What is the Cat Lounge at Neko HQ?

The Cat Lounge at Neko HQ is a wonderful space to meet our cats that are up for adoption. It serves as Maneki Neko Cat Rescue's best fundraiser. We often host fun events such as bingo, trivia, information sessions, and more, with all proceeds going back to MNCR. We also have a lovely little shop on site for everything a cat lover needs! The Cat Lounge is a relaxing space where you can enjoy the company of our cats. There are lots of comfy lounges for you and the cats to choose from. We suggest you find a spot and let the cats come to you. Cats are naturally inquisitive and like to check out new people as they arrive! We also find it is a great place to pop on your headphones, listen to music or watch something on the iPad, do some knitting or craft (please don’t let the cats eat any wool), read a book (well try to, you might have some distractions) or utilise our work station area to work or study. You can even take advantage of our free wi-fi and post some selfies from the Cat Lounge! The Cat Lounge is also a great place to have a catch up with friends, hold a meeting or workshop or even have a party. Ask us about booking out the entire lounge for an event.

​Is this a Café?

No. The Cat Lounge is not a café, however you are welcome to bring food and drinks into the lounge space. We recommend The Elixir café a few doors down from us to pick up a coffee to take in with you. As much as they beg, please don’t share any outside food or drink with our cats, and we kindly ask that you take any rubbish home with you.

Do I need to make a booking?

To ensure the Cat Lounge remains cozy and comfortable for you and our cats, places are strictly limited to no more than 10 guests per 50 minute session. To guarantee a spot in the lounge we recommend that you make a booking. Walk-ins will glady be accepted, but only if space permits.

Why is there an entrance fee?

The fees that we charge go directly to Maneki Neko Cat Rescue to continue the important job of rescuing and rehoming cats, including vet work.

Can I make a donation?

We are very grateful to receive donations. Maneki Neko Cat Rescue is a registered charity and all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Click here to donate online.

Can you feature my product in the Cat Lounge?

Please email our Corporate Fundraiser at fundraising@neko.org.au to discuss partnerships of this kind.

Can I bring my own cat in?

To keep our cats, as well as your own, healthy and stress-free, we do not allow customers to bring their cats in.

How do adoptions work?

If you fall in love with a cat, let one of our Professional Cat Smoochers know. They will discuss adoption with you and help you to fill in an application. As our cats are working hard here at HQ you may be asked to collect your new family member at a later date.

Are children allowed in the Cat Lounge?

Of course! Children of all ages are allowed in the Cat Lounge, however those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and must be supervised at all times. There must be at least 1 adult for every 2 children. All participants must have a ticket. Babies and children under 4 years old are FREE.

Our Professional Cat Smoochers will be on hand to show you and your children how to interact with our cats and answer any questions they may have. The lounge is a quiet and relaxing environment so we ask that all children are quiet and respectful of the cats and their home. We advise children not to pick up the cats to avoid those pesky cat claws!

How do I book online?

1. Choose your preferred date and time on the calendar. Note that we are open Thursday's through Saturday only, all other days will be unable to be selected.
2. Enter your details in the form. We are currently asking that you provide your full name and a contact number for the purpose of covid-19 contact tracing.
3. Under the "Number of Participants" dropdown menu, choose how many tickets you want for your preferred session. Up to 10 tickets may be purchased at once, however, if you are wanting to book the lounge for a group event such as a party, please contact us via Facebook or email jade@neko.org.au.
4. Click the red "Pay Now" button to proceed to the payment page. You can pay by entering your debit card details or via PayPal. Rest assured that our website is secure.

What will my 50 minutes in the Cat Lounge be like?

It can be whatever you want it to be! Some of our guests visit the Cat Lounge because they're keen to adopt. Most of our cats are available to adopt immediately! If you are feeling really keen, please bring the adoption fee and a safe cat carrier with you, otherwise we will ask you to come back for your new family member. Other guests just want to relax and hang with some kitties! Feel free to work on your laptop, read, or sit quietly with a cat on your lap. As this is a safe and relaxing space for our cats and all our guests, we ask that you do not disturb other guests or our cats by yelling, playing music etc. Our friendly Professional Cat Smoochers will be around if you need help or advice. Please respect our time limit of 50 minutes. We need time to clean and sanitise the lounge between guests, this is particularly important in these current times of covid-19. We may kindly remind you that your time is up, but we do very much appreciate you coming! If you'd like to stay longer, please feel free to head out to the shop and purchase another ticket (space permitting).

Do you have a COVID Safety Plan?

Yes we do! To ensure the health of all guests and volunteers we have a detailed plan in place. Here are just some of the things we are doing: - On arrival you will be asked to sign in for contact tracing purposes. - We ask that you use the hand sanitiser provided. Gloves are also available. - Prior to each session the Cat Lounge is cleaned and we ask all guests to leave, prior to the entry of the next session. - All guests and volunteers are requird to wear masks in compliance with current regulations. We thank you for your understanding.