Lola on the Road: Rahway Kitty Hall (Rahway, NJ) | Lola The Rescued Cat
Monday, June 25, 2018

Lola on the Road: Rahway Kitty Hall (Rahway, NJ)

Welcome to the third post in our series “Lola on the Road”. Throughout the summer I’ll be visiting several cat cafes and sharing my experiences with our readers. Coffee and cats; two of my favorite things! If you missed the last installment in the series, you can read about Brooklyn Cat Cafe here.

Today I’m happy to share a wonderful cafe with you, Rahway Kitty Hall in Rahway, NJ. 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


I took a lot of photos when I was there! My boyfriend and I spent over two hours chatting with the folks at the cafe and playing with the cats. One of the reasons it has taken me so long to put this post together is because of how many photos I had to go through to choose which ones would be included. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

When my boyfriend and I arrived, we were welcomed with open arms. (I was so excited that they were excited I was coming!) 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


Rahway Kitty Hall (which opened in April 2017 and is staffed with all volunteers) is the first cat cafe in New Jersey. It is situated in a storefront, which allows for lots of exciting people and car watching. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


Rahway Kitty Hall was built on the inspiration owner Kristin Barber got from visiting other cat cafes. After seeing Meow Parlour in Manhattan, she knew this was something she wanted to do. Kristin wanted to set up an environment where visitors could see what the resident cats would be like in a living room setting, complete with a TV. Thanks to the Rahway Development Committee, who assisted Kristin with research (and who wanted the cafe in town as much as she did), her vision became a reality. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

I really loved everything about the cafe, especially the decor! The space, a former tattoo parlor, needed a total overhaul when Kristin took over. She and her mom, Carole,  did a fantastic job choosing the color scheme and decorating the space to be a cat lovers' bliss while her boyfriend built all of the ramps and the wall furniture. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

The cafe is bright and inviting, with plenty of catification for the cats to enjoy.


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road



















It's very comfortable and pleasant, which I think is a great way for the cats to become accustomed to living in a home-like environment. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
How cute are the wall decals?



There are several areas where visitors can sit comfortably and enjoy time with the cats. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

There is no shortage of toys, that's for sure. Speedie made sure he protected one of the toy boxes....


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

...while his brother, Rider, had fun playing with some visitors. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

The brothers are a bonded pair and need to go to their forever home together. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

There are two playpens in the cafe, complete with a litter box and a comfy space to sleep. The playpens are used to house new arrivals until they are acclimated, or for a space for resident cats to go for a time out when things get too stimulating. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

Buddy needed a little break from all of the excitement when we were there. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

When we first arrived, Chris and Carole greeted us and started telling us about the cafe. When Kristin arrived (she had been at the vet with her own pets), Buddy immediately responded to her presence. He started meowing loudly to get her attention and to let her know his time out was over and that he wanted to see her. The cats are definitely fond of her. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


Kristin told me about one cat in particular who she noticed was limping, so she brought him home with her. When she got him home he was fine so she brought him back to the cafe. Interestingly enough this kept happening - this smart cat knew where he wanted to be! 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

When you enter the cafe you step into a vestibule where you can either remove your shoes or put disposable booties over them. We were greeted by this beauty, Scarlett. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

On the wall there is a collage of cats who have already found their forever home. To date, RKH has found forever homes for 33 cats. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

The maximum number of cats at one time in the cafe is ten. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Mittens


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Sierra



rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Gordy



rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Georgia - who definitely had tortitude!

Kristen, who is a full-time school teacher, and her mom have been helping cats since she was a child. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

This is Hillary, who was adopted by one of the weekly Cats and Mats participants.
 Once her new family has moved and is settled, Hillary will be going home. 


























Together they built houses outside for the strays before feral cat shelters became popular. She is dedicated to the well-being of the cats and will stop in on her way to work in the morning to care for them.


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

All of the cats at the cafe are adoptable and come from Angel PAWS (a free roaming shelter) in Colonia, NJ. Angel Paws pulls cats from high kill shelters to help ensure more find their forever homes. Before coming to the cafe the cats go to a foster for two weeks to get them used to being around people. When one cat is adopted another takes its place to ensure there are always ten in house.  Kristin, who has four cats and a dog, told me the greatest joy the cafe brings her is seeing cats being pulled from high kill shelters and being adopted. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


All of the cats were very comfortable in their surroundings, looked very well cared for, and were happy to interact and play with the visitors. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
My boyfriend and Sierra (who just found her forever family!)

Food is not prepared in the cafe, but the volunteers will purchase soft drinks or coffee for you from a restaurant next door. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

There are snacks for the kitties, though. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

Looks like Rider is waiting for some!

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

On Sunday mornings the cats enjoy participating in Cats and Mats, a weekly yoga class with community members. The instructor of the class is a volunteer for Angel Paws. I've never done yoga with cats, but I can pretty much guarantee that I'd just be lying on the mat petting the cats! 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Georgia loved posing for the camera and aced the head tilt.

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Franklin

There are two areas that pay homage to previous cats. Here is the first graduating class of Rahway Kitty Hall. What a cute idea! 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

The second is in memory of a cat what was very special to the cafe, Dusty. 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

Dusty made his journey to the Rainbow Bridge, but not before he made his pawprints on the hearts of everyone at the cafe. 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

The cats are always under watchful eyes during visiting hours to ensure their safety.

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

And the volunteers are knowledgeable about each cat and their needs, likes and dislikes. They genuinely care about their well-being and safety. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Scarlett found something interesting on the cat steps. 


Rahway Kitty Hall is located at 209 W. Main Street in Rahway, NJ.

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


Business hours are: 

Sunday:        11am – 6pm
Monday:        4pm – 8pm
Tuesday:       6pm – 9pm
Wednesday:  CLOSED
Thursday:     4pm – 8pm
Friday:          4pm – 8pm
Saturday:     1pm – 7pm


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

Children under 5 years of age will not be admitted.  All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.  The ratio is 1 parent/guardian to 2 children.

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

The cost is $10 per hour and you can make reservations here. You can extend your time past the hour if you want more time with the cats, room permitting. 


rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
I agree! 


E-gift cards are available for purchase in denominations of $10 - $50, or a customized amount. This would make a great gift for someone who likes to frequent the cafe, or for someone you know you could use a little stress relief.

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

I'd like to extend a big thank you to Kristin, Carole, and Chris for being so welcoming and accommodating. I appreciate the time you spent speaking with me. You help make the world a better place for cats, and you show people that a little bit of kindness can mean the world to a cat. 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

If you'd like to help Rahway Kitty Hall, they can always use donations of: 
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Toilet paper
  • White kitchen garbage bags
  • Laundry detergent
  • Liquid hand soap
  • Canned cat food: Fancy Feast or Friskies
  • Lint Rollers
You can also donate to Angel PAWS here. Or you can attend a Cats with Mats (yoga and cats) class. Classes are $20 each you can get five pack for $80. 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road


My boyfriend and I had a wonderful time at Rahway Kitty Hall and I can't wait to go back. The atmosphere is so peaceful, and it's so nice to see how the cats are treated with respect. 

When I told Kristin I wanted to purchase some shirts and a few other things for a surprise I have for my readers, she was extremely generous and gave each of us a shirt plus one for my surprise, as well as magnets and stickers. Thank you! 



Here are a few more photos for your viewing pleasure: 

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road
Georgia is quite the poser!

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

rahway kitty hall|cat cafe|lola on the road

Don't forget to follow Rahway Kitty Hall and the cats on social media. 


                             Facebook      |       Instagram


Stay tuned for the next installment in our Cat Cafe series as Lola The Rescued Cat goes on the road. The next cafe to be featured will be El Gato Coffee House in Houston, TX. 

Have you ever been to a cat cafe? Tell us about your experiences! What do you think of this series? 

Dawn

Would you like to comment?

  1. Wow, what an awesome cat cafe! My human has done cat yoga at a cat cafe near us, and it is really fun!

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  2. So many sweeties but they sure have done it up right for them!

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  3. Oh what a great idea to visit. This looks very homey and lived in. Have you seen my cat cafe directory?

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  4. L & L....manee thanx for de road toor two day...we N joyed thiz post veree much ...thiz cafe total lee ROCKS !!!!! high pawz two ewe Kristin....yur cafez de catz meow :) we wish everee one best best best fishez in findin yur for everz home yet thiz month ~~~~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥

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  5. Thanks for the tour of Rahway Kitty Hall. It looks like a pretty great place for the kitties in residence. Mom has yet not been able to visit a cat cafe and really wants to do so. She says that she'll live vicariously through Mom Dawn. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer

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  6. What a pawsome cat cafe! We think this has to be the best decorated one we've ever seen. Not that it matters to the cats...but there are lots of cool things for all the cats to use.

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  7. I am so jealous that you're getting to visit all this pawsome cat cafes!!! This is one I hadn't heard of and I'm completely in love. Georgia is breathtaking, and the tribute to Dusty is so beautiful. That Dr Seuss is one of my favorites, and so appropriate in remembering our fur babies.

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  8. What an amazing place filled with wonderful cats! And that's some of the best cat decor and art I have ever seen!!

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  9. I want to go there. I hope all these beauties get their forever homes soon.

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  10. I loved every word and every picture! I dd the last one you did before this one. What a pleasure and thank you for doing this.

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  11. I just love this cat cafe! I can see why you took so many photos. It's wonderpurr! I got teary over Dusty not getting his forever home, but I guess if he got a Tribute, then he was indeed Home. Thank you so much for this tour. I look forward to seeing the Houston cafe. Purrs!

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  12. Amazing photos! I can't get over the awesome catification! I'm not sure I could've left alone ;)

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  13. This looks like such a great place for the little ones to hang out at. There is so much there for them to do and have fun with their friends. Thanks for sharing the photos. It really looks beautiful there. Have a great day.
    World of Animals

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  14. This is a fantastic post of an adorable cat cafe!!! I loved every photo you took. I like the idea of the playpens for the new arrivals. The cafe is just so cute! You can really tell that Kristin and her team truly care about the cats and put so much time and effort into making the place not only super cute, but also a great temporary home for the cats. I think this one is my favorite in your series so far!

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  15. What a wonderful cat cafe! I love the way it is catified. Thank you for sharing about your visit. We would love to go there some day. :)

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  16. What a fabulous article, and the pictures are amazing too! I'm looking forward to reading about the next cat cafe you visit. I would love to spend a few hours in one, but I can't imagine how hard it would be to drag me out of there...certainly not empty handed. I had cats way before I ever had a dog and I love them!!

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  17. I feel like I just had a wonderful visit to this gorgeous place. The pictures are stunning, and I can see the love for the kitties in all the decor.

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  18. So much fun! We have a bar for dogs near us.... now if only we could make world peace and have a cat/dog bar ~Dear Mishu

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  19. WOW what an amazing place, so clean but has so much for them I just love the decor and feel this is one of the best ways to get cats adopted. Am loving that you are sharing your visits with us as it is an eye opener in so many ways

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  20. What a beautiful and special place this is! It looks like kitty heaven, they did not miss a trick when tricking out this place for cats. Wonderful photos, you did a great job showing how wonderful these beautiful cats and their temporary home are.
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  21. I love that cat cafes are becoming a thing for so many reasons. The first reason is it's a great way for cats to become adopted to people who presumably know a bit about what they're getting into - or they wouldn't be seeking out a cat café.

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  22. That place looks and sounds so amazing. Typically, I'd say it makes me wish I had a cat. But this time it makes me wish I WAS a cat ;-)

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  23. Oh Miss Dawn, that was a treat for the eyes and ears to hear about that cat cafe and see all your pictures! It purr-leased me so-o to see how much work Miss Kristin and her volunteers have put into it to cater to the resident pussycats. The kitty cat pillows, curtains and wall paintings - MEOW! And the kitties get to watch bird TV and the moving picture box, too! I can't wait to hear about the next cafe on your visit! Purrs and hugs!

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  24. So cool! I never heard of a cat cafe before. I love the photos! It's great that people can see cats in need of rescue in a homey environment.

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  25. Wow, what an awesome place for our feline friends. Kudos to you for all of the wonderful pictures. You really took some great ones. Thanks so much for sharing

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  26. What a fabulous cat cafe. They have decorated it so well and such a great way to help cats get adopted. I only know of one in Toronto now and I don't think they do yoga. There was another similar near me run by a mother daughter and Purina PawsWay but both closed sadly as real estate is so expensive.

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  27. I have never been to a cat cafe, but I'd like to go to one! The decor is so cute and I love the logo too. It seems like a great way to help cats find their new homes!

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  28. What a wonderful cat cafe! We used to have one here not too far from us, but they unfortunately closed down. :( I love all the cat FURniture! :)

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  29. What a nice cat cafe! I wish you could come visit me in SC and go to our new cat cafe.

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  30. This is such an epic place, I absolutely love it and yep, the kitty parkour allows cats to navigate to safe spots out of the reach of humans if they need a break!

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