Manhattan
1. Meow Parlour
- Address: 46 Hester Street, New York, NY 10002
- Website: meowparlour.com
- Description: As New York City's first-ever cat café, Meow Parlour offers visitors the chance to enjoy delicious treats from the neighboring Macaron Parlour while interacting with adoptable cats from KittyKind, a no-kill rescue organization. Meow Parlour is cozy, filled with comfortable nooks for cats to explore, and offers special children’s hours, making it perfect for family outings.
2. Koneko
- Address: 26 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002
- Website: konekonyc.com
- Description: Inspired by Japanese cat cafés, Koneko features a sleek, minimalist design and a serene atmosphere. The café has a stylish indoor space as well as an outdoor 'catio' for the kitties. Koneko partners with Anjellicle Cats Rescue to save at-risk cats and provides an inviting environment for patrons to hang out with these social, adoptable cats. The artisanal Japanese menu and Stumptown coffee are extra bonuses, making Koneko a must-visit spot for coffee and cat lovers alike.
3. The Black Cat LES
- Address: 172 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002
- Website: blackcatles.com
- Description: This Lower East Side café is both a community hub and a refuge for adoptable cats. The Black Cat LES offers a relaxed vibe where you can enjoy coffee and treats while the cats roam freely. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and frequent events like live music and poetry readings, this spot is a great choice for those looking to combine culture with cuddles.
Brooklyn
1. Brooklyn Cat Café
- Address: 76 Montague Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: catcafebk.com
- Description: Operated by the Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, Brooklyn Cat Café is a warm, welcoming space dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats. The café frequently hosts events like movie nights and yoga with cats, and all cats are adoptable. The cozy setup and passionate volunteers make Brooklyn Cat Café a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
Queens
As of now, there are no dedicated cat cafés in Queens, but animal shelters and pet stores often host pop-up events where you can interact with adoptable cats. Be sure to stay tuned as the trend of cat cafés continues to grow!
The Bronx
The Bronx has yet to open a cat café, but you can still support local animal rescue organizations such as Bronx Tails Cat Rescue. Their dedication to finding homes for stray and abandoned cats means that any interaction with them helps cats in need.
Staten Island
While Staten Island doesn’t have a cat café yet, the borough is home to shelters and adoption events where you can meet cats looking for homes. Staten Islanders can support their local animal rescue organizations in the meantime while waiting for a café to arrive.
Why Visit a Cat Café?
Cat cafés offer the best of both worlds: a place to relax with a cup of coffee while spending quality time with adorable cats. Many cafés partner with animal rescues to provide homes for cats awaiting adoption, making your visit not only fun but also meaningful. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or considering adopting a furry friend, cat cafés are the ideal spot to connect with like-minded animal lovers.
Tips for Visiting
- Make a Reservation: Some cafés, like Meow Parlour and Koneko, require reservations, especially on weekends.
- Follow the Rules: Many cafés have rules in place to ensure the safety of the cats and guests, such as sanitizing hands and respecting the cats' space.
- Consider Adoption: If you find a special connection with a cat, speak with the staff about the adoption process.
- Bring a Donation: Some cafés appreciate donations of food, toys, or other supplies to help care for the cats in residence.
Conclusion
Whether you're sipping coffee at Koneko’s sleek café or enjoying a cuddle at Brooklyn Cat Café, New York City’s cat cafés offer more than just a place to unwind. These cafés support rescue efforts, provide homes for adoptable cats, and create a community for cat lovers to gather. So next time you’re in the city, take a break from the hustle and bustle and visit one of these wonderful spots for some cat-filled fun.