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Frequently asked questions about cat lounges/cafes

What is a cat cafe, anyway?

  • A cat cafe/lounge is a place for people and rescue cats to enjoy each other's company in a comfortable and fun atmosphere where these curious animals have plenty of room to play, roam and socialize. We are grateful to be able to provide a temporary, loving home for them without cages. What a great place for students away from home who miss their pets or people living in a retirement home to come spend time with cats!

  • Cat cafes are the future of pet adoption, providing a less stressful experience to cats in need of a permanent home and to people looking to adopt a rescue cat without going to a shelter. We partner with local cat rescues to foster cats available for adoption if you find your purrfect match!

What a cat cafe is not: ​

  • Not a rescue--we cannot accept any outside cats for adoption and respectfully request you contact a local cat rescue or humane society if you have a cat you cannot keep

  • Not a playground nor a petting zoo--some cats may choose to sleep or hide during your visit, and we all need to respect their space

How much does a visit in the Cat Lounge cost and why is there a fee to see the cats?

  • It's free to enter the retail area and view the cats through the windows.

  • The $15 entry fee for a 50-minute visit in the cat lounge helps cover the cost of providing this space for people to visit and for cats as a temporary home until they are adopted. 

  • All proceeds from the entry fees and sales of drinks/snacks and merchandise go to support the cause of helping rescue cats.

Can I bring my children? What about a cat from home or the neighborhood?

  • Children ages 8 and up are welcome to visit the cats in the Cat Lounge. A parent or legal guardian must present a current government-issued photo ID and sign a waiver for children under 18; one adult must accompany every 2 minors.

  • No outside animals are allowed at Eugene Springfield Cat Lounge due to the nature of our business. We cannot take in surrendered pets, stray cats, or cats/kittens that need to be rehomed as we are not an animal rescue. Please contact any of the several excellent local animal rescues in Lane County if you have a pet you cannot keep or have a concern about a homeless cat(s).

What are the benefits of a cat cafe, and where do the cats come from?

  • They free up space at local animal shelters, help socialize foster cats, speed up adoption placements, and reduce the number of cats that are euthanized each year. ​Individuals who may be reluctant to visit a shelter can start the adoption process at a cat cafe.

  • All of the cats are in foster care from a local rescue, Cat Rescue and Adoption Network (CRAN). All the cats in the Cat Lounge have had veterinary examinations, have been vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and treated for any previous medical issues.

What if I'm not interested in adopting a cat?

  • That's fine! Our space is for anyone to visit, not only those looking to adopt a cat.​

Mission, Vision, and Values

  • Our mission is to create a fun place for people to relax and enjoy the many benefits of being around cats, to help cats in need find a loving home, and to provide a space for people to spend time with cats if they can’t have one in their home.​

  • Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for the purpose of improving the well-being of people and cats in our community.

  • Our values are: fun, relaxation, joy, feline companionship, innovation, compassion, integrity, relationships. Laugh, smile, slow down, meditate.

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Your Cat Lounge Team

About the Owner

Why did you decide to open a Cat Lounge?

Dr. Michelle Wyatt was educated and trained as a physician in Chicago and practiced Primary Care Internal Medicine for 27 years in Oregon. She completed educational courses in small business and opened a solo "ideal medical practice" in Eugene in 2010 (that included an office dog), retired from clinical care in 2021, then worked as an academic medical editor. Having owned and loved cats since 1988 when she got her first kitten from a local rescue in Illinois, and after visiting a few Cat Cafes over several years in San Francisco, San Diego, and the Seattle area, Michelle decided to start her own small business once again. She created the concept of Eugene Springfield Cat Lounge which officially opened to the public at the end of January 2024.

Favorite cat: Marley

Meet the Staff

Who are the Cat Lounge attendants?

  • Sam is an artist, writer, and cat person who dotes on her floofy cat Cosmo. She's currently establishing a startup to help local artists participate in fun and unique shows across the Eugene/Springfield area. Instagram @sam.spayde for cool art and future show updates! Message for interest in joining their shows:) Favorite cat: Harris​

  • Madison spends her time studying astrology, making music, and playing with her adorable cat, Norma. She is a hard worker with a special love for all of our kitties and takes great care of them and the lounge. Favorite Cat: Tuck​

  • Gayl is retired from a variety of jobs including QA, lab tech, retail manager, & administrative and tech support. She enjoys going to the gym and learning new perspectives and ways of seeing, understanding, and learning. Currently unable to have a cat companion at home, she enjoys helping out at the Cat Lounge and Felines Fairygodmother Rescue. Favorite cat: Lenny

  • ​Gabe enjoys backpacking, running, whitewater rafting, and anything outdoors. He likes spending time with his elderly cat, Able, and his crazy dog Leela. Favorite cat: Brutus

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