A Visit to Koneko Cat Cafe in NYC With CWA Members | Lola The Rescued Cat
Friday, October 14, 2016

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! 


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA
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. 


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA


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. 


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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 


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA


and an outdoor area. 


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA


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. 


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA
Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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. 


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA


I was quite enamored with this little guy...


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

who spent most of the afternoon snoozing...


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

in a cubby inspired by the Koneko logo. 

Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA

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


Koneko Cat Cafe|BlogPurr|Merck|CWA


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

Would you like to comment?

  1. Can you believe my human has yet to visit a cat cafe? This one looks awesome! There is one open in L.A. now, so she may go there soon.

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  2. LOVE the idea of these cafes. so many people say "I can't walk into a shelter" and this gives them such a better idea of cats relaxed in a home type environment. and so love the catio!

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  3. I love your pictures and am so jealous. I have yet to go to a cat cafe! But they did just open one sort of close to me, so I will be heading there soon!

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  4. This looks like a great place. Better than the Meow Parlour in NYC, I have been there.

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  5. Oh those are so adorable. What purrecious kitties. Looks like a good time was had by all. Wish we coulda been there. Hope you have a great weekend.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  6. Such a fun time and what a wonderful group of cat writers!

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  7. Claire so wishes she could be there with you ! It looks like you all had great time in that wonderful place ! Purrs

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  8. They are all so adorable and do look very happy & content. It's wonderful that they get to not be in cages. The deck is amazing! I hope to go the next time I'm in NYC. I'm glad to know about the reservations.

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  9. ~~~~~~~~ waves two ewe all....we hope by de time ewe reed thiz each oh ewe iz headed two yur new for everz !!! de best oh fishes two everee one....

    thanx two yur mom L & L for sharin thiz post with de food serviss gurl..... we N joyed reedin this post two her ☺☺☺...

    we due knot haza cat cafe in trout towne less ya talk bout goin in two de kitshun N that reel lee doez knot count huh !!

    heerz two a pineapple fish kinda week oh end ~~~~~~~ ♥♥♥

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  10. It looks like a wonderful place. So nice for them to be able to move around freely with no cages.

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  11. What a pawsome place...for the kitties and the humans!

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  12. What an incredible place! I am absolutely desperate to visit a cat cafe!!!

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  13. An amazing group of women! And a neat place for cats until they find their forever homes :)

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  14. First, thank you so very much for the visit. And now I want to say WJAT a CatCafe! I loved this depiction and so does mommy. xo

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  15. Wow, Koneko Cat Cafe looks fabulous! We totally want to visit now!

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  16. I think animal shelters should have something like this to promote adoptions for all animals. They could join forces with current cat cafe's or dog cafe's or other pets or the could set up their own areas at the shelters themselves. They could pick up a profit on the food and drink and promote the animals too. This is such a wonderful idea to help animals find homes.

    In my neighborhood their are dog cafe's or taverns but they are mostly promoted as bring your own dog to socialize. They need to up the ante and help find homes for shelter dogs as well!

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  17. The head peep didn't appreciate how awesome and spacious Koneko was until she visited the new cat cafe that opened here. Koneko is huge! (How often do you hear that said about something in Manhattan compared to the same thing elsewhere?) It is also a great way to promote adoptable animals to people who would never set foot in a shelter or even a regular adoption event.

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Thank you for your comment! We love meowing with you!