Melbourne boasts some of the best cafés – and by extension, the best coffee – in Australia (seriously, don’t fight us on this because we’ll win, easily). But do you know what else is super cool about Melbourne’s café culture? It’s home to a tight selection of the best cat cafés too. If you’re tired of grabbing coffee alone, or worse, with your friend who divulges every aspect of their personal life, then we recommend the company of these four-legged felines.
RELATED: These are the best cafes in Melbourne without cats.
Cashmere Cat Café, Melbourne CBD
Price range: from $24
If you’re after a cat café right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Cashmere Cat Café is your go-to. You can book a six-hour day pass for an extended cat extravaganza ($65 – and a free soft drink – yiew!), or opt for a one-hour session ($24) if you’re after a quick kitty fix.
Spread out over a spacious 160 square meters, this café offers the perfect balance between human and cat space. There’s plenty of room for you to chill with the cats, and just as importantly, plenty of private spots for the cats to take their well-deserved catnaps. With a line-up of over 25 gorgeous cats and kittens, there’s plenty of cat love to go around.
In terms of food and drinks, Cashmere Cat Café keeps it simple with pre-packaged items. But let’s be honest, you’re here for the warm, fuzzy cuddles, and on that front, the Cashmere Cat Café delivers in spades.
Address: Level 1/360 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Sunday-Saturday, 12pm-6pm
Grounded Paws Cat Lounge, Traralgon
Price from: $5.00
Located just under two hours from Melbourne in Traralgon, Grounded Paws Cat Café is more than just a café – it’s a lifeline for cats in need. This café is an extension of the not-for-profit Grounded Paws Animal Rescue, which works tirelessly to save animals from being euthanised and helps them find loving homes.
The café is decked out with a very cool Alice in Wonderland theme – a very fitting vibe to meet a range of adorable kittens and cats, each with their unique charm and all looking for a forever home.
Their friendly staff are always on hand to answer any questions about the cats and the adoption process. If you’re considering adoption, they’ll guide you through it, ensuring every animal is healthy, vaccinated, desexed, and ready for their new home.
Grounded Paws Cat Café is a special place where you can enjoy a quiet coffee break, a tasty pie (the chickpea curry slaps) and maybe even make a life-changing connection with a new four-legged friend.
Address: 23 McMahon St, Traralgon VIC 3844
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-2pm
The Purrfect Paw CPSV Café
The Cat Protection Society of Victoria, a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation, has been a cornerstone in the Greensborough and Greater Melbourne area for over 70 years, dedicated to the welfare of cats.
Their latest venture, the Purrfect Paw Café, is a fun addition to their existing adoption shelter, veterinary clinic, and retail store.
This cafe is not just about serving barista-made coffee; it’s a full-blown experience for cat lovers. With an array of cat-themed cakes and chocolates, every treat you purchase helps support cats and kittens in need.
While you won’t find cats roaming around the café, you can easily pop in to visit the range of cats available for adoption at the CPSV shelter (although appointments are strongly recommended).
Address: 200 Elder St, Greensborough VIC 3088
Hours: Wed-Sat, 9am-1pm
Why You Should Trust Our List
From the author, Ally Burnie: When it comes to uncovering the hidden gems of Melbourne’s cat cafes, there’s no substitute for local knowledge and passion. I bring to the table half a decade of experience writing about food, drinks, culture and lifestyle across Australia. Having recently moved to Melbourne, I’ve fully embraced the city’s vibrant culture, eagerly exploring all the unique experiences it has to offer – cat cafes being a particular highlight! So, whether you’re a Melbourne local or planning a visit, trust this list to guide you to the finest cat cafés the city has to offer.
Alternatives to Cat Cafés in Melbourne
If you’re looking for other fun things to do in the beautiful city of Melbourne, we’ve got you covered.
There’s actually heaps to do in Melbourne, guys. Check it all out here.
Cat Cafés Melbourne FAQs
Generally, bringing your own cat to a cat café isn’t allowed. The main reason for this is the well-being and safety of the resident cats, as well as your own kitty. Cat cafés are carefully controlled environments where the resident cats are accustomed to the space and the other feline friends. Introducing a new cat, even for a short visit, can cause stress and territorial disputes – something no one wants!
This is an important question. The well-being of cats is central to the ethos of a reputable cat café. These places are generally designed with the needs of cats in mind, offering plenty of space, quiet areas for rest, and proper veterinary care. The cats typically have the freedom to interact with guests on their own terms, ensuring a stress-free environment for them. It’s always a good idea to research a cat café’s animal welfare policies and practices before visiting.
At a cat café, you can sip on your fave coffee or tea while being surrounded by friendly kitties. These café often have a cosy, homely atmosphere where you can read a book, work on your laptop, or simply relax and enjoy the company of cats. Some cat cafés also host events like cat yoga, art classes, or educational talks about cat care and adoption.
