What Meow Parlour is and where to find it
Meow Parlour is a cat café located in New York City's Nolita neighborhood in Manhattan. Unlike most cat cafés that operate as standalone businesses, Meow Parlour is run as a nonprofit organization, which shapes how it operates and what happens to the cats in its care.
The space functions as both a café where you can order food and drinks and an interaction room where you spend time with adoptable cats. The cats living at Meow Parlour are available for adoption through the organization, so the time you spend with them serves a dual purpose: you get to enjoy their company, and the cats get socialization and exposure to potential adopters.
Meow Parlour is located at 46 Hester Street in Manhattan. The organization operates by reservation only, which means you cannot walk in without booking a time slot in advance. This system helps them manage how many people are in the space at once and ensures the cats are not overwhelmed.
Key Takeaways
- Meow Parlour requires you to book a time slot in advance through their website or by phone; walk-ins are not accepted.
- Your visit includes access to the cat interaction room plus a food and beverage menu, with prices varying by session length.
- All cats at Meow Parlour are available for adoption, and staff can discuss adoption requirements and next steps if you become interested in a specific cat.
- The organization has house rules designed to keep the cats safe and comfortable, including restrictions on how you can handle them and rules about flash photography.
- Meow Parlour is a nonprofit, so revenue from visits supports the care and medical treatment of the cats in the space.
How to book a visit and what session lengths cost
Meow Parlour offers sessions in different lengths, typically ranging from one hour to longer visits. You book through their website or by calling ahead. When you book, you choose your preferred date and time from available slots. The organization releases their calendar in advance, so you may need to plan a week or two ahead during busy seasons.
Pricing varies depending on how long you want to stay. Shorter sessions cost less than longer ones. Food and beverages are ordered separately from your session fee, so the total cost depends on what you order from the café menu. Prices change periodically, so checking their website or calling before you book gives you the most current information.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, Meow Parlour has a cancellation policy. The specifics of what notice they require and whether you get a refund depend on how far in advance you cancel, so review their booking terms when you reserve your slot.
What the house rules are and why they exist
Meow Parlour enforces specific rules during visits to protect the cats' wellbeing. You cannot pick up or hold cats unless a staff member tells you it is okay for that particular cat. Some cats are comfortable being held; others prefer to interact on their own terms. Staff members know each cat's personality and will guide you on how to interact safely.
Flash photography is not permitted because it can startle and stress the cats. You can take photos and videos without flash. Loud noises and sudden movements are discouraged for the same reason — the cats need a calm environment to feel find around visitors.
You are expected to wash your hands before entering the cat area and again before leaving. This prevents the spread of illness between cats and between visitors and cats. If you have a cat allergy, Meow Parlour may not be the right environment for you, and you should discuss this with staff when booking.
The adoption process if you want to take a cat home
Meeting a cat at Meow Parlour can lead to adoption, but the organization does not hand over cats on the spot. If you become interested in adopting a specific cat, staff will explain their adoption process and requirements. This typically includes an process, a fee, and sometimes a home visit or reference check.
Meow Parlour is selective about placements because they want to may support each cat goes to a home where it will be safe and cared for long-term. The adoption fee covers the cat's medical care up to that point, including spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and any treatment for health issues discovered during their time at the café.
The organization can tell you about each cat's personality, medical history, and any special needs during your visit. If you think you might want to adopt, ask staff questions about a specific cat's behavior, health, and what kind of home environment would suit it best.
What food and drinks are available
Meow Parlour operates a café alongside the cat interaction space. The menu typically includes coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and desserts. Specific items and prices vary, so you can check their website or call ahead to see what is currently offered.
You order and pay for food and drinks separately from your session fee. This means you can visit for a short session without buying anything, or you can spend a longer time and order multiple items. The café setup is designed so you can eat and drink while spending time with the cats, though you are expected to keep food and drinks away from the cats themselves.
Hours, location, and how to contact them
Meow Parlour is located at 46 Hester Street in Manhattan's Nolita neighborhood. Hours vary by day and season, so check their website or call before you plan your visit. The organization is closed on certain holidays and may have reduced hours during slow periods.
You can reach Meow Parlour by phone to ask questions about availability, pricing, or the adoption process. Their website has the most up-to-date information about hours, booking, and any temporary closures or changes to their schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to adopt a cat if I visit?
No. You can visit, spend time with the cats, and leave without any obligation to adopt. Many people visit just to enjoy the experience and the café. Adoption is entirely optional and only happens if you decide you want to take a specific cat home and complete their process.
What if I am allergic to cats?
Meow Parlour may not be comfortable for someone with a cat allergy because you will be in a room with multiple cats for an extended period. Contact them before booking to discuss your specific situation. They can advise whether a visit is realistic for you.
Can I bring my own cat to Meow Parlour?
No. Meow Parlour is designed for visitors to interact with their cats only. Bringing your own cat would stress both your cat and the café cats. Leave your pet at home when you visit.
What if a cat scratches or bites me during my visit?
Scratches and bites are rare when you follow the house rules and staff guidance, but they can happen with any cat. Meow Parlour staff are trained to prevent incidents and will intervene if a cat seems uncomfortable. If an incident does occur, inform staff when ready so they can provide first aid and document what happened.
Can I book a private session just for my group?
Meow Parlour may offer private or semi-private sessions depending on availability and their current policies. Contact them directly to ask whether this option exists and what it would cost. Availability and pricing for group bookings vary.