Earlier this month while visiting New York on holiday, I had the chance to go and check out New York City’s first cat cafe. I know some people don’t agree with cat cafes and worry that the cats get stressed from all the new people visiting, but having seen London’s cat cafe, this isn’t always the case. Cat cafes can be really well designed for the welfare of the cats and as long as the cats can get away to be alone and chill they can work.
Meow Parlour is a wonderful place to escape to from the busy manic centre of New York. When you arrive you can go and buy some very yummy cat cakes and biscuits from the shop around the corner and take them into the cafe with you. The staff at Meow Parlour are very welcoming and politely inform you of any rules you need to follow for the cat’s welfare, for example don’t touch them if they are sleeping and no feeding etc.
The special thing with Meow Parlour is that you can ask to adopt any of the cats there; they are all from a local all-volunteer, no-kill rescue group. Since opening in December 2014 they have rehomed well over 200 cats. The cats all have files on them with personality types which help when choosing to adopt one. While waiting for the cafe to open I met a beautiful vocal biscuit coloured cat in the window, when I finally met her in person I was informed Sandy was the bossy type, she later put me in my place with a finger nip!
One of the amusing things that happened was one of the young cats called Jonny was determined to visit the bathroom every time a customer went in! What is it about cats and bathrooms??
Meow Parlour also runs cat behaviour classes and yoga with cat sessions!
Anyway if you find yourself in New York City and need some feline fun, why not go visit them (you may need to book first)
Meow Parlour is located where Lower East Side meets Chinatown in Manhattan NYC