Discovering Kitty Town Coffee: A Brew with a Cause

For coffee lovers and cat enthusiasts alike, Kitty Town Coffee is a brand that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. Based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, this specialty coffee roaster combines exceptional brews with a meaningful mission: every bag sold feeds a homeless cat in a shelter for a week. With playful cat-themed branding, ethically sourced beans, and a commitment to quality, Kitty Town Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s a way to make a difference. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Kitty Town Coffee special, dive into their offerings, and share why this woman- and minority-owned business is a must-try for your next coffee fix.

The Story Behind Kitty Town Coffee

Founded in 2017 by Zanetta Kok and her husband Kenny, Kitty Town Coffee started as a small side hustle, roasting beans in popcorn poppers in their garage. Inspired by their love for coffee and their cats, Sydney and Albert, the couple turned their passion into a full-time venture by 2019, moving into a commercial space in a former steel mill. Tragically, Sydney passed away around the company’s launch, prompting Zanetta to dedicate the business to her memory and to supporting homeless cats. Today, Kitty Town employs about 20 people, roasts on a refurbished 1962 Gothot roaster, and has donated over 1.2 million meals to shelter cats in 2024 alone.

The brand’s motto, “Drink Coffee. Feed Cats,” captures its essence: every 12-ounce bag sold funds a week’s worth of food for a shelter cat, with donations supporting a different shelter each month, like Loving Care Cat Rescue and The Nobody’s Cats Foundation. This blend of quality coffee and social good has earned Kitty Town a loyal following, with 24,000 Instagram followers and glowing reviews from cat lovers and coffee aficionados.

What Makes Kitty Town Coffee Unique?

Kitty Town Coffee stands out for its fresh, approachable specialty coffee and its feline-inspired charm. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Cat-Themed Blends: Each roast is named after a real cat, complete with an adorable illustration on the bag. From The Original Sydney to Mooney’s Midnight Espresso, the 21 blends celebrate feline friends of Zanetta, Kenny, and their community.

• Ethical Sourcing: Beans come from small, family-run farms in countries like Brazil, Costa Rica, and Honduras, ensuring high-quality, chemical-free coffee. While not certified organic due to costly certifications, Kitty Town prioritizes sustainable, specialty-grade Arabica beans.

• Health-Conscious: All coffees are vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and allergen-free (per FDA’s top 8 allergens). Flavored blends, like Tia’s Tiramisu or Mika’s Butter Nut Toffee, use natural extracts that evaporate before reaching customers.

• Freshness Guaranteed: Roasted 3–5 days a week, Kitty Town’s coffee is shipped super fresh, best enjoyed within two weeks of opening. Customers can request roast dates for transparency.

• Social Impact: Beyond feeding cats, Kitty Town supports shelters’ general funds, allowing them to address pressing needs like medical care or food. Their “Feed the Kitties” program lets stockists choose local shelters to benefit, such as the Columbia-Greene Humane Society.

Exploring Kitty Town Coffee’s Offerings

Kitty Town offers a range of roasts, grinds, and flavors to suit every coffee lover. Here are some highlights:

• The Original Sydney (Light Roast): A Brazilian blend with delicate, sweet, and nutty notes, low acidity, and medium body. Perfect for drip coffee or those who like a smooth, approachable cup.

• Robust Roy (Medium Roast): Sourced from Brazil and Costa Rica, this well-balanced coffee boasts dark chocolate, peach, and brown sugar notes with a kick to wake you up. Ideal for drip or pour-over.

• Bean’s Espresso Blend (Medium Roast): A blend from Brazil, Guatemala, and Papua New Guinea, designed for smooth, sweet espresso. Great for lattes or straight shots with low acidity.

• Mooney’s Midnight Espresso (Dark Roast): A bold, rich espresso blend loved for its smoky depth. Fans call it “the best” for espresso machines, often bought in 5-pound bags.

• Albert Blend (Light Roast): A breakfast blend that’s nutty, sweet, and ultra-smooth, “like we added cream.” Perfect for those who dilute their coffee or use lots of creamer.

• Delilah’s Decaf (Dark Roast): A great decaf option with rich flavor, outperforming many store-bought brands like Trader Joe’s, according to fans.

• Flavored Coffees: Options like Tia’s Tiramisu, Max Hazelnut, or Nadia’s Jamaica Me Crazy add fun, natural flavors for those who love a sweet twist.

Available in whole bean, drip, French press, pour-over, or espresso grinds, Kitty Town’s 12-ounce or 2-pound bags cater to various brewing methods. Prices range from $12–$20 for 12 ounces, with free shipping on orders over $35. You can find them at kittytowncoffee.com, Amazon, or retailers like Target and local cat cafes.

How to Enjoy Kitty Town Coffee

Kitty Town’s coffee is designed for easy brewing with standard home equipment. Here are some ways to savor it:

• Morning Ritual: Brew The Original Sydney in a dripper for a smooth, uplifting start. Add a splash of caramel creamer for extra indulgence, as suggested by Reddit users.

• Espresso Delight: Pull a shot of Bean’s Espresso for a latte or cappuccino, enjoying its sweet, creamy profile. Grind fresh for the best results, as Kitty Town advises.

• Cold Brew: Use Albert Blend for a refreshing cold brew, letting its nutty sweetness shine over ice. Steep coarsely ground beans for 12–18 hours.

• Gifting: Package a bag of Tia’s Tiramisu with a cat-themed coaster or mug for a purr-fect gift for coffee and cat lovers. Great for birthdays or holidays.

• Cat Café Vibes: Visit Mr. Kitty’s Cat Cafe in Eau Claire, WI, to sip Kitty Town Coffee while cuddling adoptable cats, or buy a bag to support their partnership with the Eau Claire County Humane Association.

• Pairings: Enjoy Robust Roy with dark chocolate or a buttery croissant to complement its chocolatey notes. For flavored blends like Max Hazelnut, pair with biscotti for a sweet treat.

Benefits of Kitty Town Coffee

• Social Good: Every purchase supports shelter cats, with over 1.2 million meals donated in 2024. You’re directly helping animals find forever homes.

• High-Quality Brew: Specialty-grade beans, medium roasts, and fresh roasting deliver smoother, less acidic coffee compared to store-bought dark roasts.

• Dietary-Friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free, it’s accessible for various diets.

• Supports Small Business: As a woman- and minority-owned brand, Kitty Town champions ethical sourcing and community impact.

• Fun Branding: Cat-themed names and packaging add joy to your coffee routine, making it a conversation starter.

Considerations

• Price: At $12–$20 per 12 ounces, it’s pricier than mass-market brands, but customers justify the cost for quality and the cause. Look for sales or bulk buys to save.

• Flavor Intensity: Flavored coffees, like Tia’s Tiramisu, are mild, which some love and others find subtle. Pair with creamers for bolder taste.

What People Are Saying

Kitty Town Coffee has won hearts across platforms:

• “Great coffee… expensive, but you know you’re helping kitties, so I’m OK with it,” says an Amazon reviewer.

• “Mooney’s Midnight Espresso is the best… we buy it by the 5lb bag!” raves a Reddit user.

• “Found Kitty Town Smoky recently… close enough to enjoy my morning coffees again. AND I love that they feed stray cats,” shares another Amazon fan.

• “Tastes great and supports shelters for homeless cats. Being a cat & coffee person, it’s great!!” posts an X user.

• TheBurg calls it “part marketing strategy, part charity fundraiser,” praising its growth and mission.

Tips for Enjoying Kitty Town Coffee

• Grind Fresh: Choose whole beans and grind just before brewing for maximum flavor, especially for espresso.

• Store Properly: Keep coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and use within two weeks of opening.

• Experiment: Try different blends to find your favorite—start with Albert Blend for smoothness or Mooney’s for boldness.

• Support Shelters: Check Kitty Town’s website to see which shelter benefits each month and spread the word.

• Join the Community: Follow Kitty Town on Instagram (@kittytowncoffee) for cat stories, coffee tips, and updates on their mission.

Kitty Town Coffee is more than a brand—it’s a movement that combines exceptional coffee with a heartfelt cause. With every sip of their fresh, cat-named roasts, you’re supporting homeless kitties and savoring specialty-grade beans roasted with care. Whether you’re brewing The Original Sydney for a cozy morning or gifting Robust Roy to a fellow cat lover, Kitty Town brings joy to your cup and hope to shelters nationwide. So grab a bag, brew a pot, and join the Kitty Town community in making the world a better place, one coffee at a time!