If your kids are cat-obsessed (and let’s be honest—whose aren’t?), then a visit to Cashmere Cat Café in Melbourne is guaranteed to be a hit. Tucked away in the heart of the CBD, this unique space is a surprisingly calm, cosy oasis where you can unwind and bond with some seriously adorable feline friends.
Whether you’re popping in after a museum visit or planning a special treat, here’s our review of Cashmere Cat Café to visit as a family.
Where is Cashmere Cat Café Now?
Reopening mid-August, Cashmere Cat Café has recently moved just across the road from its original spot. You’ll now find them at:
Level 1, 365 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC
(reopening in August 2025)
This shiny new venue still has all the charm of the original, but now comes with coffee and drinks for humans too—finally! So you can enjoy a warm cuppa while the kids get their kitty cuddles in.
What to Expect at Cashmere Cat Cafe Melbourne
Step inside and you’ll be greeted with soft lighting, floor cushions, and the quiet rustle of cat paws padding across the carpet. It’s tranquil, warm, and filled with cats who are all permanent residents—most adopted from shelters and carefully socialised to be around people.
There are over 25 cats who call Cashmere Cafe home, and they’re well and truly in charge.
You’ll see them snoozing on shelves, play-fighting in tunnels, or stretching lazily across the floor. The vibe is peaceful—not frantic—and the space has been designed entirely with the cats’ comfort in mind.
As a tween, Lady AB was the perfect age for this kind of outing—old enough to follow the rules and gentle enough to really connect with the cats. She sat quietly next to one snoozing on a shelf for what felt like forever.
Her highlight? A fluffy white cat who climbed into her lap without hesitation and stayed there the entire session. She named it ‘Cloud’ and talked about it the whole way home.
Visiting With Kids or Teens: What You Need to Know
Age Requirements for Cashmere Cat Cafe:
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- Under 12s: Must be accompanied by an adult, one-on-one (1:1 ratio)
- Over 12s and teens: Can enjoy more freedom, but supervision is still ideal if it’s their first visit
This age policy is about ensuring a respectful environment for both cats and visitors. It’s also a great way to help younger kids learn how to interact gently with animals.
Booking Ahead
Sessions are capped to keep things calm, so book ahead online—especially on weekends or during school holidays. You can choose:
- 1-hour visit (~$24 pp)
- 2-hour session (~$42 pp)
- All-day pass (~$65 pp, or $50 for students)
A complimentary soft drink is included, and with the café’s move to 365 Lonsdale, you’ll also be able to enjoy a proper coffee or tea soon!
What to Bring (and Leave at the Door)
- Wear socks, as you’ll be asked to remove your shoes before entering
- Leave bags and bulky items at reception
- No food allowed (except what’s sold onsite)
- You can purchase cat treats ($5 a box) to hand out during treat time—fun for older kids and teens who want to interact more with the cats
Best Time to Visit
If your goal is playtime rather than nap time, aim for:
- Morning sessions (cats are more active then)
- Avoid mid-afternoon, when most cats are curled up for a snooze
- Late-day slots can also be fun as treat time often happens then
We booked a morning session and it turned out to be the right call—the cats were active and playful, which made it easier for Lady AB to engage with them. By the end of the hour, she was completely smitten.
Why Cashmere Cat Cafe is Great for Families
- Relaxing, low-key atmosphere: A great way to decompress, especially for anxious or sensitive kids
- Unique bonding experience: Kids get to interact respectfully with animals in a calm setting
- A good break from screen time: Teens in particular might enjoy the change of pace—and the photo ops
Parents love it too. You can actually sit down, sip something warm, and enjoy the ambient purring while the kids connect with the cats.
From a parent’s point of view, it was bliss. No screens, no chaos—just a warm drink and a room full of calm, happy cats. I’d honestly go back even without kids.
Extra Touches Families Appreciate
- The staff are warm and knowledgeable—happy to share each cat’s story or answer questions
- You’ll leave with a cute sticker of your favourite cat, which is a lovely touch for kids
- Cleanliness is top-notch—there’s no “cat smell,” and hygiene rules are followed closely
Lady AB left with a sticker of her ‘favourite cat’ (though by then, she’d shortlisted five). It’s now proudly stuck on her laptop.
What’s Nearby?
If you’re planning a full day out in the city, here are some family-friendly stops within walking distance of Cashmere Cat Café:
Melbourne Museum & IMAX
Just a short tram ride away, Melbourne Museum is a top pick for families. Let the kids explore dinosaurs, bugs, and immersive exhibits—and then chill out with the cats afterwards.
Emporium Melbourne & Melbourne Central
Great if your teens want to do a bit of shopping, and both centres have food courts that cater to all tastes (plus easy parent bribery with bubble tea).
Flagstaff Gardens
Just a 5–10-minute walk away, Flagstaff Gardens is a perfect spot for a picnic or a quick run around before or after your café session.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Looking for more indoor fun for tweens and teens? These game arcades offer everything from pinball to bowling and are only a few blocks away.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cashmere Cat Café Melbourne
Is there an age limit to visit Cashmere Cat Café?
Yes. Children must be at least 6 years old. Kids under 12 need one-on-one adult supervision. Teens over 12 can visit more independently but should still be supervised if it’s their first time.
How much does it cost to visit?
A 1-hour session costs around $24 per person. You can also book a 2-hour session for $42 or get an all-day pass for $65 (or $50 for students). Prices include a soft drink.
Can you eat or drink at the café?
Food is not served due to animal regulations, but from August 2025, the new location includes coffee and soft drinks. Light refreshments may also be available.
Are the cats adoptable?
No. All the cats at Cashmere are permanent residents, carefully selected for their temperament and wellbeing. They’re not available for adoption.
Do you need to book in advance?
Yes. Sessions fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. It’s best to book online in advance to secure your preferred time.
What should we bring?
Just yourselves—and socks! Shoes are removed before entering the cat area. Large bags are stored at reception, and you can buy cat treats onsite.
What’s the best time to visit with kids?
Cats are generally most active in the morning or early evening. Midday sessions can be quieter if you’re happy with low-energy cuddles and naps.
Where is the new location?
Cashmere Cat Café is now located at Level 1, 365 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD, just across the road from its original spot.
The Bottom Line
Cashmere Cat Café is one of Melbourne’s most heartwarming family-friendly experiences.
The new location makes it even easier to relax—with drinks on hand and the same purring, tail-flicking magic in the air. It’s the kind of outing that leaves everyone a little calmer, a little kinder—and covered in cat fur.
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