If you’re a cat lover, get ready to purr with excitement—Lowell’s first-ever cat café is about to open its doors! The Lazy Cat Lounge is set to bring a unique blend of cozy relaxation and feline companionship to downtown Lowell, making it the go-to spot for anyone who enjoys coffee, pastries, and, of course, spending time with adorable cats.
A Dream Come True for Cat Lovers
Located at 177 Merrimack St., in the former Loyal Lounge nightclub space, the Lazy Cat Lounge will offer a one-of-a-kind cat café experience. This new cat café is the brainchild of Brandi Jong, a local resident and passionate animal advocate who has long dreamed of creating a special place where people can enjoy the company of cats in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
“It’s going to be a place where you can unwind, use free Wi-Fi, sip on a coffee, and just chill with some cats,” Jong shared. “The idea is perfect for anyone looking to adopt a cat or for those who simply want to enjoy some time with a feline friend without the long-term commitment of pet ownership.”
The Inspiration Behind the Cat Café
Jong’s vision for the cat café has been a decade in the making. The idea first struck her after she read about the world’s first cat café, and she couldn’t shake the thought of bringing something similar to Lowell. “It was like a light bulb went off in my head—I knew I wanted to create a cat café here,” she recalled. As a devoted cat lover and long-time volunteer at local animal shelters, Jong saw the cat café as a perfect way to combine her love for animals with her desire to build a community-oriented space.
For Jong, the cat café is more than just a business—it’s a passion project. Over the past 20 years, she has volunteered at animal rescue organizations, including the Lowell Humane Society, and has fostered countless cats and kittens, helping them find their forever homes. Now, she’s channeling that experience and dedication into creating the Lazy Cat Lounge.
What to Expect at Lazy Cat Lounge
The cat café will feature a 1,506-square-foot space divided into two main areas. The front section will welcome visitors with a retail area offering cat-themed gifts, toys, and unique artwork from local artists. Supporting local businesses is a key part of Jong’s mission, and she has partnered with Atomic Coffee Roasters from Peabody to serve fresh, high-quality hot and cold brews. In addition to coffee, the cat café will offer tea, flavored lemonades, and a selection of baked goods and snacks sourced from local vendors like Pizzelle Bakes, located in Lowell’s Mill No. 5.
The heart of the Lazy Cat Lounge is the dedicated cat room, where visitors can spend time with the café’s adoptable feline residents. Jong has designed this space to feel like a “Victorian library or sitting room,” complete with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and plenty of places for the cats to climb, scratch, and play. A large viewing window separates the cat room from the retail area, allowing guests to watch the cats even before they enter the room.
How the Cat Café Works
The Lazy Cat Lounge will operate on a reservation-based system, allowing guests to book one-hour sessions in the cat room. For a small fee, visitors can relax, play, and interact with the cats, making it a truly immersive cat café experience. Jong has also committed to donating $1 from every admission to the Lowell Humane Society, further supporting the local animal community.
The cat room will accommodate six to ten cats at a time, chosen based on their personalities and how well they adapt to the cat café environment. These cats will come from local shelters such as the Lowell Humane Society, Broken Tail Rescue in Worcester, and the Pat Brody Shelter for Cats in Lunenburg. The goal is to provide these cats with a comfortable, social environment where they can meet potential adopters, while also easing the burden on overcrowded shelters.
“We’ll be starting with cats that the shelters believe will thrive in this setting,” Jong explained. The cat café will not only serve as a temporary home for these cats but will also help them find their forever families by allowing potential adopters to interact with them in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
Safety and Community at the Cat Café
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the cat café has set an age limit—only guests aged 8 and older will be permitted in the cat room, with exceptions made for special events geared toward younger children. This policy is designed to protect both the cats and the visitors, ensuring that the environment remains calm and comfortable for all.
Beyond offering a space to enjoy coffee and cat company, Jong hopes that Lazy Cat Lounge will become a community hub where people can come together, share their love for animals, and support local businesses. The cat café’s combination of a cozy atmosphere, delicious local treats, and the opportunity to spend time with adoptable cats is sure to make it a popular destination in downtown Lowell.
Opening Soon: What You Need to Know
Jong is working diligently to prepare the cat café for its grand opening, which she hopes will happen by December. Once the Lazy Cat Lounge opens its doors, it will operate from Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a daily closure from 2 to 3 p.m. for cleaning and to give the cats a break.
For anyone interested in experiencing the magic of Lowell’s first cat café, be sure to keep an eye on Lazy Cat Lounge’s website for updates and to make reservations once they become available.
FAQs
1. What is a cat café?
A cat café is a unique type of café where customers can enjoy beverages and snacks while spending time with cats, often with the option to adopt the animals.
2. How do I book time at the cat café?
You can reserve a session online through the Lazy Cat Lounge website, where you can choose a time to visit the cat room and enjoy an hour with the cats.
3. Can I adopt a cat from the Lazy Cat Lounge?
Yes, all the cats at the cat café are available for adoption. If you fall in love with a cat during your visit, the staff can assist you with the adoption process.
4. Are children allowed in the cat café?
Children aged 8 and older are welcome in the cat room, with special events planned for younger children at specific times.
5. What are the cat café’s hours of operation?
The Lazy Cat Lounge will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a cleaning break from 2 to 3 p.m. each day.
