The best cat cafés in Melbourne

Cuddle up to a kitty at one of Melbourne's OG cat cafés. Bookings are taken for hour-long visits starting at $13 a head, and you can add on drinks, cat treats, snacks and toys for an additional cost. Unfortunately, Australia is a total killjoy on the health and safety front, so the café can only serve up pre-packaged foods (chips, chocolate bars, biscuits), and low-risk drinks (soft drinks, tea, instant coffee and hot chocolate with powdered milk). 

The cats that call this café home have all been adopted from shelters around Melbourne, and the café also regularly posts about other shelter cats (who don't call the café home) who are in need of a home. Children under eight years aren't permitted.

There are more than 25 cats and kittens to be found at Cashmere Cat Café. Also based in the CBD, it's open from noon every day. Book in a one-hour session with a soft drink for $19, or go for a day pass for six hours priced at $60 per person. Students can receive a discounted day pass at $45. Simply bring yourself and nuzzle up to a furry four-legged friend.

Enter this shelter's whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed lounge space where the cats live until they find their forever homes. It's open daily from 10am to 5pm, so swing by to sit and enjoy a nice cuppa, give the purring kitties a little cuddle and, if you're looking to expand your family, pick one to bring home with you. The area will be staffed by friendly volunteers who can answer all of your questions, and occasionally there are movie nights where you can catch a flick with a warm fur friend in your lap.