What is a Cat Lounge?
Cat lounges and cafes provide a unique opportunity to experience the company of cats while promoting adoption and creating a social center in the community. They can be set up as an independent business that partners with local rescues, operate as their own rescue, or a combination of both.
Now popular around the world, the first cat lounge/cafe, Cat Flower Garden, opened almost 25 years ago in Taiwan. Now known as Café Dog & Cats, it is still operational to this day. In 2005, the concept took off in Japan, which up until 2025, was the country with the most cat lounges/cafes, but now the United States leads with more than 250 cat lounges/cafes to date.
Cat Lounges in America
On October 25th 2014, Cat Town was the first cat lounge/cafe to come to the United States in Oakland, CA. Cat Town had become so popular so quickly that 32 cats were adopted in their first 15 days! Cat Town's successful approach has helped reduce Oakland's municipal shelter euthanasia rate by more than 70%, paving the way for other cat lounges/cafes to make an impact.
“We're creating a cat community, and it's exciting to watch it unfold.”— Ann Dunn, Co-founder of Cat Town
Within months of Cat Town's opening, Meow Parlour opened in New York City. So many people signed up for appointments that Meow Parlour's website crashed. In 20 hours, 1,000 appointments were filled, said Christina Ha, a co-owner.
Opening in 2026, Catcetera Cat Lounge will be the sixth cat lounge/cafe in New Jersey!
Come Meet Our Cats
Book your visit today and spend time with our adorable adoptable cats in our cozy free-roam lounge.
Book a Visit