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Whiskers + Whimsy: A Visit to the New Meow Parlour, NYC’s First Cat Cafe

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As New York City’s inaugural cat cafe that launched nine years ago, Meow Parlour isn’t just a trendy spot for feline fanatics; it’s a haven dedicated to the well-being and adoption of its furry residents. Now in a new location on the Lower East Side of Manhattan designed by Sonya Lee Architect, the Meow Parlour offers a sanctuary where cats and humans come together to play, relax, and form lasting bonds.

A person sits at a wooden booth with multiple cats inside a cat cafe. The booth is designed to resemble a small house, and cats occupy various shelves and the floor.

At the core of Meow Parlour is its mission to care for vulnerable cats. This non-profit organization provides a holistic approach to feline welfare. From intake and fostering to addressing behavioral and physical issues, every cat at receives comprehensive care. Their residents range from those with medical needs, including FIV-positive and diabetic felines, to those harder to adopt out, like black cats, three-legged wonders, and seniors, each finding a safe and loving environment within the cafe’s walls.

A modern cat café with wooden furniture, wall-mounted shelves, and playful cat illustrations on the back wall labeled "Meow Parlour." Several cats are seen throughout the space.

Meow Parlour’s design is a whimsical wonderland, perfectly tailored for both cats and their human visitors. The lounge area is divided into two main sections, each brimming with charm and creativity. The front room features four large booths, connected by a network of portholes and shelf mazes. This setup allows cats to dart in and out, providing endless entertainment for visitors as they relax and enjoy the playful antics around them.

Cats explore a room featuring large wooden shelves shaped as the word "MEOW," with several stools and cat-themed decorations on the floor.

Dominating one wall of the front lounge is a 10-foot-high climbing structure formed by white oak shelves spelling out “MEOW.” This cat-friendly installation serves as both an agility test and a lazy lounging spot for the cafe’s feline inhabitants.

A modern room with wooden furniture designed for cats, featuring climbing structures, a cat tree, and several cats playing and lounging.

A group of cats interact with a large, wooden, tree-like climbing structure and other play equipment in a brightly lit room. One cat is on a skateboard. Several cats rest and play at different levels.

The second lounge space continues the whimsical theme with a large herringbone-patterned bookshelf wall. This multifunctional installation not only displays books and cat-related paraphernalia but also doubles as a climbing maze for the cats. Visitors can sit on alternating cubby benches, watching the cats frolic above and around them.

A cat walks past a wooden tree structure with various hanging baskets in a well-lit, modern indoor space with wooden flooring and shelves in the background.

A wooden “tree” stands at the center of the second lounge, its branches adorned with donor dedication leaves from supporters around the globe. This tree provides yet another climbing and resting spot for the cats, complete with hanging hammocks where they can lounge and observe the busy cafe below.

A room with several cats using various modern cat climbing structures, including tall scratching posts and circular wall-mounted pods. A small skateboard and a feeding device are on the floor.

Wall-mounted wooden cylindrical shelves with circular openings, arranged artistically, each containing a cushion or pillow.

Beyond its thoughtful, cat-inspired design, Meow Parlour offers a variety of programs throughout the week, from children’s play sessions and yoga with cats to large educational conferences like Cat Camp.

Three black and white cats and an orange cat explore a wooden shelving unit holding books, cat-themed decor, and toys.

A wooden bookshelf setup with compartments, some containing books and decor items, while several cats climb and explore the rest of the shelves.

Supporting the main lounges are rooms for veterinary visits, storage, and supplies. Enhanced ventilation systems ensure a healthy environment for both the cats and their two-legged visitors.

An orange and white cat is resting on a plush donut-shaped bed atop a wooden surface. Books and other items are visible on the shelves in the background.

Close-up of a curious orange and white kitten with large ears, staring directly at the camera. The background features wooden shelves.

Entryway with wooden shelving for shoes and coats, featuring jackets, shirts, and various footwear. A framed "House Rules" sign is displayed on an adjacent wall.

A store display shelf filled with colorful items including hats, mugs, fabrics, toys, and stationery, organized in baskets and on surfaces. Brightly lit with natural light from a window on the left.

No visit is complete without a trip to their retail space. Open shelves and playful wallcoverings showcase a variety of locally sourced, handmade cat toys, clothing, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy delicious baked goods and beverages, all while seated in a cozy cafe area designed for comfort and relaxation.

A retail store display with shelves showcasing various cat-themed merchandise, including plush toys, hats, stickers, and notebooks. A counter with a cash register and more items is also visible.

Storefront with large white block letters spelling "MEOW" in the window under displayed clothing items. Black exterior with graffiti on the left side.

The storefront of Meow Parlour stands out with large block letters spelling “MEOW.” These letters serve a triple purpose: as signage, a play space for the cats, and a countertop display. Inside, a dedicated room offers a quiet retreat for cats needing isolation, ensuring every resident’s needs are met.

Street view of the entrance to a black storefront with large windows displaying the word "MEOW". A chalkboard sign in front announces, "It's Purrfect Day to Adopt a Cat!" Doors display "Meow Parlour" logos.

Meow Parlour is located at 43 Essex Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan between Grand and Hester. With limited space available, Meow Parlour recommends pre-booking visits via their website.

For more information about Meow Parlour or how to support the work they do, visit meowparlour.com. To see more projects by Sonya Lee Architect, head to sonyaleearchitect.com.

Photography by Hanna Grankvist.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

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