Meow Parlour is NYC’s first cat cafe. The cat cafe is a lounge space where the common ground for the four legged felines and human visitors is to play! The cats reside and roam freely at the cafe; they are all open for adoption.
Project Name: Meow Parlour
Studio Name: Sonya Lee Architect
Photography credit: Hanna Grankvist
The non-profit organization of Meow Parlour have a wholistic program – assisting in the intake, managing a network of fostering, assessing any behaviourial or physical issues and treatments for all their residents with regular veterinary services. They tend to focus on many vulnerable cats, whether black, FIV, three-legged, or abandoned kittens. With their deep heart, there is also fun — Meow Parlour has many programs throughout the week from childrens’ play sessions to yoga with cats to hosting large educational conferences called Cat Camp.
The lounge space is divided into two main lounge spaces and is whimsical and playful, perfectly suited for cats and thier visitors to raom, explore and lounge. The front room is open with four large booths. Intertwining these booths are small portholes and shelf mazes to allow cats to peep in and out of these booths, as visitors rest, hang-out and enjoy the space. Opposite the booths is a large 10’ wall of white oak shelves, forming the letters M E O W — the shelves are a climbing wall for the cats to test their agility or for those to laze around.
The second lounge space is equally unique. A large herringbone patterned bookshelf wall provides ample display space, while also functions as a maze for the cats to climb. Alternating cubbies form a long bench for visitors to relax and enjoy the cats playing in the bookshelf. A wooden “tree” in the center of the lounge space is a focal point, where cats can climb and rest in hanging hammocks. Small dedications from donors around the world are provided as “‘leaves“ hanging on the branches.
The storefront has large blocks letters, spelling out M E O W — simultaneously functioning as signage, a playspace for the cats the snuggle in between the leters and as a countertop display. The room is dedicated for cats that need to be isolated (either for medical or social reasons).
Support rooms are provided for veterinary visits, storage and supplies. Increased ventilation is integrated into the design to ensure a healthy environment for both the resident cats and the visitors.
Accompanying all the playing in the lounge space are retail space designed with open shelving punctuated with whimsy wallcoverings. Low basecabinets provide storage and display surface for all the locally sourced, handmade cat toys, clothing and souvenirs. The cafe completes the experience of the visit – comfortable cafe seating is provided as visitors enjoy delicious onsite-baked goods and delightful beverages.
The design of Meow Parlour’s second home is playful, whimsical and supports all the great programs.
