Picking out a cat that is a good fit can sometimes be an unsure process. Animals in shelters can often be under a lot of stress and it can be hard to understand their temperaments. The true personality of a cat doesn’t emerge until the cat is in a low stress environment.
Cat adoption cafés, also known as cat adoption lounges, are emerging as a more pleasant atmosphere for getting to know cats that are available for adoption. Visiting cat adoption cafés is also a fun and noncommittal way to get your “cat fix” without the responsibility of adopting a cat.
We paid a visit to a cat adoption lounge in San Jose, California known as the Dancing Cat. The adoption lounge is run by the Karma Cat Rescue, a non-profit organization that helps to adopt out rescued cats in the area.
For a nominal fee ($10 per person), the Dancing Cat allows visitors one hour of cat-filled time. Adults and children older than five years of age are welcome.
When we entered the foyer, we first sanitized our hands. A friendly volunteered welcomed us into the main space which is a very bright and large room. She explained about the cat lounge, the cats available for adoption within the space, and the brief rules (no picking up cats and be calm around them).
After the small introduction, we were free to enjoy our cat time at the lounge. About 10-15 cats are usually in the lounge at any given time.
Cats at the Dancing Cat lounge are cage free and have free access to the entire space as a well as a more quiet back room which houses beds for the cats. The lounge was remarkably clean and odor free.
The lounge is set up to strike a balance between providing the cats with a safe and fun environment while allowing potential adopters the chance to meet and spend time with the cats.
Lots of places for cats to play and hang out
All of the cats in the lounge were very social and seemed happy to hang out and play with the visitors.
Lots of toys were on hand for the cats to play with. Baskets contained wand toys that visitors could use to play with the cats.
After all, what cat can resist the lure of a cat wand dangling near it?
The cats enjoyed playing in and around a cat tunnel on the floor.
An orange tabby relaxes on a bench after a fun play session.
Sit on the couch, and you might be joined by a cat.
Sunny windows for cats to watch from
There were plenty of windows to let in natural light while also allowing the cats to what’s going on in the outside world. This torbie cat was excited to watch some volunteers bringing a donation of canned cat food to the lounge.
She might just be licking her lips in anticipation of all that food.
Watching the action from up on a cat shelf
There were cat shelfs along the wall which gave cats a place to get up above the action if they wanted to get away from other cats and humans.
Places for cats to rest
Cats also could be found resting behind the drapes where this orange tabby found some sun to enjoy.
This torbie took a break from the action inside a cat shelter.
Places for cat refreshment
After some play time, this orange tabby needed refreshment.
Pots of cat grass on the table provided a place to have a nibble.
Visit a cat lounge in your area
Since the focus of the Dancing Cat lounge is to adopt out adult cats, most of the cats available for adoption were fully grown although there was a bonded six-month old pair in the room as well. The organization has even more adoptable cats in its network that are with foster families.
In the San Jose area? Visit the the Dancing Cat for more information on their hours and how to book a reservation for a visit.
If you’re not in the San Jose area, search for “cat adoption lounge” to find one closer to you.
