You may not have a cat but desire one, or you may need to get away from it all and cuddle up to a small furry creature. Whatever your requirements are, Melbourne's cat cafés are certain to meet them.
Don clothes you don't mind getting fur on, grab a snack or a drink and choose the perfect spot for you. At some of these locations, you can spend an hour a day or find your friend fur-ever and adopt a kitty.
The Best Cat Cafés in Melbourne
Already have a cat? Visit Melbourne's cat-friendly hotels, cafés or beaches.
Cat Café
Japan excels at two things more than any other country on earth: sushi and crazy. A lot of the country's drinking establishments are hot robot bars or icy dens with waddling penguins.
Taiwan is where the idea of paying to play with cats first appeared, not Japan. However, Japan enthusiastically adopted the concept, and Melbourne residents Myles and Anita Loughran were motivated to start their own after visiting Japan.
The future was uncertain for the two of them. However, as expected, the internet went bonkers when they started an Indiegogo campaign. Melbourne, as it seems, is perfectly fine with the concept of combining cats with cafés.
But it is presently operational. How does it feel? We discover that it's less café and more kitties during our session.
Bookings are accepted for visits that lasts for an hour for $10 in advance, with a maximum of 15 persons per visit. To guarantee the safety and health of both the felines and the hoomans who visit them, strict rules are in place.
On their arrival, guests are asked to read a set of pretty simple guidelines for signature, which include no mistreating, feeding, or picking up the cats, as well as no loud sounds or photography with flashes. You'll be instructed to sanitize your hands before proceeding to the cat territory.
Once upstairs, pick from a range of settings that each act as a cat playground. Once you've found a decent spot to watch cats, have coffee and some food from the menu.
Unfortunately, when it comes to safety and health, Australia is a genuine jerk. The café is only permitted to provide pre-packaged foods (cookies, chocolate bars, and chips) and minimal beverages as a result (aka tea, sift drinks, hot chocolate with powdered milk and instant coffee).
Those who pictured a bustling café with real-world cat antics, as if YouTube had been brought to life, the regulations are disappointing. Rather, it's a low-key setting where the cats can enjoy the room while you indulge their companionship.
The 13 cats who reside in this café were all adopted from shelters in Melbourne, where they may have gone overlooked in the past. Some people can verify it by the scars on their bodies.
They are known to others, but they are not always willing to engage in combat and may prefer to remain in the restricted area. Music and magazines would certainly help to break up the odd silence, but this is how it should be for animal welfare reasons.
Neko Cat Rescue HQ
This cat rescue organisation includes a 'cat lounge' where you can hang out with, pat, and play with the adoptable cats. It's similar to a cat café but without the café. That isn't to imply there isn't food; you can buy goodies for the cats at the shop.
Every Friday and Saturday, fifty-minute lessons cost $15 and are well worth the money. If you fall in love while there, you can adopt any of the kitties and provide them with a lifelong home. You are welcome to bring one or two youngsters under the age of four.
Cashmere Cat Café
Cashmere Cat Café is home to more than 25 cats and kittens. It is also located in the CBD and is open daily from noon to 6 p.m. A one-hour session with a free soft drink costs $19, or a six-hour day pass costs $60 per person. Students can purchase a day pass for $45.
The Cashmere Cat Café is happy to provide one of Australia's most fun and unique cat café experiences for all animal lovers. You have the option of booking a day pass that lasts six hours or a one-hour session.
The Cashmere Cat Café boasts approximately 160 square metres of modern and spacious space for clients to enjoy the companionship of their gorgeous cats while also giving personal areas for the cats to retire to.
Each cat has been carefully picked and gradually introduced to each other to guarantee a calm, comfortable, and fun atmosphere. There are over 25 cats and kittens to play with under one roof.
Because Australia has such severe rules about selling food and drinks in areas where animals are present, the only options are pre-packaged goods. However, you will most likely be visiting a cat café to cuddle up with a gorgeous and cuddly kitty, which you will not have any problems with here!
Bring yourself and cuddle up to a four-legged pal.
Australia's first cat café opens in Melbourne.
Is it possible to love animals and coffee at the same time? We certainly hope so. Today in Melbourne, the first cat café in Australia opens, but coffee lovers might paw for thought because the cafe portion has been substantially reduced. There will be more cat playrooms than cafes, with available tea and instant coffee at $2.50, baked products, and bottled beverages with prices ranging from $3-$3.50.
So far, the website of The Cat Cafe shows that its cat-friendly accommodations are fully booked till Sunday, despite the lack of single-origin, first-quality roasted beans.
Myles and Anita Loughran, the proprietors of Cat Cafe Melbourne, saw cat cafes in Japan during honeymoon and wanted Australia to experience it. "The experience was incredible. It's unlike anything we've ever seen in Australia" explained by Loughran. "Cafe cats in Japan are purebred and rather unfriendly. They are not chosen because of their personality."
The Loughrans adopt their cats from neighbourhood shelters like The Lost Dogs' Home and Geelong Animal Welfare Society. The historical and cultural bluestone building along Queen Victoria Market has 12 domestic cats that have full access to the upstairs rooms, which are furnished with tonnes of tunnels, toys, scratching poles, Astroturf shelves, nooks and crannies, and thick rugs to keep them occupied. Shy cats can retire to their individual cattery via the cat flaps.
If a cover is put on to keep the cats from drinking, beverages downstairs may be enjoyed in the cat area.
What happened to the cafes... and the cats?
Cat cafes are springing up all over the place, with more on the way in the future.
A definitive list of the best cat cafes in Australia
The purrfect spots to drink coffee and cuddle with a cat.
There are three of them in Sydney. In Brisbane, there are two. And Melbourne claims ownership of the original. Cat cafes are popping up all around Australia, with Perth and Adelaide getting in on the act.
Apart from providing an occasion to create cheesy puns, cat cafes are appealing to people who would love to have their own pet but are unable to due to a variety of factors such as renting restrictions, a nomadic lifestyle, or a fur-allergic partner. Others seek the companionship and positive energy that animal engagement provides. In my case, it was pure entertainment.
Sydney
Catmosphere Cafe Sydney
Catmosphere Café is 100% dedicated to helping and caring for rescue cats and kittens, and it collaborates with numerous rescue groups to give a safe refuge for displaced felines.
They are given everything they require during their stay at the café until they find their forever home.
Visitors to the café can sip their coffee while engaging with the cats, or they can participate in 'Cat Cinema,' which allows them to engage with the felines while watching a movie. You'll also get a caramel popcorn milkshake, a cozy bean bag, and some of the cutest company around.
Sydney Cat Cafe
Sydney Cat Cafe conducts pop-up events, such as the sold-out 'Cats on Mats' yoga, and is frequently popping up in different locations so that everyone may experience the beauty of spending time with cats!
Melbourne
Cat Café Melbourne
It is open six days a week. Cat Café Melbourne is one of the area's best cat cafes. Visitors are invited to enjoy coffee and refreshments while spending time with the furry rescue inhabitants, who have everything they might want at their 'paw-tips.'
You are also welcome to freely roam between the cafe's two tranquil, large floors, socializing with all the residents at your leisure.
With a price tag of only $12, this is a terrific way for cat lovers to spend a day.
Brisbane
Lucky Cat Cafe
Lucky Cat Cafe in Brisbane welcomes tourists to spend time in their chilled out cat paradise, which offers a blend of "coffee, cats, and chill."
They also offer yoga with cats and art with cats (currently acrylic brooch painting), so you can take home a miniature acrylic rendition of your favourite feline buddy of the day!
Cat Cuddle Cafe
Cat Cuddle Cafe in Brisbane allows customers to meet and interact with a variety of rescue cats in a pleasant cafe setting.
They also host great fundraisers such as 'Cat Bingo with Cats,' as well as an Animal Rescue Support Network Op-Shop on Facebook, with all earnings benefiting the rescue animals.
Adelaide
Hashtag Meow Cafe
$6 will get you 30 minutes with Hashtag Meow Cafe's lovely cats. You may spend an hour there for $12 and get a free beer.
Hashtag Meow's staff works hard to create a relaxing environment for guests to unwind with other cat enthusiasts and the fuzzy felines themselves in a home-style setting.
The donations will be used to pay for food, vet costs, and other necessities to keep these fuzzy critters happy, as we all know cats do!
Perth
The Cat Cafe Perth
The Cat Cafe Purrth has a cat lounge and offers tickets for $15 that allow you to hang out with the 12 resident rescue cats. Cat Haven, characterised as a shelter for cats and people, receives a portion of the revenues. Their slogan is "adopt, don't shop."
Their website features 'amazing' cat items that genuine feline aficionados will adore. If you anticipate making several visits, you may also purchase a 12-visit pass.
Cat cafés are ideal for anyone looking to adopt, consider acquiring a cat, or simply want to cuddle with an adorable little furball. In Melbourne, there are only a few. Our complete list of Melbourne's cat cafés includes their locations.
Cat Café Melbourne, Melbourne CBD
Back in 2014, Cat Café Melbourne was acclaimed as Australia's first and only cat café. Consumers can unwind with their numerous adorable and fluffy kittens while sipping their favourite coffee, snacking, and taking in the tranquility.
Cat Café Melbourne is divided into two levels. Their cats may relax and roam freely in their cat parlour on the lower floor thanks to a special internal stairway that connects the two stories. Their café bar is located on the first floor, where consumers can savour superb drinks and mouthwatering fare while being accompanied by the sweetest felines!
They are very committed to giving animals from shelters a second chance, and they collaborate closely with non-profit organisations to make sure that every one of their cats gets this opportunity. In order to find out the cats they have available, you can go to their website. Cat Café Melbourne offers free of charge rehoming service to make sure that every cat finds the ideal home if you or someone you know has to rehome their cat for any circumstance.
Website: https://catcafemelbourne.com/
Address: 30 Guildford Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Grounded Paws Cat Café, Traralgon
Grounded Paws Cat Café is located in Traralgon, about two hours away of Melbourne. Animal pounds and Grounded Paws Animal Rescue, a nonprofit rescue group, work closely together. They are committed to giving detained animals that are listed for euthanasia a second shot at a devoted and loving home.
They have some of the most beautiful, adorable, and cuddly kittens and cats in their Alice in Wonderland-themed cat lounge, all of which are available for adoption if one captures your heart. Consumers can unwind with a delicious cappuccino or latte and take pleasure in other's company. They also serve delicious pies such as chickpea curry, mixed berry and custard, apple, and Mexican.
The welcoming staff can help answer any questions you have about the cats or the adoption procedure. You may find additional details on their website about adopting an animal. Both cats and dogs are available for adoption, and each one has undergone a thorough examination by a veterinarian and received a full course of vaccinations and parasite treatment.
Website: http://www.groundedpaws.org/
Address: 23 McMahon St, Traralgon VIC 3844
FAQs About Melbourne Cafes
Although cat cafés attract patrons who want to enjoy a coffee while surrounded by cute cats, they also serve a deeper and more meaningful purpose. Many cat cafés partner with organisations and local cat rescues to ensure their cats find a good home and can be adopted by the right type of owner.
As the name suggests, cat cafés allow you to enjoy a coffee and a snack while playing with or enjoying the company of cats. You can get up close with them. However, each cat café will have its own set of rules, such as prohibiting lifting up the cats or creating loud noises.
There is some debate over whether cafés are a harsh environment for cats. However, many cat café owners are strongly focused on the welfare of their cats. Many have rules to ensure the cats aren’t exposed to an unsafe environment and have the main goal of finding their cats a nice home with loving owners.
Not. Cat cafés go through rigorous cleaning and maintenance to ensure the safety and hygiene of not only their cats but of their customers as well. There are designated areas such as litter areas situated far from the café area to ensure the cat café doesn’t end up smelling like a zoo.
Of course! Many cats have been taken in from shelters where they have been the victims of abuse from their previous owners. Cat cafés ensure their cats are well-groomed, have an area for their own space and are treated with care and love so they can be rehabilitated into a loving family.
Which is many cat cafés' main goal. If you feel a special bond forming with one of their cats, you have the option to adopt and bring them home with you. If you fall in love with a cute little furball, talk to the staff about their adoption process, and they will gladly explain what is required.
Conclusion
To ensure the safety and health of the cats and the hoomans who visit them, strict rules are in place. The café is only permitted to provide pre-packaged foods (cookies, chocolate bars and chips) and minimal beverages. Unfortunately, when it comes to safety and health, Australia is a genuine jerk. The Cashmere Cat Café is one of Australia's most fun and unique cat café experiences for all animal lovers. The café is home to more than 25 cats and kittens and is located in the CBD of Melbourne.
Neko Cat Rescue HQ includes a 'cat lounge' where you can hang out with, pat, and play with the adoptable cats. Australia's first cat café opens in Melbourne, Australia. Cat cafes are not allowed to sell food and drinks in areas where animals are present. There will be more cat playrooms than cafes, with available tea and instant coffee at $2.50 a pop. More cafes are springing up all over the country, with more on the way.
Cat cafes are springing up all over Australia, with Perth and Adelaide getting in on the act. Cat cafes are appealing to people who would love to have their own pet but are unable to due to a variety of factors such as renting restrictions or a nomadic lifestyle. Cat Cinema allows visitors to engage with the felines while watching a movie. Cat Cuddle Cafe in Brisbane allows customers to meet and interact with rescue cats in a pleasant cafe setting. Sydney Cat Cafe Adelaide
Cat cafés are ideal for anyone looking to adopt, consider acquiring a cat, or simply want to cuddle with an adorable little furball. Cat Café Melbourne was acclaimed as Australia's first and only cat café. Cat Haven, characterised as a shelter for cats and people, receives a portion of the revenues. Grounded Paws Cat Café is located in Traralgon, about two hours away of Melbourne. They are committed to giving animals that are listed for euthanasia a second shot at a devoted and loving home.
Content Summary
- Taiwan is where the idea of paying to play with cats first appeared, not Japan.
- The 13 cats who reside in this café were all adopted from shelters in Melbourne, where they may have gone overlooked in the past.
- Cashmere Cat Café is home to more than 25 cats and kittens.
- Today in Melbourne, the first cat café in Australia opens, but coffee lovers might paw for thought because the café portion has been substantially reduced.
- There will be more cat playrooms than cafes, with only instant coffee and tea priced at $2.50, bottled drinks, and baked products, which price ranges from $3-$3.50 available.
- Café cats in Japan are purebred and rather unfriendly.
- Cat cafes are popping up all around Australia, with Perth and Adelaide getting in on the act.
- Cat Café Melbourne is one of the area's best cat cafes.
- Back in 2014, Cat Café Melbourne was acclaimed as Australia's first and only cat café.
- Cat Café Melbourne offers free of charge rehoming service to make sure that every cat finds the ideal home if you or someone you know has to rehome their cat for any circumstance.