs – see you soon!
