About The Cat House
The Cat House in Los Angeles is a one-of-a-kind cat lounge and adoption center. It combines a cat-themed boutique (selling T-shirts, mugs, plush toys and more) with a lounge where visitors pay admission to interact with rescue cats (www.thecathouselounge.com ). All of the lounge cats are adoptable through partner rescues, so you can come play with dozens of friendly kitties and potentially take one home (no pressure) (www.thecathouselounge.com ) (www.thecathouselounge.com ). The venue itself is cozy and homey – think living-room-style seating, cat trees, shelving and climbing furniture for the cats, and cat artwork (even a large mural by local artist Anisa Skroch). With about 10–25 adoptable cats roaming at any time, the lounge offers a calming spot for cat lovers, stress relief, or a fun date/activity. The Cat House was created in partnership with local rescues like Rover Rescue, Forgotten Felines and others, and provides a no-kill foster space for cats on their way to adoption (www.thecathouselounge.com ).
Events and Programming
The Cat House offers more than casual drop-in visits. The venue hosts regular events and classes combining cat cuddles with creative or wellness activities. Examples include Paw-jama Yoga (gentle yoga classes led by instructors while ~10 adoptable cats lounge around) (www.thecathouselounge.com ), themed Sip-&-Paint nights, DIY crafting or blanket-making sessions, holiday movie nights and even fundraising film screenings. Events often carry a separate fee (typically in the $20–30 range per person) and run a couple of hours. Past events have ranged from Halloween “Draw Your Pet” parties to Christmas cookie-decorating kit nights (www.thecathouselounge.com ) (www.thecathouselounge.com ). All events keep the mood mellow and cat-friendly (quiet voices, gentle interaction) and even offer discounts on cat-themed merch, snacks or drinks during the event. Notably, the focus is on rescue – for example a December movie night centered on helping stray cats find homes during the holidays (www.thecathouselounge.com ). For up-to-date programming, the official site’s events page is worth checking, as events are added regularly and tickets often sell out due to limited space.
Tickets and Booking
Visits to The Cat House are by reservation, not traditional walk-up box office. You can book a timed lounge visit through the Cat House website (their booking page) or by contacting the staff. Admission is about $15 per person , with children under age 3 admitted free (www.thecathouselounge.com ). (Note: each adult may supervise up to 2 kids age 14 and under (www.thecathouselounge.com ).) Because space is very limited, reservations are recommended. If you have a larger group (around 6–15 people), you can inquire about a private "pawty" event held after hours. All ticket sales are final – this small business does not offer refunds for cancellations (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Gift cards are available for purchase (redeemable in person only). In short, plan ahead by booking online early; popular time slots (especially weekends or special events) often fill up quickly.
Seating and Layout
The Cat House is laid out like a cozy living room, not a typical theater or concert hall. There are couches, chairs, and floor cushions spread around the open lounge area where cats roam freely. There is no assigned seating – guests are welcome to sit or stretch out on any available spot. Because the cats run the lounge, the floor space is clear for them, and you may find yourself sitting on a couch or floor mat, or even petting a cat on your lap. The overall capacity is small: staff typically accommodate about 10 people at a time (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Some events mention a 15-person limit, but generally it feels intimate. Acoustically, the lounge is quiet (no live music or loudspeakers), so everyone can enjoy pleasant background music or just the quiet company of cats. Sightlines aren’t an issue in a lounge – every seat has a good view of the cats! (In practice, any cozy corner or sofa is a great place to watch and interact with the cats. Avoid blocking any cat shelves or beds so the kitties can move around easily.)
Getting There and Parking
The Cat House is located in the city of Los Angeles (check the official site or your reservation confirmation for the exact address, as they manage it closely). Nearby parking is limited; plan on street parking or small lots. Los Angeles neighborhoods often have meter parking or residential parking zones, so pay attention to signs. Drop-off via rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is convenient; just head to the building entrance indicated when you arrive. Public transit options depend on the neighborhood – many L.A. buses run near main streets or Metro stations. For example, if you’re coming from downtown or Hollywood, check the Metro Red Line stops or local DASH bus routes. After you park or arrive on foot, the lounge is usually on a ground level (look for subtle signage or the doorbell). Because L.A. traffic can be heavy, allow extra travel time and consider arriving early. (GPS will work once you have the address.)
Inside the Venue
Entry to The Cat House includes a short check-in process. You’ll pay or check in at the host desk, then be asked to remove your shoes (the policy is “shoes off, socks only” for all guests (www.thecathouselounge.com )). If you forget socks, the lounge sells them inexpensively. All guests must sign a liability waiver before entering. The atmosphere is homey and calm – expect soft furnishings, lots of cat beds and toys, and friendly staff. You’re not on a performance stage, so it’s best to sit quietly and let cats approach you. Outside food isn’t needed (there’s usually only modest snacks or treats available on site and during events); a small chest-style water bowl is typically provided for human visitors. The Cat House does have a selection of cat-themed drinks, treats or toys behind the counter (for example, coffee, tea, or cat snacks to purchase, especially during events when they often run 10% off sales). Restrooms are available on site. There is a small boutique area where you can browse and buy cat-themed merchandise (from 87] you’ll recall they carry mugs, clothing, collars, etc.). If you brought a backpack or coat, there may be a shelf or corner for it (there’s usually no formal coat check). Wi-Fi is not prominently advertised – in practice, expect to disconnect with the cats. Most importantly: follow the Cat Lounge etiquette. Interact gently (no rough petting), keep your voice low, and do <em>not</em> pick up the cats – let the cats come to you ([www.thecathouselounge.com ). Supervise children carefully (as per rules, the ratio is 1 adult per 2 kids) (www.thecathouselounge.com ) (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Finally, the lounge’s small space means your visit is typically around an hour – staff will give an end-of-session reminder, so plan to leave promptly when your time ends.
Nearby Amenities
The Cat House sits amidst Los Angeles’ vibrant urban landscape. Within a block or two you’ll typically find casual eateries, cafes and bars – great places for a pre- or post-lounge meal. If you’re in Hollywood or central LA, options might include pizza places, diners or taco spots. If in a more residential-turned-arts area, look for trendy coffee shops or small bistros. Hotels range from budget motels to boutique inns in walking distance (Hollywood Blvd and Vine Street have many choices if you need to stay overnight). Because restaurant hours vary, arriving 20–30 minutes before your lounge time can let you grab a bite. After your Cat House visit, late-night dining is still an option via rideshare, as many L.A. spots stay open until 10–11 pm or later. Taxis and rideshares operate widely in LA, and many visitors simply text an Uber/Lyft when they’re ready to leave. Also note: The Cat House is often busier toward dusk, so plan around LA’s notorious traffic – a midday visit often means easier parking and transit in/out of most neighborhoods.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Cat House is far from a generic nightclub or theater – it’s essentially a sanctuary for feline adoration in the heart of L.A. Its uniqueness comes from blending rescue mission with social space. Los Angeles has a huge pet-loving scene, but The Cat House pioneered the idea of adopting “coffee with cats” into a full cat lounge experience. It’s significant culturally as one of the city’s few no-kill, adoptable-cat lounges. This focus has created many feel-good moments: imagine the thrill of a shy kitten warming up to you after nap time, or a senior cat slowly purring on your lap. Locals love it because it’s relaxing and feel-good; adopting a pet here supports vetted rescues. Artists especially enjoy the creative vibe (the interior mural, themed parties and crafty workshops). There’s even a local lore angle: The Cat House has become a little legend on Instagram among LA’s cat fans. People often dress in cat-themed outfits or join in annual Cat Day celebrations there. Past patrons report memorable moments like meeting their forever-cat or bonding with strangers over kitty cuddles. In short, both artists and audiences appreciate it as a quirky, warm-hearted venue – it breaks the mold of the usual L.A. nightlife with something genuinely compassionate and playful.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Cat House is on ground level and reasonably accessible. Wheelchairs or strollers can typically enter (just remove overshoes/socks). If you have special mobility needs, you might call ahead – the space is small but usually navigable.
Reservations: Book ahead. This is not a big club; it fills up. The lounge runs timed sessions (usually about 60 minutes each) and you should arrive a few minutes early to sign in. Without a reservation, you risk not being admitted if it’s full. Cancellations are non-refundable, so buy carefully.
What to Wear: Socks! You must remove your shoes—wear clean socks or tights. The lounge even sells fun cat socks for a small fee if you forget (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Dress comfortably for sitting on couches or floor cushions. Avoid dangly jewelry or open drinks (cats are curious!). Keep strong perfumes or colognes to a minimum since sensitive cats can be bothered by scents.
What to Bring: Other than socks, bring a camera (no flash) or phone if you’d like photos – the staff are relaxed about pictures, just be gentle and don’t startle the cats. You can bring cat-themed props (like a cat toy for photo fun), but there are plenty of toys already. If it’s your birthday or a special event, arrive a bit early to decorate your seating area (balloons, desserts, etc. are permitted as long as you clean up; just keep cats safe from chocolate or open flames).
Rules & Etiquette: Keep voices and movements soft. Don’t chase, shove or hug cats – they come on their own schedule. Supervise children closely (the lounge is calm and breakable items are around). Do not feed the cats any food you bring (the lounge provides treats for them). Always let the cats approach you instead of grabbing them (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Essentially, treat the lounge like someone’s home: respect personal space and help the staff keep it stress-free.
Age Restrictions: The Cat House is family-friendly as long as kids are old enough to follow the rules. Generally children 3 and under enter free (www.thecathouselounge.com ). There’s no formal minimum age for entry (aside from the tiny infants exemption) but events often set 12+ or 15+ limits for safety. Check specific event details if bringing young teens. In any case, two children (14 *) (and younger) are allowed per adult supervisor (www.thecathouselounge.com ).
Pets/Service Animals: Only the resident adoptable cats are allowed inside. (That means no outside dogs or other pets, for the safety and comfort of the cats.) However, certified service animals should be permitted by law; if unsure, call ahead. Remember that the focus here is on the cats.
Photography: You are welcome to take photos or video, as long as you don’t interfere with the cats’ comfort. Turn off camera flash and digicams. A lot of visitors snap cute cat pics, but please focus on the cats, not strangers. (Tip: quiet smartphones are best; some cats are shy around loud shutters.)
Food and Drinks: The Cat House is not a full café – no hot meals or liquor. You can buy small goodies at the lounge (like coffee/tea, cold drinks or cat snacks) and enjoy them quietly by the seating area. During special events, reduced-price snacks or treats may be offered. In general the policy is not to have picnic-style food inside, to protect the cats. Better to grab dinner before/after your visit from nearby eateries.
Adoption: All of the lounge cats are available for adoption through the Cat House’s rescue partners (www.thecathouselounge.com ). If you fall in love with a cat, talk to the staff – they will connect you with the rescue group responsible (the adoption process occurs off-site through the partner shelter). Many cats get adopted by visitors, so if you’re looking for a new pet, bring any family members who need to meet your new cat before applying.
How do I reserve a visit to The Cat House and what are the ticket prices?
Visits must be booked in advance through The Cat House website’s reservation system (follow the “book a cat lounge visit” directions on their site). Admission is roughly $15 per person (children 3 and under enter free) (www.thecathouselounge.com ). You pay online at booking. There is no traditional box office or walk-up ticket booth.
Do I need a reservation or can I just walk in?
Because the lounge is very small and popular, reservations are strongly recommended and often required for specific time slots. Walk-ins are discouraged: if a session is full, you will be asked to wait or come back another time. The “book now” scheduler on the website shows availability. Plan ahead – popular days (especially weekends) fill up quickly.
Are children allowed at The Cat House?
Yes – families are welcome, but there are rules. Young children (age 3 and under) do not need a ticket and parent supervision is required. Each adult may supervise up to two children 14 or younger (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Note that children must be quiet and gentle with the cats, and they must follow the lounge rules. (Also, many special events program for age 12+ or 15+ only, so check if you plan to attend an adult-focused event.)
What are the hours of The Cat House? Are they open on Mondays?
The Cat House is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to around 7:00 PM (www.thecathouselounge.com ). They are closed on Mondays. (If you have a private group event, late or off-hours bookings might be possible by special arrangement.) Because the lounge closes when the last scheduled guest finishes, it’s best to arrive a bit before your booked time.
How many people can fit in The Cat House at one time?
The Cat House is very intimate. Staff typically accommodate about 8–10 guests in the lounge at a time (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Group bookings of 6–15 people are done after hours or reserved specially. For regular sessions, expect it to feel cozier than your living room – which is part of the charm!
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
All tickets/reservations are final sale with no refunds. As a small business, The Cat House does not offer refunds if you miss your visit (www.thecathouselounge.com ). If your plans change, you can try rescheduling through their booking system or give your tickets to a friend, but be sure to plan carefully when you book.
What should I wear to The Cat House?
Dress comfortably and casually. You must remove your shoes before entering – the lounge operates on a shoes-off policy (you’ll be in socks or provided slippers) (www.thecathouselounge.com ). They even sell socks for $2 if you forget. Avoid anything that might easily snag or frighten a cat (dangling jewelry, long scarves, etc.). Since you may be sitting on the floor or couches, comfortable trousers or jeans are recommended. And skip strong perfumes or lotions; cats have sensitive noses. Otherwise, come in whatever makes you feel relaxed around kittens!
Can I bring my own food or drinks into The Cat House?
The Cat House does not operate as a full cafe, so there’s no large menu of food. Small bottled drinks and snacks may be available for purchase on site during your visit or special events (some evenings they even give out complimentary treats). You are welcome to drink a coffee or water quietly by your seat, but please do not share human food with the cats or leave any open containers (it can be a mess). In short: come fed or plan to eat before you visit. The venue is primarily about the cats, not a dining experience.
Are outside pets or animals allowed at The Cat House?
No – only the resident cats are allowed. For the comfort and safety of the cats, outside pets (especially dogs) are not permitted inside. The only exceptions are service animals by law. If you have a service dog or other approved animal, make sure to call ahead for instructions. Otherwise, leave your pet friend at home and enjoy some quality time with the feline residents here.
What amenities and services are offered (drinks, Wi-Fi, restrooms)?
This venue is focused on cats, so amenities are basic. They have a small selection of drinks (coffee, tea, bottled beverages) and light snacks for sale. There’s a restroom for guests. Free Wi-Fi is generally not advertised, so treat this as a chance to unplug and play with the cats. There is a gift/shop area where you can buy cat-themed merchandise. There is no kitchen or full food service, and no bar/alcohol – it’s strictly a pet lounge atmosphere.
Is The Cat House wheelchair accessible?
The lounge is on the ground floor, so in most cases it should be accessible. However, the interior is small and furniture is arranged for the cats’ comfort. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, it’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm. Some guests have reported that the layout allows for a wheelchair entry and seating area. At minimum, staff can help make your visit as smooth as possible.
Can I take photographs inside The Cat House?
Yes, photography is generally permitted (in fact guests love snapping pics of the cats). Please disable the camera flash and avoid loud shutter noises, as both can startle a peaceful cat. A good rule is to focus on candid shots of the cats being themselves. It’s a fun place to capture memories, just be respectful of other visitors’ privacy and the cats’ comfort.
What happens if I want to adopt a cat I meet at The Cat House?
That’s wonderful! Every cat in the lounge is adoptable through rescue partners (www.thecathouselounge.com ). Talk to the staff before or after your visit – they can put you in touch with the appropriate rescue organization (e.g. Rover Rescue or others mentioned in the lounge). The adoption paperwork and fees are handled off-site by those rescues. Be aware that approvals usually take a home check, so you won’t take a cat home immediately, but many visitors have successfully adopted their new best feline friends this way.
Can I celebrate a birthday or host a private party at The Cat House?
Yes, The Cat House welcomes private parties! You can reserve the entire lounge (usually after hours or on slower weekdays) for special events – birthdays, team-building, etc. They allow decorations (just keep cats safe from anything like ribbons or balloons), and you’re even welcome to bring your own snacks or cake. The staff will arrange it; just email them for full details. Remember the total guest limit is around 15, and normal shoes-off rules still apply (www.thecathouselounge.com ) (www.thecathouselounge.com ).
Does The Cat House sell merchandise or gift cards?
Yes – aside from the applicable fees for lounge time, you can browse a fun boutique area filled with cat-themed items (T-shirts, mugs, apparel, toys, etc.) (www.thecathouselounge.com ). These make great souvenirs or gifts. Gift cards are also sold; just note they’re redeemable in person at the lounge. Merchandise purchases help support the rescue mission as well.
Is there a minimum or a recommended arrival time for my session?
Each session typically lasts about an hour. It’s best to arrive 5–10 minutes before your booked time to check in and get settled. If you arrive late, they may shorten your visit to stay on schedule. If you have a party, arriving a bit early also gives you time to set up any decorations. In general, plan for your visit to be roughly 60 minutes from start to finish.
What should I do if I have more questions before visiting?
If anything is unclear, the best approach is to check The Cat House’s official website or social media (they often update FAQs there), or send a polite inquiry via email. The staff are quite responsive and used to helping new visitors. Just avoid posting on public forums any private email or phone info. But in most cases, the info above will answer your practical questions – and once you arrive, the friendly team will ensure you have a great, cat-filled time.