Catfé Lounge

It was a fun experience. The volunteers were very polite and told us which 3 cats we shouldn’t touch and the cats were on top of the cages. We went at 4 pm and the cats didn’t start warming up to us until a half hour or so. They were so cute. There was a total of 25 cats. A lot of them were sleeping or didn’t want to be bothered. The concept is cool. It definitely nice experience to hangout with cats for an hour. A total of 15 people can be in at time. I made an appointment online. There’s coffee and baked goods you can have and two restrooms in the waiting area.

I have been a volunteer here for almost 5 years. They are a wonderful community resource and rescue for our feline friends. If you haven’t visited before now is the time! Whether it is just to hang out with cats, adopt a furry friend, foster or volunteer you can’t go wrong with the Ferndale Cat Shelter and Catfé !

!!!I was given sick cats to foster to adopt!!! !!!I was not told they were sick until pickup!!! I went through an emotional rollercoaster trying to adopt from this catfe I went multiple times to visit the cats, spending money every time. Then once I found 2 cats I loved I moved to foster to adopt. I was set to foster to adopt about a month out, starting December 30th. Long story short - I was given sick cats, and I wasn't told they were sick until I picked them up. I was given medicine, and I treated them as needed for two weeks until January 12th. After two weeks the ringworm from one cat transferred to another. I could tell this because the hair was missing on her ear. I reached out for help because I was not told that I would be given sick cats. I was then told that if I do not take care of the sick cats, I will not be able to adopt them. This was the craziest experience I've ever gone through. They were very unorganized, and thought that I adopted the cats. I found this out once they had me sign surrender papers, which confused me. If you do adopt from this catfe I suggest fostering to adopt to ensure that you aren't given sick cats.

I wasn't a fan of this cat cafe. It smells horrendously of cat pee and litter and the employees were not very warm and welcoming. My biggest issue is the fact that they are using customers to acclimate their dangerous cats to people. This is a very delicate process that should be done by a professional, not by the local public. They are a no kill shelter which is great but I don't think it's appropriate to have vicious cats in a cat cafe setting. And it's also a bummer to be told by staff that you can't interact with a handful of the cats for this reason. Oh and it looks like a previous customer was asked for a $10 donation to enter the facility but me and my family were told it was a $15/per person donation to enter so that was rude. I don't recommend coming here, there are better cat cafes that you can actually breathe in and enjoy properly.

Some very serious problems here. Very poor communication. 1. We came back to visit one day on a Sunday thinking that we could see cats during open hours, because they do have quite a few in the building. They told us that we would have to schedule an appointment and pay $15, even though the cats were there. So, we could not pay $15 on the spot and see them. 2. Next, we filled out an application to express interest in a few kittens, and we prepaid the $15 for a visitation fee. We came there and there were two bonded male kittens and they had good personalities, and we wanted to adopt them that very day, but that was not possible. The adoption coordinator was not there, and the people on site had no idea that we had filled out an application a couple of weeks ago. 3. Finally, we contacted the adoption coordinator and she told us that she was sick with COVID and that we would have to talk with someone else on the premises. (Let's not forget that we had just done that before, and they had no clue.) We never did hear back from these clowns, and so the kids were heartbroken and we had to fill out the paperwork at another shelter. (The other shelter got back to us within an hour of filling out the application, and from beginning until end the whole process was about 48 hours.) The other place wanted $300 for two kittens, in this place was willing to allow us to adopt two for $250 plus the $15 visitation fee. All in all, This was a case where cheap ended up being expensive. Three separate visits to an adoption center and no cat After all that. This organization is overstaffed (They had four people working there on our second visit, and they still could not seem to figure out how to process and adoption application), poorly communicative, and a very efficient way to waste time as well as $15 adoption fees.

Literally the best!! I just made my first trip over there and will definitely be going back. The cats and kittens are all so adorable. I went during 1-2 and they were all pretty sleepy. The staff were very friendly and interacting with the people. Parking was easy to get too. I can’t wait to get back!!!

I applied to adopt a cat but was told that it had to be adopted with a second cat as they like companionship. I do have a dog that was great with my previous cat, but the shelter info does state that kittens under 6 months must be adopted in pairs. The kitten was 5 and a half months so I asked if it wasn't adopted when it turned 6 months if I could then be approved. The lady said she would check. Subsequently, 2 of my references told me that they were contacted by the shelter but then I never ever heard back from them. No contact whatsoever. Completely ghosted. I did adopt a sweet 6-month-old kitten from a different shelter. I do hope that Burliouz found a good family.

It was a nice experience with the cats. A lot of them did not like you and did not care about you so it was a bit awkward to stand around silently. What also made it awkward was the employees who were standing in there watching everyone. I understand this as a safety precaution, but they all seemed annoyed and that they did not want to be there. Obviously still cats there so it was fun.

Well, for starters, the entire site for setting up an appointment, especially via the Facebook app that ENCOURAGES appointments to be made via their site, does -not- work. All my information was taken, right down to a date and time selection and then I was given another message stating I could NOT make an appointment that way at all... They ask for a $15.00 donation, but it's never stated PER person, including children, so I ended up going in and spending $45.00 for four people. Not what I was expecting. Then 4+ cats were, "not the friendliest of cats" so we were told to stay away from them. That left only 3 or 4 cats for anyone in the building to try and mingle with. I love the concept and I love that the cats are being cared for, but with one trip being $45.00 after the website just says a $15.00 donation is required, I would have expected it to be put together a little bit better, especially on the scheduling/payment arena. I felt a tad bamboozled. I won't lie. Meow. A solid 3 for the sake of the kittens.

Only think you will get from this place is your pet. Workers, owners are very unprofessional and lack communication. You'll have to email, call, text multiple times to get anything from them especially when you do everything you need to on your end. No one is on the same page with anything here!!

The staff here is WONDERFUL. We felt so comfortable visiting, had all of our questions answered, and felt like everyone there really cared for the cats. What an amazing idea. Aside from it being great for the community, it was also very entertaining. Next time, we might go a little earlier because many of the cats were sleepy by the time that end time slot came around (still fun and adorable, though). I will say, if you've never visited before, it inevitably gets very stinky, so I would opt to wear a mask.

Basically is that they care about cats. And are nice people. They answered all my questions and gave me some new ideas. God bless them for their work

We visited for a round of Cat Bingo. Our group of 8 ranged from teenagers to seniors. Each one of us had a wonderful time! The place is small and that is a plus not a minus. The cats at any given time change as they are all actively up for adoption. The goal is part fundraiser, feline awareness, and overall wholesome fun. We were able to bring in libations of our choosing. Cookies, coffee, and water were complimentary available. We especially enjoyed hearing the history and ongoing mission of the Catfe and Ferndale Cat Rescue. Also, each cat had its own story that we learned and about their unique personalities. Stop in and support the Catfe. It is a great cause and also quite relaxing if you are having a bit of a day or week.

My family went here with the thought of playing with cute cats and some coffee. These cafes have always seemed neat. Well upon arrival we were told $10 a person "donation" fee was due. Well after paying this we found about 40 cats which about 35 were sleeping.... One cat seemed to be playful but after maybe 5 mins of my son petting and talking to this cat one volunteer stayed "I think he's had enough playing now" VERY rudely. We also felt extremely awkward as there were about 6 "volunteers" sitting there all staring at us like a hawk as if we were going to run out of the door with some sleeping cat. Then found out the coffee was a self serve pot and cup where you pour it yourself. I have never felt so mistreated by a small business and so awkward. Not only will I never be back I will make sure to tell all my friends to steer clear of this joke of a "cat cafe". The person in charge should be ashamed.

I loved the people and the cats but I wish they had an actual like cafe!!! Sure they had coffee but I would love some pastries and stuff like a bakery cafe. Overall I loved it! Almost adopted a cat there but the adoption process is lengthy.

Nice place, but kind of small. The cafe is detached from the area with the cats. Overall it's a decent place to visit some cats up for adoption, but the cafe part is a bit overstated.

$10 suggested donation! Adorable little cat cafe with friendly and knowledgeable owners. Come here for the kitten cuddles or potential adoption.

Such a fun place to go if you're a cat lover or are in need of some cuteness for your eyes! I was shocked to see that this place existed and that I could come for free (technically). I did donate $10 because the cafe is doing something great for all their kitties, providing wifi, and snacks/coffee. There are places like this in Los Angeles (Crumbs and Whiskers is the first that comes to mind) and they charge like $30 for one hour. That being said, I really loved the Catfe. It was nice to be able to do some light work on a weekday and be around cute cats. I also was very appreciative of the free wifi and coffee, definitely was helpful while I was working. The only thing that I have to say about this place is that it can get extremely crowded on the weekends. I understand that it's free (technically), but when 8+ people are arguing for the attention of one cat, it really becomes not-so-enjoyable. At some point the poor cat even gets overwhelmed and decides to dip. That is where the SoCal cafes have the upper hand. Although they do charge $30 per hour, you really get to spend more time with the cat that you're (hopefully) looking to adopt and you also don't have to fight for seating/parking. I think it's nice that this cafe offers the opportunity to spend time with the cats for free, but maybe having some limited/reserved times would also be good, especially for people who really want to see if they vibe with an animal. Other than that, staff was super nice and knowledgeable about all their kitty residents and were very kind as well. I might make a trip back when I'm in the need of animal/kitty therapy.

Update: they've expanded to an actual shop place which is nice but they're charging $10 to get in to see the cats once, making it inaccessible for those that don't have that kind of money. Beautiful place! The ideal shelter scenario honestly. There's no pressure to adopt a cat, you can simply come in and read one of the many books they have or cozy up with some coffee and the occasional treat a volunteer may bring in. On your first time, you'll sign a waiver that basically says "Cats are animals that have teeth and claws, I acknowledge this and the risks associated with it" They also have a suggested donation amount, but they don't hustle it from you which is nice. I've been here many times; for an art show, almost every time I want to meet someone new from the internet :') and sometimes when I just need my cat fix. It's always pleasant, the cats are ever-changing and the room and atmosphere is beautiful. Sometimes during busy hours the cats do get annoyed and decide to seclude themselves, my best advice is to let them sniff your hand first and move slowly. DON'T try to pick them up, especially immediately. Lots of cats dislike being picked up and having their belly touched and sometimes their tail and toes are sensitive. If you're a cat person that's common sense but some people just don't know; just keep in mind these babies live there and sometimes they aren't in the mood to play or be petted. Definitely recommend and will be coming back again with more friends

I thought this was a smart, inventive way to shelter and promote pet adoption. For those interested in adoption, it allows you to actually spend time with the cats and kittens. For those just want to hang out, there is no push or pressure. The lounge operates on donations (suggested amount of $10). There did not appear to be any set time, other than within the perimeters of the operating hours. As there is limited space, they only allow a certain number of people in at a time. This was not a problem while we were there as it was not very busy. There is a small self serve bar with coffee, tea and a few snacks (to be clear, this is not a cafe, there are not any items to order). The lounge space, while not large, is comfy and brightly decorated. The staff and volunteers are knowledgable about the program and cats.

I've been a fan of this place for a while. I really like what they do. Everyone that volunteers here is great and very knowledgeable of the cats. They've said that the cats are very rarely locked up which I really love. I am currently fostering a cat through them. It's been an amazing process. Everyone has been super helpful through the process and the first steps of fostering were made extremely easy. I've been surprised a couple of times about how great the foster helpers were. I've asked some silly questions and they were super nice and supportive of everything. For a cat shelter, this place is pretty clean. They deal with cats from all different backgrounds, which means all sorts of health issues, so with that being said, they seem to do a very good job at managing that. I saw a couple reviews talking about smells, get over yourself. What are they supposed to do, micromanage every cats activity? Some people! If you can't handle an occasional smell, why would you go to a cat catfe. I would recommend going on a weekday. On weekends this place gets packed. Lots of families come in which can mean that this place will get a bit noisy and cats don't like that. I've come a couple times right when they opened and got to hang out will lots of super cool cats that they said aren't normally super active when they're open. At the catfe, they have coffee and some other fizzy type drinks. Good kombucha too lol! It's just a very mellow place to drink some coffee and cuddle with some furry friends.

This is a really good place to go to the room with the cats is so welcoming there's seats and chairs and you can go up to almost all of the cats and they will just enjoy your presence and play. The staff was super nice and informative on the cats names and their personalities it was very cute.

I adopted a cat a few years back and ended up surrendering him back to the Ferndale Catfe. I was told that the cat was great with dogs and he ended up injuring my small dog. I suspected he was a little too feral for indoor living and certainly not a beginner cat. I even told them in the adoption process I have never had a cat. After I paid the adoption fee they never gave me a receipt and refused to give me medical records. I took the cat back because he attacked my dog and I gave them at least a week notice to prepare. When I finally got there they had no place for him and he could not be housed with any other cat so I let them use my carrier temporarily. After a week and a half I came back to get my carrier and blanket and I was told neither were there. I contacted the woman in charge and was told my stuff was at the foster parents home in Clawson. I had to take a trip to Clawson twice. Once for my carrier and a second time for the blanket because I guess the foster parent "didn't know" the blanket was mine. Both times the foster parent threw my stuff onto her lawn like it was trash. Afterwards she texted me saying the cat was just fine at her house and didn't know why I had an issue. Her tone seemed like she just wanted to make me angry. Both the woman in charge and the foster parent were incredibly rude and unprofessional. Looking back now they were disrespectful and obviously not in it for the cats. I feel bad for the cats. I'm making this review so others will be warned! Go to PAAWS or Michigan Humane Society! They handle things much better and genuinely care about helping animals.

Wow, I really love the ferndale catfe. The staff here is very caring and always friendly with guests. They volunteer their time to help these animals and they are very thankful for donations, etc. I've stopped by a few times and am always so impressed as to how they handle adoptions. Such an innovative way allowing animals to show their personalities instead of being trapped in a cage. I love the fundraising events they hold and the things they sell in store are priced very well and go to a good cause. Last time I was there I picked up some cute socks, can't wait to go back and pick up some more knick knacks ^ . ^

What a great place to feel some love and joy with precious kitties! A much better experience bonding with the cats compared to petting them through a cage.

Ok really have been looking forward to our visit! SO my daughter and I were greeted by a young dark hair female who was so rude.She was a negative,super unfriendly, smart a#%..I gave a $20.00 donation when we arrived... so I suggest not going on Mon Or Fri.(thats when she works) I asked... Cecile is her name.. cute cats yes awful atmosphere.When do the friendly cat volunteers work? So dissappointed..

Pretty cool concept with this place. I like how they allow you to adopt the cats and play with them. They offer a few snacks and some coffee and tea and juice boxes. The lady was very nice and very insightful on all of the cats. It was cool that they had cat trees everywhere and areas where you can sit and play with them. It was only two downfalls I had about this place one being it's kind of small so they can't really have too many people in at once. And second that I guess I was expecting a real café not just a self serve kind of thing. But overall this place was actually pretty cool to check out and bring my girlfriend too. I would suggest for people who are coming it's good for kids and be ready to adopt because they will want to take one these little kittens home.

Overwhelming smell of cat piss drove me away before I got a chance to enjoy the cats. This needs to be addressed by cleaning up after the cats properly and frequently.

I think I'll have to come back later to try this place again. I know the cats and volunteers rotate, so the experience is probably ever-changing. I went with my two kids to just spend some time sitting, relaxing, maybe having coffee/tea, and enjoying some cats. This seemed like the sort of thing we could accomplish at Catfe. Except the volunteers were a bit "hover-y" so it never felt comfortable like we could sit or even pet a cat. I was also a little confused about the cats they had that day. One bites, so the poor volunteer had to warn everyone who came in (actually a lot of foot traffic!). Another cat was in a cage because he chases the other cats. Two cats were lovely, but sleepy, and then another stayed out of sight (we didn't realize she was there until we left!) I can imagine that not all cats will want to interact all the time, but it wouldn't be so bad if it felt like a place where you could sit and just be for a while. We left after 20 minutes, right after the people who came in after us, because it felt awkward. The pictures of this place look totally lovely - but it just didn't have that vibe during our visit. Like I said, with rotating volunteers and cats, this probably varies day to day. So if you are looking for a cat cafe experience - this isn't it. This is, however, the very best sort of shelter I could imagine. It's definitely a love-based operation. We left a donation in support of this mission, but we are still hoping to find a more cozy cat cafe experience.

I don't review that often anymore but I am incredibly inclined to do so. This place is an AMAZING and wonderful concept. Come get a cup of coffee and apodpt or play with kitties. There is a suggestive $10 donation which I think is very well worth it. The coffee is complementary but the kitties are timeless.

I love this place!!!! Full of kittens and cats, its a great place to visit if you want to hang with kitties or adopt. The volunteers love what they do and it shows. Coffee and refreshments are available but you will be too busy playing with the fur babies! Kids are welcome as it is encouraged to teach young ones the love cats offer. They also do community events, private parties, yoga, meditation and a whole lot more!

Terrible experience, the cats all look very sad and the employees yelled at me when I tripped over a water bucket but it wasn't my fault.

The employees were very "hover"-y. One of my kids was lectured on a cat running out one of the doors (this was not her fault). That set for a downer of an experience to set things off. We only lasted in there for about 20 minutes total. Not a lot of places to sit. It was very crowded. I felt very uncomfortable just standing in there. There was a little girl walking around putting down treats and it made quite a mess. Plus two little girls kept blocking my two kids from accessing the cats. Most of the cats were asleep, so there wasn't much chance for interaction with them in addition to jockeying for position around a bunch of little kids. The smell needs to be addressed. It about knocked me off my feet when I walked in. Improve ventilation and clean frequently to address. The coffee was ok and so were the cookies. Thanks for providing those for free (well, on top of the $10 per person donation). Good intentions but improved execution would help. It is not really a coffee shop where you can hang out while cats wander about.

If you like cats, this is the place for you! I've gone multiple times and have enjoyed every second of my visits.

A friend of mine recommended this place because I have been thinking about adopting a cat. I brought three other people with me because I thought that the catfe sounded cool and they were also interested in checking out some kitties. To my surprise, the "recommended donation" of $10 was actually mandatory so we ended up paying $40 to hang out with kitties for 30 minutes. I love the concept but they should not lie about the "donation" part. I honestly felt duped and didn't even want to visit after that experience. BUT the kitties were great and I did enjoy myself. Don't expect too much of a cafe feel though, that part was definetly lacking. For $10 a pop you'd think they'd have a better selection of coffee.

This place is located in the downtown of a small city so parking was so-so. Walking in, you already see a bunch of cute cats playing everywhere! First you'll be asked to sanitize your hands and sign a waiver and encouraged to donate $10 (which everyone should do bc it's a great cause!!!). They have complimentary cookies, coffee, free WiFi and etc. Most of the cats were active and very sweet too. I definitely see this place allowing people to have a good adoption experience. You don't get that guilty feeling when leaving either since the cats are still out and playing after. Wish I could come more often!

I love it I love the cats the people they are nice this is the place is all great you pet them you can do whatever catfe has everything people need this is the best place it today is my 1st time there I never felt so alive then at the catfe and so easy to find we we're going me and my grandma so I seen a cat picture then the people told us how to do it these cats are friendly I kind never seen a kitten since today I'm hoping to come back so other it :D #bestplaceever

I love the Catfe, especially Purr-lates! And I always grab a coffee after class. Every cat has a name. Every cat has a personality, and if they're odd, you're made aware. Haha! All the cats are clean. The environment is clean and lovely. Miranda, the Purr-lates teacher is amazing! Great energy, so much fun, loves ALL the cats. She encourages the workout but also encourages engaging with the cats, petting the cats, taking pictures with the cats. There is tons of cat interaction. The cats get pet, played with, and loved while we also get a workout in. It's my absolute favorite!!!!

This is such a great concept. It is a very relaxing atmosphere with coffee, snacks, and cats for a simple donation. The cats were tired today, but still cuddly and some were very playful. Even though this was my only my first time here, I'll be looking forward to coming back!

Very friendly staff of volunteers, very cool place to come hang out, read a book, have some coffee and hang out with some cats. Many are available for adoption. Also, when you purchase the Chris Ahern Photography canvases on the walls, the proceeds go to the Ferndale Cat Shelter!

I dont think they have any intention of helping someone to get a cat as much as they are there to satisfy their egos it is impossible to get a cat here unless you have 3 references that they can actually speak to doesnt matter if you are a descent pet owner this is a cat adoption facility not a rescue shelter wouldnt recommend this place to my worst enemy the MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY IS A WAY BETTER PLACE TO GET A CAT FROM WAY BETTER CATS FOR MUCH LESS MONEY dont support the catfe lounge and dont try to get a cat here unless you want to be disappointed they turn down people under 30 years of age because they dont have enough furniture i am 53 the only reason i got turned down is because i didnt have 3 references but i have been taking care of my father for 7 years now i just dont have that many friends so i guess that means i dont deserve a cat from catfe lounge bunch of crap dont donate money here it is not worth it MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY IS A WAY BETTER DEAL JENNIFER TOLD ME HERSELF TO GO THERE INSTEAD is it possible for anyone to be more heartless

I suggest let anyone that wants to go here to look at their website to learn the etiquette and rules that they have at the cat cafe. It is a very nice place where anyone can hang out with cats. This place also has a small collection that cat theme merchandise for sale for example cat ear head band, cat night light, mugs with their logo on it, and cat nip mini cat toy and books. It's is run on donations and volunteers. So please donate. Please note: Their is a wait because the volunteers don't want a lot of people into the place. If thirsty coffee and tea and water is available.