Overview
The feline trend is clearly well underway in Auckland - there's cat cafe number one (The Cat Lounge), Uber's Kitten Delivery and now, following hot on their heels, Auckland's second (and only centrally located) cat club: Barista Cats Cafe.
Designed for the metropolitan Aucklander who lacks a lawn or apartment spacious enough to house a roaming puss, this cosily decked out space is purrfect for those in need of a de-stress treatment, a break from the office or just general kitten cuddles. Located on the first storey of 95 Queen Street (accessible via Exchange Lane - which is opposite Fort Street aka the weird lane with the spiral staircase) it is challenging to find but easily worth the trip.
A funky loft apartment space greets you complete with a plethora of cat toys, couches, climbing towers and bean bags. The wooden floors and furniture fit out will give you post-student flat flashbacks, as it's an assorted mix, but gives it just the right lounge/chill out feeling you're after.
Nine cats make up the team that occupy the space, a collection of rescues of all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique characteristics and quirks which only serve to endear them to you all the more. Should you find yourself uncertain, handy reference guides/power rankings for each feline, by Cuddlyness, Playfulness and Sleepyness, adorn the back of each menu.
Serving up hot and cold beverages (get an iced tea, be a cool cat), along with a selection of sandwiches, cakes and slices, it's all very relaxing - and at $15 for an hour (including a free coffee or drink of your choice) and a maximum of 16 people per session it's not damaging on the wallet or overcrowded. Meanwhile, the strategically placed catnip and cat toys, a sure-fire crowd pleaser amongst the inhabitants, means they're more than happy to clamber near you, around you or on you.
Given the limited crowd size at one time, bookings in advance are strongly advised - so why not make one right now? You know those studies about cats and blood pressure are true. Reward yourself, get that pussy.