NEKO, A Cat Cafe: Seattle, WA, USA
Contact Information
Address: 519 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
Phone: (206) 708-7287
Hours: M-F 10:00-21:00; S/S 9:00-21:00; T Closed
Entrance Fee: $11/hour
Ratings
Website / Social Media
Website: nekoseattle.com
Facebook: @nekoseattle
Instagram: nekoseattle
Twitter: @nekoseattle
Cat vs Cafe (50/50)
Art Neko: Review of NEKO, A Cat Cafe
The majority of US cat cafes feature rescued cats that are available for adoption, and a few of those focus on hard-to-adopt felines, but Neko Cat Cafe takes the concept and adds a super cool factor.
The kitties of Neko are all FLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) positive.
There are a lot of misconceptions about FLV and the life expectancy of cats that are FLV positive. Instead of being doomed to an early death, according to Best Friends Animal Society, "… the reality is, felines who are positive for the virus can remain healthy for months or years after their diagnosis until the virus becomes active." Some cats can live to be 10 to 15 years old if they are diagnosed as an adult.
The cats aren’t the only cool reason to visit Neko, which is the Japanese word for cat.
Neko is also one of the hippest cat cafes around. I’ve visited over 200 in 29 countries, and Neko’s cool factor is right up there with Koneko in New York City. What is it about these Japanese inspired cafes that make them so trendy?
Located in the Capitol Hill section of downtown Seattle, an edgy area filled with bars, restaurants and coffee shops, Neko fits right in with its tongue-in-cheek decor and quirky attitude.
We checked in with the friendly cat bouncer and bartender, Nicole. Yes, I said bartender because while they brew coffee, they also serve beer and wine. I was excited to partake in a canned bubbly Rosé (yes, in a can). Cats and cocktails? Way cool.
Neko had eleven cats in residence that day, most courtesy of Whatcom Humane Society and Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), but according to Nicole, they have sourced cats from all over the US.
Speaking of cats, they included Mochi, a handsome tabby, Albert, a muted gray tortie and a bevy of the most precious black kitties I’ve every seen- cuddly Quigley, shy Linda and sassy Bette Davis.
Our time in the cat room was pure joy. The cats were curious and friendly, with Quigley jumping into the lap of one delighted patron. The space is small, but found it encourages more social interaction with the kitties.
Neko is definitely memorable and stands out in all the right ways. From the special cats, to the atmosphere, to the staff- a visit to Neko is without a doubt, a completely unique experience.
How cool is that?
Date Visited: 11/24/18
