This Is The Best Cat Coffee Shop In New York City!

A cat plays with a string toy on a wooden floor next to a pillow. A person is seated nearby with legs crossed.

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple and love cats, you need to visit the Meow Parlour—the best cat coffee shop in New York City. I’ve been there myself, spending an afternoon playing with adorable kittens, all while supporting a great cause.

Cat cafes are a growing trend, and it’s easy to see why—who wouldn’t want to enjoy a coffee break surrounded by furry friends? In this post, I’ll share why the Meow Parlour stands out, what to expect during your visit, how it works, and the special events it hosts. Trust me, it’s worth it—even if you already have cats at home!

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What Makes Meow Parlour Special?

Meow Parlour isn’t just any ordinary coffee shop—it’s NYC’s first-ever cat café, located at their new home at 43 Essex Street. With more space to accommodate adoptable kitties, Meow Parlour offers a cozy, welcoming environment where visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee while mingling with cats looking for their forever homes. Here are just a few unique features of this cat café:

  • Cat Playroom: Spend quality time in a dedicated playroom with adoptable cats. Watch them snooze in cozy nooks, climb tree perches, or chase feathered toys.
  • Gourmet Treats: Meow Parlour serves up delightful coffees, teas, lemonades, tea cakes, and cookies—perfect for pairing with cuddles.
  • Community Engagement: From “Yoga with Cats” to “Kids Hour,” Meow Parlour hosts events that bring the community together in fun, creative ways.
  • Unique Retail Finds: Discover local artisan products, cat toys, and accessories. Don’t leave without a quirky souvenir—during my visit, I couldn’t resist buying a cute enamel “Cat Person” pin that I wear every day to work!

Also see: 50+ Iconic New York City Bucket List Things To Do!

Why You’ll Love the Experience

When I visited Meow Parlour, I was instantly charmed. I sat on the floor, playing with two adorable cats—a gray tabby named Mars and a spunky calico named Medusa. The café provided cat toys, and it was so fun to see their personalities shine. Some cats lounged casually on tree perches, content to nap, while others eagerly played with visitors.

The best part? Every moment felt like it contributed to a positive cause. Meow Parlour works to find homes for their kitties, and part of your visit fee helps support their non-profit, Meow Parlour Cats, Inc. They’ve even hosted special events to fundraise for charities—like their MLK Day drawing contest, which raised over $2,800 for Pasadena Humane to help animals affected by the wildfires in the Los Angels area.

>> You can donate to the non-profit here <<

Also see: Map Of New York City Museums + Top 10 To Visit While Here!

How the Visit Works

Visiting Meow Parlour is simple, but their focus is on creating a stress-free experience for both guests and cats. Here’s how it works:

  1. Book a Reservation- Reservations are highly recommended as they limit the number of guests in the cat playroom to avoid overwhelming the kitties. Walk-ins are accepted but subject to availability.
  2. Check-In at the Café– Upon arrival, you’ll check in, and there’s a secure double-door system to ensure no sneaky paws escape. Safety first for the kitties!
  3. Order Refreshments– Grab a coffee, tea, or lemonade, along with some tea cakes or cookies from their café menu.
  4. Enjoy the Cat Playroom– Interact with the cats at your own pace. House rules ensure a safe environment:
  • Don’t wake sleeping cats (they need their beauty rest!).
  • Avoid picking up the cats. Some may come to you for snuggles, but respect their boundaries.
  • Be gentle and respectful—cats decide when (and if!) they want attention.
  • Don’t bring outside food or drinks.
  • No feeding the cats—they’re on scheduled diets.
  • Keep flash photography to a minimum to avoid scaring them.
  • Follow staff instructions to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

>> Book your reservation here <<

Also see: 10 Tips For Your 1st Time In New York- A Travel’s Guide!

Events & Special Causes

Meow Parlour offers more than just casual visits. Their “Yoga with Cats” classes combine stress relief and feline charm, while activities like “Kids Hour” bring families together in a fun, interactive way. They also host seasonal events and fundraisers, making every visit unique.

One of the most inspiring aspects of Meow Parlour is its mission to find loving homes for every cat in its care. By visiting, you’re directly supporting their efforts to provide shelter and foster care. With every latte you sip or accessory you buy, you’re contributing to a good cause.

Visit Meow Parlour’s Website to book your reservation and get ready to meet your new furry friends (and maybe even find your next pet).

Also see: My Cheap 7-Day New York Travel Budget For New Year’s Eve!

A large "MEOW" sign lights up a cozy New York City cafe, undoubtedly a stop on any bucket list. Inside, people enjoy the warm glow of bright lights hanging from the ceiling.

Final Thoughts-

After spending an afternoon playing with adorable kittens at Meow Parlour, I can confidently say it’s the best cat coffee shop in New York City. Not only does it offer a cozy space to unwind with furry friends, but it also supports a meaningful cause by helping these cats find their forever homes.

Whether you’re a local or planning your next visit to NYC, what’s your favorite way to relax around animals? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Happy exploring!

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