Cat Cafe Basics
What is a cat cafe?
A cat cafe is a space where guests can order a beverage and snacks, with the additional option of hanging out with cats that live in a designated area of the cafe. The first cat cafe was founded in Taiwan and have since spread across Asia and around the world. As of 2020, there are more than 150 cat cafes in Japan, and more than 130 cat cafes across North America, with more opening in the U.S. every year.
Why a cat cafe?
Cat cafes provide exposure for adoptable rescue cats in a safe indoor environment, while providing human guests a social place to relax and have fun with animals. It’s typically difficult to re-home adult cats because they often don’t thrive in cages and shelters. Every year, thousands of cats in Hawai‘i don’t find homes, and many unfortunately don’t live out full lives because of this.
Who benefits from a cat cafe?
• People looking to adopt a cat
• Renters who live in non-pet-friendly homes
• Residents who live with family members with severe allergies
• Our animal rescue partner, Lucky Paws Animal Foundation
• Residents, visitors, organizations and anyone looking for new social experiences and photo ops
• And, of course, the cats themselves!
Cats and food in the same place… how is this possible?
All of our food and beverages are prepackaged and prepared off-site. Once you’ve purchased your snacks and beverages, you may enjoy them in the cat lounge, or save them for later, if you wish.
Your Visit
Do cats spread COVID-19?
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that cats can spread the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The virus is primarily spread through droplets in the air that are transmitted when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. There’s also no evidence that animals can spread viruses to people through contact of an animal’s fur or skin.
Why is there a fee to play with the cats?
Your entry fee helps offset the costs behind making sure our 15-20 foster cats are happy and healthy. That includes food, litter, rent, utilities, employees, insurance and emergency expenses. Ultimately, it all comes down to helping the cats!
Where do you get your cats?
We have an ongoing collaboration with Lucky Paws Animal Foundation, a local foster-based animal rescue, to provide the adoptable rescue cats that are waiting for your snuggles! All of our cats were found as strays or in outdoor colonies, pre-emptively saved from possible euthanasia.
How many cats do you have?
At any given time, we have around 15-20 cats and kittens in our lounge. Not all of them will feel like hanging out at the same time, and may chill out or hide in our back room to recharge.
Can I bring my cat?
We’re sure your cat is pawsome, but please allow us to provide the cats and keep yours at home. Cats can be territorial, and we want your kitty and our kitties to stay healthy and safe.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, children of all ages are welcome! However, there must be one parent or legal guardian to supervise every two children under 13 in our cat lounge. All guests must honor our cat lounge rules, which are in place to ensure the safety of all, cats and guests alike. Read more about our booking policies here.
Where do I park?
Surrounding street parking options include Wai‘alae Avenue, 8th Avenue and 9th Avenue. When possible, we encourage carpooling, public transportation, rideshare, bicycling and other alternative transportation methods.
Why do I have to take off my shoes / wear socks?
Our cats’ and guests’ health and safety is our foremost concern. Who knows what gross or even harmful germs are on our shoes? Please bring your own socks; we also have socks to purchase or rent.
When is the best time to visit?
Cats can sleep up to 16 hours a day! If you’re looking for a playful, active experience, we generally recommend booking a session as soon after opening as you can. During the afternoons, you can generally expect a chill experience with sleepy cats. The cats’ energy levels also vary depending on how busy we are during any given day. Like us, cats get tired after a lot of exercise and play! 🙂
What is your cancellation policy?
You can find our cancellation policy here.
Cat Adoptions and Rescues
What is your adoption process and fee?
Adoptions are handled by our partner rescue, Lucky Paws Animal Foundation. All information on the adoption process and our available cats can be found on our “Adopt a Cat” page.
I found a cat / own a cat that I don’t want anymore. Will you take him/her in?
We advise that you first tap into your personal network of friends, family and colleagues in rehoming your cat, followed by posting a clear photo and description of your cat in local Facebook cat groups. Catopia Hawai‘i and Cat People of O‘ahu are the two largest ones.
Please only contact local animal rescues as a last resort, as they are always over capacity, and will prioritize tougher abandonment cases, like injured cats found beside a dangerous road. If you are looking to surrender a cat you own, please also know that rescues typically charge a nominal owner surrender fee, as the burden is being transferred from the owner to an already over-capacity rescue.
For the health and safety of our cats and guests, we only take in cats through Lucky Paws Animal Foundation, which ensures their cats have gone through the proper health screenings, vaccinations, and socialization period with their fosters before arriving at our cafe.