Cat and Cloud Coffee: Where Ethics, Flavor, and People Meet

Cat and Cloud Coffee, based in Santa Cruz, California, is more than just a specialty coffee roaster—it’s a movement built around ethics, transparency, and radical hospitality. Founded by award-winning baristas, this roastery has redefined what it means to be a modern coffee company by putting people and relationships at the center of everything they do.

From the start, Cat and Cloud has challenged traditional coffee industry norms with a fully transparent sourcing model. Farmers aren’t just suppliers—they’re partners. The company pays producers well above Fair Trade standards and works directly with them to ensure long-term sustainability and mutual benefit. This focus on equity and transparency results in better lives for farmers and exceptional coffee for consumers.

Each batch of coffee roasted by Cat and Cloud is designed to be both delicious and approachable. Whether it’s a juicy Ethiopian single-origin or a comforting house blend, every roast is dialed in to highlight origin-specific flavor notes while maintaining consistency from bag to bag. It’s coffee that speaks to the enthusiast and the everyday drinker alike.

Their cafés in Santa Cruz reflect the same intentionality. They’re warm, welcoming, and filled with baristas who care deeply about the craft—and the people they serve. Whether you're ordering an espresso or a carefully brewed pour-over, you're getting more than a beverage; you're experiencing a culture rooted in passion, education, and connection.

Education and empowerment are at the core of Cat and Cloud’s mission. Their team receives deep training in coffee and hospitality, equipping them not just to make great drinks but to build genuine relationships with customers. The brand also shares its journey publicly—through podcasts, blog content, and open business practices—fostering a community that’s informed, inspired, and engaged.

What makes Cat and Cloud truly stand out is their commitment to “radical customer care.” They believe coffee should be an inclusive, empowering experience—from farm to cup—and they back it up with every interaction, roast, and initiative.

For those who want to support a roaster that values ethics as much as flavor, Cat and Cloud is leading the pack. Their model of doing business proves that specialty coffee can be transparent, equitable, and full of personality.

Ready to experience coffee with a conscience? Learn more or explore their offerings at Cat and Cloud Coffee on Roasters Map.