Do you live in Orlando, FL? Are you planning on visiting sometime soon? Are you a cat lover? If you answered two out of those three questions with a yes, then we highly recommend a visit to the Orlando Cat Cafe.
What is Orlando Cat Cafe?
Orlando Cat Cafe is exactly what it sounds like…a cafe that features cats, all of whom are up for adoption. The cafe serves Minch Coffee, which specializes in both traditional and specialty beverages, as well as smoothies, pastries, and blended coffees.
In addition to their partnership with Minch Coffee, the Orlando Cat Cafe has partnered with SPCA Florida, where they generously provide the cats in the cat adoption area for guests looking to hang out with the cats and fall in love with a feline friend.
Even though cat cafes can now be found in many areas across the U.S., Orlando Cat Cafe was the first of its kind to open to the public, so when you’re here, you’re seeing the blueprint of this wonderful concept up close.
How Many Cats Are Available?
On average, you’ll see 12 to 15 cats roaming freely around the Cat Play and Adoption area. Don’t worry, though, the cats are contained in a 1,000 square foot space so you don’t have to worry about any cats getting into the kitchen or areas that could be potentially dangerous for them or customers.
How Does it Work?
Guests will be required to make a reservation to specifically visit with the cats during their visit during peak periods, usually weekends. The cafe is open Monday from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Reservations open every hour, so the last reservation available each day would be 5:00 p.m.
A visit with the cats is $8 per guest and you will be allowed to interact with them for one hour. If you order food at the cafe, you’ll be asked to pay your admission at the time of check out. This food is allowed to be brought into the cat play area, however, you will not be allowed to give the cats any of your food.
Once you’re inside, they recommend letting the cats come to you. You can pet them and learn more about them by consulting a staff member who can let you in on their personality quirks and traits.
What if You Want to Adopt One?
If you fall in love with a cat during your visit and want to adopt them, the team at Orlando Cat Cafe recommends you bring each family member in to visit with them to make sure everyone gets along. While the staff may do their best to learn each cat’s history, sometimes, it’s impossible to know everything. That applies to the adoption of any animal.
When you’re ready, you’ll fill out the “Getting to Know You” form at the cafe, as well as their adoption application. Once completed, a team member will review them. During the review process, you will need to bring your photo ID to prove you are 18 years or older. You will also need to bring veterinary records if you have other pets, contact information for your landlord to ensure you can have a cat, as well as two personal references.
Like a traditional shelter, an application does not guarantee that you’ll get the cat you want if it already has a pending application or the team determines another family is a better fit for that particular cat.
How Much do the Cats Cost?
The adoption rate for kittens who are less than six months old is $150, whereas cats from six months to two years old cost $125. Cats, two years and older, cost $100. However, depending on the species of cat, the adoption rate could go as high as $400.
Are All the Cats Fixed and Up to Date on Shots?
Yes and yes. All adoptable cats are fixed and up to date with their vaccines, including vaccines for feline distemper, calicivirus, rabies, and rhinotracheitis. Furthermore, all the cats are dewormed, microchipped in the event of an escape, and given flea medicine.
What if You Don’t Want to Visit With the Cats?
If you don’t want to visit with the cats, no problem. As mentioned earlier, the cats and the cafe are in separate areas, so you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the cats from afar.
Can My Kids Visit with the Cats by Themselves, While I Hang Out in the Cafe?
If they’ve over 12 years old, yes. If not, then no. This is because young children tend to get very excited when meeting with the cats and may not have mastered impulse control yet. This can cause them to get a little overzealous with the cats, which may frighten them. Likewise, if your child has a negative interaction with a frightened or anxious cat, it can cause them to become fearful of cats moving forward.
It’s for this reason that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult if they want to visit and play with the cats.
If a situation gets out of hand or if the rules are not being followed, staff do reserve the right to ask families to leave and return at another date.
Where is the Orlando Cat Cafe Located?
The Orlando Cat Cafe is located at 532 Cagan Park Ave, Clermont, FL 34714. They can be reached via phone at 352-989-4820.
Have You Been to the Orlando Cat Cafe?
Have you visited the Orlando Cat Cafe? If so, what was your experience like? This is the perfect outing for cat lovers and their friends or families. While you may only be going out for some coffee, you may fall in love with a cat in need of a loving home.
If you want to help the Orlando Cat Cafe, you can volunteer or donate. Or, if you’re a local business owner, you could partner up with them. Learn more about this initiative here.