Booking & Tickets
Information about bookings, tickets, rescheduling, cancellations and session details.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. We recommend booking online in advance to secure your preferred date and time. While walk-ins are welcome when space is available, sessions often book out – particularly on weekends, public holidays and school holidays. Booking online is the best way to avoid disappointment.
Can I walk in without a booking?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome if spaces are available. However, we recommend booking online in advance as availability cannot be guaranteed. If a session is fully booked, we may not be able to accommodate walk-ins visitors.
What session lengths do you offer?
We offer a variety of session lengths to suit different visitors. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick visit or planning a longer, more relaxing experience with our cats, you’ll find a range of ticket options on our Experiences & Prices page
What is included in my ticket?
Your ticket includes entry to the cat lounge for the selected session. Some ticket options also include a complimentary drink and/or cat treats. Please refer to your chosen ticket when booking to see exactly what’s included.
Can I reschedule my booking?
Yes. Bookings may be rescheduled once with at least 24 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Requests made less than 24 hours before your session will incur a rescheduling fee in accordance with our Booking Policy.
Can I cancel my booking?
Bookings are final once confirmed and cannot be cancelled for a refund. If you’re unable to attend, please contact us as early as possible and we’ll do our best to assist within the terms of our Booking Policy.
Are bookings refundable?
No. All bookings are non-refundable. We encourage guests to ensure they can attend before completing their booking. If your plans change, please refer to our rescheduling policy.
What happens if I arrive late?
Please arrive around 10 minutes before your session. Late arrivals are welcome, however your session will still finish at its scheduled end time so that the next group can begin on time.
Can I extend my session?
If availability permits, you’re welcome to speak with our team on the day about extending your visit.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes. Digital gift cards are available online and make a wonderful gift for cat lovers. They can be redeemed towards eligible bookings and experiences at Cat Café Melbourne.
During Your Visit
What to expect during your visit, cat cafe rules and interacting with our cats.
What happens during my visit?
When you arrive, our team will welcome you, check you in and explain our café rules to help keep both our guests and cats safe and comfortable. You’ll then be free to relax, enjoy your booked session and spend time with our resident cats at your own pace.
Can I pat the cats?
Absolutely! Gentle pats are encouraged if a cat is comfortable and approaches you. Every cat has a different personality, so please let them decide how they would like to interact. Respecting their boundaries helps ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Can I pick up the cats?
No. For the comfort and wellbeing of our cats, guests are not permitted to pick them up. Some cats enjoy sitting on laps or curling up beside visitors, while others prefer to interact on their own terms. Please allow them to choose how they engage with you.
Can I feed the cats?
Our cats are on carefully managed diets, so guests must not feed them their own food or treats. If your ticket includes cat treats or treats are available for purchase, our team will explain how and when they can be offered.
Why are some cats sleeping or hiding?
Cats naturally sleep for many hours each day and sometimes choose to rest in quiet spaces away from visitors. This is completely normal and is an important part of maintaining their health and wellbeing. Please allow sleeping or resting cats to remain undisturbed.
Why aren't all the cats in the lounge?
Our cats are free to move between different areas of the café and also have access to private rest spaces away from guests. Some may be exploring, playing, eating or simply enjoying a quiet break. We never require our cats to interact if they choose not to.
Can I bring my own cat?
No. To protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our resident cats, personal pets are not permitted inside the café.
Can I bring toys for the cats?
No. Our cats already have a variety of carefully selected toys that are safe and suitable for them. Outside toys are not permitted, as they may pose safety or hygiene risks.
What happens if a cat doesn't want attention?
Please respect the cat’s choice. If a cat walks away, hides or shows signs that it would like some space, simply allow it to do so. There are always other cats to meet, and many will happily approach you when they’re ready.
Can I wake a sleeping cat?
No. Our cats need plenty of uninterrupted rest throughout the day. Please never wake, chase or disturb a sleeping cat. If you’d like to interact with a cat, we recommend choosing one that is already awake and active.
Why do I need to sanitise my hands?
Hand sanitising helps protect both our cats and our visitors by reducing the spread of germs. We kindly ask all guests to sanitise their hands before entering the cat lounge and whenever requested by our team.
Children & Families
Information for visiting families. Our policies are designed to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for both our guests and our resident cats.
Is there a minimum age to visit?
Yes. Our general minimum age is 8 years old. This policy helps create a calm and relaxing environment for both our cats and our guests.
Do you ever make exceptions to the minimum age?
Occasionally. We may consider exceptions for children under 8 on a case-by-case basis. Approval must be obtained in writing before booking, and any exception is entirely at our discretion.
Does an approved child need to be supervised?
Yes. All children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times while inside the café. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring children follow our house rules and interact gently with the cats.
What happens if a child becomes upset or disruptive?
Our café is designed to be a calm environment for both people and cats. If a child becomes distressed, repeatedly runs, shouts or behaves in a way that may disturb the cats or other guests, we may ask the supervising adult to take the child outside for a short break. In some situations, we reserve the right to end the visit without a refund to protect the wellbeing of our cats and the experience of other guests.
Are prams and strollers permitted?
Space inside the cat lounge is limited, particularly during busy sessions. Small prams may be accommodated where practical, however we recommend contacting us before your visit if you plan to bring one so we can advise on the best option.
Can I bring a baby or infant?
As our general minimum age is 8 years old, babies and infants are not usually permitted in the cat lounge unless prior written approval has been granted as part of an approved exception.
Can I book a birthday celebration?
Yes! Cat Café Melbourne is a wonderful place to celebrate a birthday. We welcome birthday bookings for guests who meet our age requirements. For larger groups or special celebrations, please contact us in advance so we can discuss the best booking option.
Can I bring a birthday cake or decorations?
No. As Cat Café Melbourne is not a dining café, outside food and drinks are not permitted. Only drinks purchased from Cat Café Melbourne may be consumed inside the café, and all beverages are served in takeaway cups.
For the safety and wellbeing of our cats, decorations such as balloons, confetti, glitter, streamers, party poppers and other items that may frighten or endanger the cats are also not permitted.
If you’re celebrating a birthday or another special occasion, please let us know when making your booking. We’ll do our best to help make your visit memorable within our café guidelines.
Can families and groups stay together?
Yes. Our cat lounge is an open, shared space rather than a traditional café with assigned seating. Guests are free to move around, interact with the cats and choose where they’d like to sit throughout their visit. Many guests enjoy sitting together on the lounge seating, while others prefer the floor or different areas of the café as they spend time with the cats.
For larger groups, we’ll do our best to help you stay together where possible, but there is no fixed seating arrangement.
What if someone in our group doesn't want to enter the cat lounge?
That’s perfectly fine. Only guests with a valid booking may enter the cat lounge. Friends or family members who are not participating may wait outside the lounge where appropriate, subject to available space.
Accessibility
We’re committed to making every visit as enjoyable as possible. Here’s what you need to know before visiting if you have accessibility requirements.
Is Cat Café Melbourne wheelchair accessible?
Our venue offers limited wheelchair accessibility. The downstairs area is accessible for most wheelchair users; however, the upstairs level is only accessible via stairs.
Many of our resident cats spend time downstairs throughout the day, so guests using wheelchairs can still enjoy spending time with our cats.
If you have any questions about accessibility before your visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Are the toilets wheelchair accessible?
No. Our guest toilets are located upstairs and are only accessible via stairs. Unfortunately, we do not currently have an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
Do you accept Companion Cards?
At this time, we do not participate in the Companion Card program.
I have limited mobility. Can I still visit?
Absolutely. Many guests with limited mobility enjoy visiting our downstairs cat lounge, where they can relax and interact with our resident cats. If you have specific accessibility requirements, we encourage you to contact us before your visit so we can help you plan the best possible experience.
Can I use a walking frame or mobility aid?
Yes. Walking frames, canes and other mobility aids are welcome. If you require any assistance upon arrival, please let our team know and we’ll do our best to help.
Are assistance animals permitted?
Unfortunately, no. As Cat Cafe Melbourne is home to resident cats that roam freely throughout the premises, we are unable to accommodate assistance animals or other animals inside the venue. This policy is in place to protect the safety, welfare and comfort of both our resident cats and visiting assistance animals, and applies to all visitors.
Is there accessible parking nearby?
There are public parking options available nearby. As availability varies, we recommend allowing extra time if you require accessible parking or contacting us before your visit if you need assistance planning your arrival.
Can I contact you before booking if I have accessibility questions?
Of course. Every guest’s needs are different, and we’re always happy to answer questions before your visit. If you’re unsure whether our venue will suit your individual requirements, please contact us and our team will be happy to assist.
Our Cats
Our resident cats are at the heart of everything we do. Their health, happiness and wellbeing always come first.
Where did your cats come from?
Our cats come from a variety of backgrounds and have all been adopted into our family. They have been carefully selected for their friendly personalities and their suitability for a cat cafe environment.
Are your cats available for adoption?
No. Our resident cats are permanent members of the Cat Café Melbourne family and are not available for adoption. They receive ongoing care, enrichment and regular veterinary attention to ensure they enjoy happy, healthy lives.
Can I buy one of your cats?
No. Our cats are cherished members of the Cat Café Melbourne family and are not for sale. They are loved by our team and by the thousands of guests who visit us each year.
How many cats live at the café?
We are home to 20+ resident cats, each with their own unique personality, favourite sleeping spots and playful quirks. Every visit is different because our cats are free to choose how they spend their day.
How do you look after your cats?
The wellbeing of our cats is our highest priority. They receive high-quality nutrition, health checks, enrichment activities, plenty of rest, and daily care from our experienced team. We continually monitor each cat’s wellbeing to ensure they remain happy, healthy and comfortable.
Do the cats have access to private rest areas?
Yes. Our cats always have access to private areas away from guests whenever they wish to rest, sleep or simply enjoy some quiet time. They are free to choose whether they spend time with visitors or take a break.
Why are some cats sleeping or hiding?
Cats naturally spend many hours sleeping each day and sometimes prefer quiet places to relax. This is perfectly normal behaviour. Please allow sleeping or resting cats to remain undisturbed so they can recharge in their own time.
Why don't all of the cats come up to me?
Every cat has its own unique personality. Some are very social and will happily approach guests, while others are more independent and prefer to observe from a distance. We encourage visitors to let the cats make the first move.
Can I pick up the cats?
No. For their comfort and safety, guests are not permitted to pick up our cats. Many of our cats enjoy sitting beside visitors or on their laps when they feel comfortable, and we encourage guests to let the cats decide how they’d like to interact.
Can I wake a sleeping cat?
No. Just like people, cats need plenty of uninterrupted rest. Please never wake, chase or disturb a sleeping cat. If you’d like to interact with a cat, we recommend finding one that’s already awake and feeling playful.
What happens if a cat doesn't want attention?
We always respect our cats’ choices. If a cat walks away or chooses to rest, we simply allow it to do so. Giving our cats control over their interactions helps create a happy, low-stress environment for them.
Why don't you allow guests to carry the cats?
Our goal is to create a safe, low-stress environment where our cats always feel comfortable. Allowing the cats to choose when and how they interact with guests helps build trust, reduces stress and supports their long-term wellbeing.
Photography & Filming
Capture your memories while helping us maintain a calm and comfortable environment for our resident cats and other guests.
Can I take photos during my visit?
Absolutely! We encourage guests to take photos and capture special memories during their visit. You’re welcome to share your favourite moments on social media—we love seeing your photos and don’t forget to tag @catcafemelbourne
Can I film videos?
Yes. You’re welcome to film short videos for personal use and social media, provided it doesn’t disturb our cats or other guests.
Can I use flash photography?
No. Flash photography is not permitted, as sudden bright flashes can startle our cats and disrupt the calm atmosphere of the café.
Can I bring professional camera equipment?
We are home to 20+ resident cats, each with thSmall cameras are welcome. If you plan to bring professional photography or videography equipment, please contact us before your visit so we can discuss your requirements.
eir own unique personality, favourite sleeping spots and playful quirks. Every visit is different because our cats are free to choose how they spend their day.
Can I book a professional photoshoot?
Yes. If you’re interested in a commercial, promotional or professional photography session, please contact us before booking. We’ll be happy to discuss availability and any special requirements.
Can I use the café for commercial content creation?
Commercial photography, videography and content creation require prior approval. Please contact us before your visit so we can discuss your project and determine the most suitable booking option.
Can I photograph other guests?
Please be respectful of other visitors’ privacy. We kindly ask guests to avoid photographing or filming other people without their permission.
Can I bring a tripod or lighting equipment?
To ensure everyone’s safety and maintain a comfortable environment, tripods, light stands and large photography equipment are not permitted during normal public sessions unless prior approval has been granted.
Can I post my photos on social media?
Of course! We’d love to see your photos and videos. If you share your visit on social media, don’t forget to tag @catcafemelbourne so we can see and share your wonderful memories.
Can I livestream from the café?
Occasional livestreaming for personal use is generally fine, provided it doesn’t disturb our cats or other guests. If you’re planning a commercial livestream or extended broadcast, please contact us before your visit.
Food & Drinks
Information about the drinks we offer, outside food and beverages, and treats for our resident cats.
Do you serve meals?
No. Cat Café Melbourne is not a full-service café or restaurant. We specialise in providing a relaxing cat lounge experience, and offer a selection of drinks and cat treats packages rather than a full food menu.
What drinks are available?
We offer a limited selection of hot and cold beverages. Depending on the experience you choose, some ticket packages include a complimentary drink, while others include both a drink and cat treats.
For the full list of available experiences and what is included with each ticket, please visit our Experiences & Prices page.
Can I purchase a drink if my ticket doesn't include one?
Yes. Drinks are available for purchase during your visit, even if your ticket does not include a complimentary beverage.
Are your drinks served in takeaway cups?
Yes. All drinks are served in takeaway cups with secure lids. This helps maintain a safe, clean and hygienic environment for both our guests and our resident cats.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the café unless required for medical or dietary reasons. This policy helps maintain cleanliness and protects the wellbeing of our cats.
Why isn't outside food permitted?
Outside food may attract the cats, create unnecessary mess, or introduce foods that may be unsafe for them. Our policy helps ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Can I feed the cats my own treats?
No. Our cats are on carefully managed diets and should only receive food or treats approved by our team. Please never feed the cats your own food.
Do you sell cat treats?
Yes. Cat treats are available with selected ticket packages and may also be available for purchase. Our team will explain the correct way to offer treats so that all of our cats remain safe and healthy.
For the safety and wellbeing of our cats, decorations such as balloons, confetti, glitter, streamers, party poppers and other items that may frighten or endanger the cats are also not permitted.
If you’re celebrating a birthday or another special occasion, please let us know when making your booking. We’ll do our best to help make your visit memorable within our café guidelines.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
As we don’t operate a full kitchen or restaurant, our range of beverages is limited. If you have specific dietary requirements, please contact us before your visit and we’ll be happy to advise what options may be available.
For larger groups, we’ll do our best to help you stay together where possible, but there is no fixed seating arrangement.
Can I consume food before or after my session?
Absolutely. There are many wonderful cafés and restaurants nearby if you’d like to enjoy a meal before or after your visit to Cat Café Melbourne.
