There are many places to see animals in Indy, but none are anything like this place! As a life-long cat lover, I’m so excited to share that the Indianapolis area is home to the one and only, Cat Cafe! Located in Fountain Square (1315 Shelby Street, Indianapolis 46203), Nine Lives Cat Café is Indy’s first cat lounge. Make a reservation today!
Nine Lives Cat Cafe in Indianapolis
The owners of the cafe have created an amazing space to visit and play with cats while enjoying a cup of coffee, tea or small pastry treat. As you walk in the space is divided into two long rooms: one is the cafe area and the other is the cat lounge. Visitors are permitted to bring their drinks and treats into the cat area but no cats are permitted in the cafe. There are double doors that connect the two spaces.
What You Need to Know About the Cat Cafe
It is highly recommended to get an hour-long reservation, especially during peak school holiday times. Walk-ins are available based on space. The cost is $8.50 per person, $10 on weekends, including children that walk but not infants in a carrier or stroller. This would be a fantastic place to visit on a rainy day.
Strollers are welcome, space permitting. All of the cats are available for rescue, at different costs. If you choose to rescue a cat that day, the $5 cost is removed from the fee.
Nine Lives Cat Cafe with Kids
I took my 5-year-old and 8-year-old this for an afternoon appointment on a Saturday and we couldn’t be more thrilled with this place! There were 8 cats, 5 of which were out in the mingling space. There is an area in the back for the cats to go if they need a break from being played with. As is pretty typical for the afternoon, most of the cats were snoozing but the kids didn’t seem to mind at all; they could hardly contain their joy to simply pet the sleeping cats! A couple of the cats did get pretty frisky after their naps and loved playing with all the visitors!
Is it safe for my little ones to visit and play with the cats?
Yes, absolutely! The cats are carefully screened and selected from the Indianapolis Humane Society to make sure they are able to handle a group of kids and adults alike. The cat lounge is also staffed by 2 trained “cat caretakers” who are there to take your questions and provide any assistance. All visitors are expected to be respectful of the cats and also need to sign a liability waver upon entering the lounge. It never gets too crowded either, as the maximum amount of individuals permitted in the lounge at one time is 12.
What ages are appropriate to visit the cats?
Lily at age 5 was the youngest there on the day we visited but she is old enough to be respectful of the rules, which are posted outside the lounge. Children ages 2-5 might require more parental attention, but as the parent, you know your children best and can decide if they are at an appropriate age to visit.
All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the lounge. We’ve been told that they’ve hosted the occasional Indianapolis area children’s birthday party! There must be at least one adult for every three children under the age of 12.
For safety of the cats and people alike, the cafe requests a ratio of 3 kids to one adult.
For more detailed information check out the official Nine Lives FAQ page. Also check out their Facebook page for the most up to date information. While you’re in the area, visit the home decor boutique created by HGTV stars. Two Chicks District Co. is great for shopping and a refreshment in the bistro.
For more indoor places to play in Indy, check out our list.
Address
Nine Lives Cat Cafe
Indianapolis
IN
46203
Visit Nine Lives Cat Cafe | Indianapolis