This Place is your Purrfect me-time relaxation in Melbourne.
Please note that your story you are reading happened when we visited this place last March 4, 2020.
I always knew I’m more of a dog lover until I met my first Siamese cat last Christmas Day. She is small and cuddly, very affectionate and purrs none stops each time we held her on my arms and give her some pat while I watched the previous season of Lucifer. She loves being with us all the time but learned her place during bedtime because I don’t want her to learn to sleep with us in the bedroom.
During the pre-Covid19 season, while we are in Melbourne for a weekend, I spotted through Google map the Cat CafĂ© located in Queens Street. I insisted my boyfriend to visit the next morning and relax for an hour with other felines because we are missing our cat at home (she can’t travel with us, for now).
Cat Café Melbourne is the first Australia cat café that was opened back in 2014 as a result of a successful crowd-funding campaign to provide homes to many homeless and abandoned cats in Melbourne. Inspired by many cat cafes in Japan, it provides safe and secure homes for many felines and visitors can play and sit with them for an hour while giving them treats to lavish upon you.
Although they accept walk-in guests (if there are available slots), we decided to book our session with these felines at 11am for an hour that comes with a warm tea. It costs AUD$15 per person.
Unlike many cafes in the city, you won't here those clicking sounds of keyboards from busy yuppies, loud phone calls, loud screaming kids and crying babies (though kids are allowed as well in this place), but instead, you will notice that eerie silence of rooms (both ground level and upper level) and mostly sleeping (or lazy) cats, don’t care of the world and wouldn’t approach you unless you got treats for them.
Each hour of visit only accepts less than 10 guests, to avoid overcrowding.
There are four rooms coming off the main hallway. There is one main room, which has a large couch and a table with two chairs to accommodate humans and an array of cat furniture. Then there are three smaller rooms, each with one couch. One room has a bookcase with books, including many cat-related titles, and another has a Nintendo Wii connected up to a television, in case you are bored by the feline attractions.
Cats have appeared in good condition, their furs are soft and shiny, and the people who cared for them seem to make a lot of effort to make the whole rooms clean and tidy. There are no scattered furs around, even their beds and blankets are all clean. They did a great job.
Of course, I could help to fantasize about having these kinds of furniture in our living room. Those chairs are totally adorable with cats prints on it!
I like this little fella wearing its pride tie (is this cat gay?) but it doesn’t matter because s/he is adorable!
But despite their cuteness around, I felt this little awkward feeling being in this room. You see, cats are very territorial just like other pets, and being with other guests around makes it feel a little awkward also for the cats. All cat mama knows that having with cats enjoys alone time, cozying with them like it’s the best in the world. And when your cat responds to you because it’s a mutual feeling, not like some stranger that you just bump along the hallway.
You will be noticed that sanitation is very important in this place. I haven’t noticed any sign of cat litter around, or even the scent of it. Yes, I am a newly cat mama, but I hate the foul scent of their pee and shit.
CAT-BOARDING SERVICES
This cat café also offers cat boarding and day-care services while you are away for a long weekend or work. They have these two-level private cabins designed for cats to have a comfortable stay. It has a cozy sleeping area, scratch post, stainless steel bowls for food and water, a bathroom for your babies, and well-ventilated sidewalls.
Dada is like an animal whisperer. He can make most of the animals like (or love) him with his magical pet massage.
FOOD AND DRINKS
You can buy treats for the cats. Foods and drinks are very basic, not those you can find in many urbanized cafes in the city. They have coffee, which is in a vending machine, or have green tea just like those from your Grandma’s home. But still, it is a nice place to relax.
You can buy treats for the cats. Foods and drinks are very basic, not those you can find in many urbanized cafes in the city. They have coffee, which is in a vending machine, or have green tea just like those from your Grandma’s home. But still, it is a nice place to relax.
It is understandable that you can’t adopt these adorable cats from this cafe. Most of them are old age and changing their environment would only harm the cats. However, they have added listed services of available cats for adoption are you are keen to have of your own.
But if you can keen on visiting this cat café, just remember some of these key points:
* They only serve snacks rather than substantial food
* You may not adopt the cats from the cafe
* You must be respectful to the cats; no waking up sleeping cats or picking them up without permission
* No children under eight are permitted in the Cat Café.
CAT CAFE SHOP
At the ground level, they have all sorts of cat-themed items that you can get a souvenir.
It was lovely to visit this place, maybe next time I’ll bring our friends here who do love cats!
Watch our vlog below!
Cat Café Melbourne
30 Guildford Lane, Melbourne 3000, which is between La Trobe Street and Little Lonsdale Street, accessible from Queen Street or Sutherland Street.
Opens 7 days a week (11am-5pm). Please note they are closed daily from 1pm to 2pm.
Email: catcafemelbourne@gmail.com
Phone: 0491003583
Website: https://catcafemelbourne.com/
The place looks so cute! And the kitties as well. Just that I have allergic rhinitis, I hope that I won't be having any problems should I visit any cat cafes.
ReplyDeleteawww, hopefully not :)
DeleteCats are really precious, they're one of a kind! This cafe seem to be really cool!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that it is so clean and doesn't stinky!
DeleteI want to go there and hug all the cats. I'm a cat lover and currently Mom to 9 cats haha.
ReplyDeletewow that's a lot!
DeleteIt looks like a really amazing place Blair. It makes sense but I would never have thought that you would need to book a slot in a cafe. It sounds like a perfect place for cats and cat lovers.
ReplyDeleteThe café is quite famous, and I think having a reservation makes sense in order to control the crowd and not give stress to these cats.
DeleteCute naman ng cafe! Ingat po kayo jan sa Australia!
ReplyDeleteSalamat! Ingat rin kayo diyan sa Pinas :)
DeleteThe idea behind the Cat Café Melbourne is novel and amazing. The setting is awesome. I'm sure that both the feline and human occupants will find it relaxing.
ReplyDeleteI agree! No wonder they gained many repeat customers.
DeleteMy friend has been to this place, she loves cat so you know she enjoyed it. I want to go there someday.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish I could adopt one of them :)
DeleteI've never been to a cat cafe yet! We have one that opened recently in our city, I can't wait to go through such an amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteCats gives an amazing delight, but of course beware from snobbish cats.
DeleteOMG this cat cafe looks so good. and the cats are so cute. I love cats actually. I wish I could visit it.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have a fluffy cat. But if it quite impractical (I love cats but I hate loose fur!).
DeleteHome to many homeless and abandoned cats in Melbourne. This sentence ithink is the baseline for initiating this cafe. This is so unique a concept. . Each hour of visit only accepts less than 10 guests, to avoid overcrowding.This is again so thoughtful. So glad to read that hygiene is being maintained. Overall every aspect of the cat cafe has been thought of and i guess that is what makes it appealing
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the CLEANEST cat café I visit. Better than the Tokyo cat café.
Deletemy heart will be delighted to be here!! So far, the best cat cafes Ive been are found in Japan. Seems like cats have special place in their hearts.. They treat them kings and queens...
ReplyDeleteThere are so many cat café in Japan, and I just visit one.
DeleteThis is the first time I hear about a cat cafe, and I think it is a genious idea. Some people can't have a pet, and at least there's a chance to get close to an animal and spend some time with. It's also good if you plan on getting a pet, and want to find out if a cat is the right one for you. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteYes, this cat café could be our beta test for adopting a cat.
DeleteThis is such a fun place and novel idea I should say, first I thought it was a cafe where you could take your pet cat.
ReplyDeleteI guess if you ever wanted to see if a cat is the pet for you, this cafe would be the place to go.
yes that's a good idea!
DeleteSo cute! I believe they have one of these in Los Angeles, CA too!
ReplyDeleteI hope many cat cafe will open coz it is good in the community.
DeleteHahah cool cafe. Best for cat lovers like me. Hoefully, will visit it one day!
ReplyDeleteAdd this to your travel list!
DeleteInteresting business model. My niece would love this!
ReplyDeleteThis cat cafe follows the strict health safety of the guests and the cats, no wonder they still here for years.
DeleteI love the idea behind this cafe. I adore cats, they are fantastic creatures.
ReplyDeletethey are so adorable! I always thought I am a dog person, but when I got my cat Smokey, now I am converted :)
DeleteWhat a cute place. I would stand outside as I have severe allergies to cats (my skin will turn red) but my sister would love this place.
ReplyDeleteawww that will be a bummer :) Just enjoy the cat prints :)
DeleteThis is super interesting I'm a little bit concerned about people trying to get the cats. I wouldn't be nice for people to treat them badly.
ReplyDeletemost of the guests are those interested on cats and knows how to treat them :) So far no bad people yet.
DeleteThe Cat Cafe looks like such a fun place! I wish we had something similiar in our area. If I'm ever in Melbourne I will check it out!
ReplyDeleteThis helps many stray cats, and also human who can't have pets at home, and visiting a café is a cure.
DeleteWhat a cool place for cat lovers. I like that people can enjoy petting the cats
ReplyDeleteYes it is a very relaxing place.
DeleteWow!! This is so amazing!! The cafe looks so cozy and the idea is just brilliant for cat lovers!!
ReplyDeleteThat's true! I miss them!
DeleteI would love it here. I am all about cats! I've always wanted to go to a cat cafe! One day, I hope!
ReplyDeleteIf only I'm a millionaire I will build a huge cat paradise all for stray cats.
DeleteThis is amazing! My son would visit and never leave (and he's 20) Any cat would love to live or visit such a sanctuary! Kelli A
ReplyDeleteI wish to visit them again when they finally permitted to re-open.
DeleteI absolutely love the idea of a cat cafe! This looks so clean and nice - it would be such a fun way to spend some time when you wanted to get out of the house.
ReplyDeleteThat's true! Hope many niche animal café will be open.
DeleteI’ve never been to a cat cafe but it looks so great! We lost our beloved cat several years ago and I miss being around cats.
ReplyDeleteA cat café will be great for you :)
DeleteBy admission, I’m more of a dog person than cat. Still, this cat cafĂ© in Melbourne looks so niche that I’d like to visit if I ever get there.
ReplyDeleteYes, but it is rare to have a dog café coz many still thinks that dogs needed bigger spaces. Maybe a dog sanctuary could be possible.
DeleteI love cat cafes! I always make an effort to visit them when I go travelling. It's my favourite thing to do :)
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful Nyxie!
Deletewow...this cat cafe seems so amazing and interesting..i haven't heard of any cat cafe before but this place looks awesome and a perfect place for cats...You enjoyed lot there and these photographs are giving the evidence.... (World in Eyes)
ReplyDeleteThank you Jhangi :D
DeleteThis is such a great idea. I am wondering what is happening to those cats during the lockdown. I must say that it is a great way to cuddle a cat when you need a hug.
ReplyDeleteI do hope they are all cared well. There are many volunteers in Melbourne who would love to assists them.
DeleteHow cute is this cafe! I have always wanted to visit one of these car cafes! It looks like so much fun
ReplyDeleteIt is fun and relaxing. Though I admit that most of them are not too affectionate (if comparing to my cat!) Maybe because they are immune to many guests that comes and goes.
DeleteThis is so cool! I have heard about these places.
ReplyDeleteHope you can visit them when they re-open.
DeleteCat acfes is heaven. It feels so good to be surrounded by cats!
ReplyDeleteVisiting them is so much fun! But I'm not sure yet if we are really to give our Smokey another playmate :D
DeleteWhat an adorable place! I feel bad for the one wearing the tie, it must be uncomfortable to wear any tie for a cat!
ReplyDeleteOn a contrary, he loves it!
DeleteThat is a different concept of a cafe. Cat cafe Melbourne is unique. We don’t have anything like that in Canada. People who love pets and can relax would love this combination!!!🤗
ReplyDeleteThat's true! An hour of stay gives a lot of joy.
DeleteAwww cat cafes are the cutest and pang patanggal ng stress! I've been to one in Tokyo and it was my first time to experience it. Gusto ko magstay ng matagal but ang mahal hahaha! It's nice that this cat cafe you visited have cat boarding services! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure kung parehas tayo ng pinuntahan sa Tokyo, pero I can compare na Cat Cafe in Melbourne is way better than in Tokyo. Especially sa cleanliness at walang amoy pusa!
DeleteI'd probably gush on these kitties and insists on taking them home! Cat Cafe Melbourne looks homey and cozy, and it's great that they have day-care services so you don't have to worry about leaving the kitties at home - I usually leave my kitties at my parents.
ReplyDeleteCats are like babies! We leave our Siamese cat to my mother-in-law whenever we need to travel.
Delete