Melbourne is absolutely bursting with amazing experiences for cat lovers! Whether you’re a devoted cat parent or simply can’t resist the charm of our feline friends, the city offers some truly special cat-themed destinations that are perfect for a fun day out.
**Cat Cafés: Where Coffee Meets Cuddles**
Melbourne is home to some fantastic cat cafés where you can sip your favorite brew while enjoying the company of adorable rescue cats. Cat Café Melbourne, Australia’s first cat café, provides a haven for cat lovers with a cozy cat lounge on the ground floor where furry friends hang out, moving freely between two floors, and a café lounge on the first floor for relaxing over drinks.
Cashmere Cat Café on Lonsdale Street offers a spacious room with plenty of cat furniture – scratching posts, hammocks, cat trees, hidey holes and even rooftop tunnels, with around 15 cats that are well-adjusted and friendly. You can book a six-hour day pass for an extended cat extravaganza ($65) or opt for a one-hour session ($24) if you’re after a quick kitty fix.
**Cat Adoption and Rescue Centers**
For those looking to add a furry friend to their family, Melbourne has some wonderful organizations dedicated to cat welfare. Most of these cat cafés let you snuggle adorable cats and kitties, with some even having friendly felines up for adoption, as most spots have adopted their fleet of cats from a shelter or operate as shelters themselves.
The Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV) runs the Purrfect Paw café, which is a new addition to their adoption shelter, vet clinic and shop, where every purchase goes toward helping cats and kittens in need of some TLC. The Smith, housed within Lort Smith Animal Hospital, offers coffee while you watch some of the cutest cats and kittens pounce around an obstacle course through the window.
**What Makes Melbourne’s Cat Scene Special**
Cat cafés serve a deeper and more meaningful purpose beyond just being an attraction for patrons wanting to enjoy coffee while surrounded by cute cats. Many cats have been taken in from shelters where they have been victims of abuse from their previous owners, and cat cafés ensure their cats are well-groomed, have an area for their own personal space and are treated with care and love so they can be rehabilitated into a loving family.
**Planning Your Visit**
When visiting these cat cafés, you may arrive 5-10 minutes early to check in, read the rules and order your drinks, and sessions run on time. Please remove your shoes in the cat lounge and store your bags in the storage cabinet, and do not chase, pick up or restrain the cats.
No children under 8 are allowed at most venues, making these perfect destinations for adults looking for a relaxing, therapeutic experience with cats.
**Beyond the City**
For those willing to venture further, Grounded Paws Cat Café in Traralgon (under two hours from Melbourne) is more than just a café – it’s a lifeline for cats in need, operating as an extension of the not-for-profit Grounded Paws Animal Rescue with a cool Alice in Wonderland theme.
Melbourne’s cat culture combines the joy of coffee with the therapeutic benefits of spending time with cats, all while supporting important animal welfare causes. Whether you’re looking to adopt, simply want some feline therapy, or are planning a unique date idea, these cat-friendly venues offer something special for everyone.
So next time you’re looking for a unique Melbourne experience, why not treat yourself to some quality time with our four-legged friends? Your heart (and possibly your home) might just gain a new furry family member!
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