Love cats but don’t have one at home? Melbourne’s cat cafes let you sip coffee while cuddling adorable felines—no litter box required!
Cat cafes have taken the world by storm, and Melbourne is no exception. Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to unwind with friendly cats or hoping to adopt a new furry family member, these cafes offer a unique and calming experience. From playful kittens to chilled-out lap cats, here’s where to find the best cat cafes in Melbourne and Victoria.
Find a Cat Cafe Melbourne
1. Cat Cafe Melbourne CBD
Cat Cafe Melbourne is Melbourne and Australia’s very first cat cafe, and where you can make an hour-long booking for a purr-fect visit.
The cafe is split into 2 levels; the ground level is the cat lounge, while the first level is the cafe lounge. Cats can travel between the two levels through an internal staircase.
Note at the cafe all the food served is prepackaged for health and safety reasons, so we’re talking chips, chocolate bars, biscuits, soft drinks and instant coffee and hot chocolate. I think you’re better off trying one of the superior cafes in the vicinity, like Krimper, Brick Lane Cafe or Overlay Coffee.
At the Cat Cafe Melbourne, they also have a great range of cat toys, accessories and gifts for cat lovers. And if you fall in love with a particular feline, you can make a one-off donation contributing to their.
Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s best to book to ensure you don’t miss out, as it can get busy, especially on weekends and school holidays.
With its unique atmosphere and wide selection of cats, Cat Cafe Melbourne offers a truly special experience. Note only children over 8 years old are allowed in Cat Cafe Melbourne, so it’s best enjoyed with older kids.
Cat Cafe Melbourne, 512 Swanston St. Carlton 3053, info@catcafemelbourne.com
2. Cashmere Cat Cafe Melbourne CBD
At Cashmere Cat Cafe, all the cats are adopted from shelters and are permanent residents at the cat cafe. That means that visitors often like to return again and again to see their favourite cat! It also means that none of the cats are available for adoption.
While the floor space of the cat cafe is not large, there are two big advantages to the Cashmere Cat Cafe over its competitors.
Firstly there is no age restriction, so young children under 12 years can visit as long as they are accompanied and supervised by a paying adult. There’s a ratio of 1 child to 1 adult, and under 5s are free.
Secondly, if you’re allergic to cats, then there is a large window facing the cat area where you can still look and admire the cats, without having to go near them.
This was very handy when I visited with Lady AB during our staycation at voco Hotel (which is around the corner). Lady AB loves cats, but I’m allergic, so we’ve never been able to own a pet. As the owner of the cat cafe also manages the front counter/admissions, I asked whether it would be ok for me to supervise 11-year-old Lady AB from outside the window, and she agreed. I can’t guarantee that will always be the case but it’s worth asking to see if there’s any flexibility.
Note the ‘cafe’ aspect is pretty perfunctory – it’s basically a choice of soft drink or water with your entry fee.
As it’s the only cat cafe in Melbourne CBD that allows young children inside, make sure you book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Cashmere Cat Cafe, 360 Lonsdale Street, Level 1 Melbourne
3. The Smith, North Melbourne
While it’s not the same set-up as the other Melbourne cat cafes, you’ll find the small cafe ‘The Smith’ inside Lort Smith Animal Hospital, run by a mobile coffee cart business Bean to Melbourne.
Lort Smith is predominantly an animal hospital, however they do offer a pet adoption service, and hence The Smith calls itself an Animal Adoption Cafe.
The menu is relatively simple, and while you’re enjoying your Coffee Supreme latte, toastie, or Holy Crumpets, you can watch cute cats and kittens pounce around an obstacle course through a large window from the cafe.
The Smith, 36 Villiers St, North Melbourne
4. Grounded Paws Cat Cafe, Traralgon
If you’re looking for a cat lounge outside of Melbourne in Regional Victoria, Grounded Paws Cat Cafe is just under 2 hours outside of Melbourne in Traralgon. It is run by Grounded Paws Animal Rescue Inc., a not-for-profit rescue group, and is worth the trip for the cat obsessed.
Their cat lounge is “Alice in Wonderland” themed, and they can host a “Mad Hatters Tea Party” for children’s birthday parties. During school holidays, they host movie nights so everyone can cuddle with a cat while watching their favourite film.
You can play with the cats while you enjoy a latte or cappuccino with a delicious pie (they have mixed berry and custard, chickpea curry, Mexican and apple). Their cafe cats are all available for adoption, and they even have rabbits, guinea pigs and sometimes dogs available too!
This cat cafe in Victoria can be enjoyed by kids and families of all ages.
Grounded Paws Cat Cafe, 23 McMahon St, Traralgon VIC 3844
5. The Purrfect Paw CPSV Cafe, Greensborough
The Cat Protection Society of Victoria is a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation that has been servicing the Greensborough and Greater Melbourne area for over 70 years.
The Purrfect Paw Cafe is the latest addition to their adoption shelter, veterinary clinic and retail store. Offering barista-made coffee, the cafe boasts treats such as cat-themed cakes and chocolates, and all proceeds go towards helping cats and kittens in need.
If you fall in love with a new furry friend, cat adoption is available, terms and conditions apply.
The Purrfect Paw Cafe opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday between 10am-2pm.
The Purrfect Paw CPSV Cafe, address: 200 Elder St, Greensborough VIC 3088, 03 8457 6500.
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