New York City’s first cat café: a modern cafe lounge where kitties roam freely, awaiting adoption. Integrated seating and displays are thoughtfully detailed throughout. Proudly exclaiming in the storefront M E O W, large block letters allow cats to nestle in between each letter and do what New Yorker's do best: people watching!
The lounge space is defined by various seating configurations, creating a depth to the 800sf space. Tall counter seating is supported by a vertical maze for the cats to play hide and seek, as their visitors sip their coffees. Low hexagonal tables with lasercut acrylic tops have cat head entries to beds, optimal for a quick cat nap. An animated display wall along the main space serves as seating for visitors, storage and a playful maze for the cats, while providing a 3-dimensional graphic to anchor the space. Details throughout were carefully considered to create a comfortable, whimsy environment for both visitors and cats.
The success of the space has led to nearly 100 adoptions, supported by their nonprofit, Kitty Kind, while embracing the idea that good design can shape how we interact with each other and animals!
Designed by Sonya Lee Architect
Photos by Christa Hamilton Photography
