The Next New York Obsession: MeowParlour Cat Café

The Internet loves two things: coffee and cats. It just seems natural that these obsessions should combine. While cat cafés are not a new concept in many Asian countries, the phenomenon had not yet made permenant residence in the United States – until now. New York as always been a hub for ideas from different cultures to merge together, and next month, the Big Apple will have its very first cat café: MeowParlour.

The brain child (or should we say ‘kitten’?) of pastry chef-turned certified animal caregiver and handler Christina Ha and Emilie Legrand, MeowParlour will function as part coffeehouse, part adopt-a-thon. Patrons can gets drinks, treats, and schedule 30 minute blocks of play time with feline friends who are all eager to find a forever home. To make sure that all the animals remain healthy, and as stress-free as possible, MeowParlour also enforces some strict guidelines in regards to when and how cats can be handled. Hand sanitizer and shoe-removal are required. Guest can bring children, but only during designated kids times. All guests must sign a waiver because – well, cats are cats. It’s much easier to mandate human behavior around them, then get a cat to follow rules.

It’s a clever and fun way for New Yorkers (and residents of surrounding areas) to find a new family member. Out-of-town visitors will also enjoy a nice repreive from the hustle and bustle of the big city. What takes the edge off quite like a nice scone, and petting a cat? Though the official site is not completed quite yet, the café is scheduled to open on December 15th  Since this original posting, the official site, as well as the brick-and-mortor location, are now open for business! Start following them on Twitter and Instagram in advance of your visit!

MeowParlour will be located on the Lower East Side:
46 Hester St, New York, NY