A Visit to Koneko Cat Cafe in NYC With CWA Members

On Tuesday I told you about BlogPurr, a wonderful cat writer's event I attended here in NYC.  After the sessions were over we ended our day with a visit to Koneko Cat Cafe on the Lower East Side.  It was the purrfect end to a purrfect day, and I loved spending quality time with some of my favorite bloggers - and friends! 

Cat Writers L to R: Amy Shojai, Caren Gittleman, Leah Mastilock, Julie McAlee, me, Layla Morgan Wilde, Paula Gregg

I only had my cell phone with me that day, so I apologize for the quality of the photos. I took so many and I had a hard time choosing a few for this post. 

Koneko is located at 26 Clinton Street between E. Houston (That's "House"-ton) and Stanton.  Don't blink, because you may pass it. 

The inside of the cafe has some tables and a counter where guests can sit and enjoy their Japanese inspired treats. There is also an array of teas to choose from, and of course, coffee. 

The walls are decorated with cat inspired art, which I loved. 

The cat area is located at the back of the cafe behind a glass partition. 

There are some rules patrons are asked to follow for the safety of the cats. 

All visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering.  If you are not wearing socks, the cattery provides slippers for you to wear. (I had a hard time navigating the steps in the slippers, so I'll make a mental note to make sure I throw a pair of socks in my bag.) 

There are three areas the cats enjoy.  Upstairs there is an indoor area 

and an outdoor area. 

There is another indoor area on the bottom floor, which is connected via wall mounted shelving to the top floor.  

It was a beautiful day, and the most popular area was the outdoor deck where the cats could enjoy sunpuddles, blowing leaves, and chirping birds. 

At any one time there are up to 20 cats from Anjellicle Cats Rescue at the cafe. The cats all appeared very well cared for (and loved.) They receive routine health care, weekly weigh-ins and nail trims, and ear cleanings as needed.  All the resident kitties were very comfortable with our presence, and most just enjoyed their afternoon snooze. 

I was quite enamored with this little guy...

who spent most of the afternoon snoozing...

in a cubby inspired by the Koneko logo. 

Here are a few more of the cats who are waiting for their forever families to come along: 

Coffee and cats, two of my favorite things, under one roof.  The cats don't have to live in a cage waiting to get adopted, and cat lovers can get their kitty fix by giving them lots of attention and love. 

Koneko is open Monday, Wednesday through Sunday 11 am – 9 pm and is closed daily from 3 pm to 4 pm for "cat naps".  Reservations are required, and you can book your stay in hourly increments at $15 per hour here. 

Have you ever been to a cat cafe? 
Dawn

Disclosure: My travel expenses were funded by Merck Animal Health.

Photo credit: 
Cat Writers - Paula Gregg/Sweet Purrfections