Enjoy a Purrrfect Experience at Rahway Kitty Hall
What exactly is Rahway Kitty Hall? What exactly is a cat cafe? These were the questions I had when I visited Rahway Kitty Hall, located in downtown Rahway.
Rahway Kitty Hall opened to the public is early April 2017, the first cat cafe to open in New Jersey. Cat cafes (a cafe or similar where people pay to interact with cats) have become somewhat popular is the last few years. It started over in Japan and has made it’s way to the states with new and different takes on the “cat cafe” experience.
Owner Kristin Barber decided to start her own cat cafe after visiting a few herself and saw it as being a great business venture and cat adoption opportunity. Barber has owned multiple cats her whole life and has volunteered for different animal organizations. At Rahway Kitty Hall she created an environment where customers can relax, interact, and potentially take home a new member of the family.
Barber teamed up with Elaine Chelak and Robin Zukowski(pictured) from Angel Paws, a 501(c)(3), non-profit animal rescue in Colonia, to showcase their cats that are up for adoption. If a cat is adopted, they are replaced with a new cat from Angel Paws so that Rahway Kitty Hall always has ten cats.
To enter Rahway Kitty Hall it is recommended to make a reservation (they do take walk ins as well). Each session is an hour, and the cost to visit is $10. They can hold ten customers at a time.
It is important to note that all cats at Rahway Kitty Hall are up for adoption via Angel Paws! So if you fall in love…put in an application to take your new friend home. I personally fell in love with a cat named McFly, but sadly I don’t think my dogs would welcome him.
What you’ll experience when you visit is a very clean, relaxing atmosphere perfect for any animal lover. The set up of Rahway Kitty Hall is more like a lounge, giving you the feeling like you’re sitting in someone’s living room.
While you’re there you can play, cuddle, and enjoy these very friendly cat’s company. It truly is a lot of fun and an AMAZING way to de-stress.
Although the location cannot serve or permit food on the premises (due to the animals and NJ laws), you can bring in beverages (ie coffee, tea, etc) as well as have it delivered from the restaurant next door.
To ensure safety of the cats, customers under 18 must be accompanied by adult, and children have to be at least 5 years old to be admitted. There must be at least one adult for every two kids. Shoes are also not permitted in the cat area, but you can be in socks or put “booties” on your shoes.
I think if you come to Rahway Kitty Hall you will enjoy a purrrrfect experience like I did! Additional information below.
About Rahway Kitty Hall:
The goal of Rahway Kitty Hall is to help decrease the homeless cat population while giving people a place where they can de-stress.
Address: 209 West Main Street, Rahway, New Jersey
Phone: (732) 208-4184
Visit their Website for additional info and reservations. Find them on Facebook!
About Angel Paws:
Angel PAWS is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to relieving the suffering of and finding permanent homes for stray, abandoned and homeless animals. They were founded in July, 1999, by two dedicated rescuers who, combined, have over 40 years of rescue experience both on their own and in other rescue organizations. The founding members felt there was a need to bring a new, progressive style of animal care to the community. In addition,they are a NJ State Certified Animal Control.
Find them on Facebook!
