Imagine sipping a cup of coffee while surrounded by some two dozen adorable cats — all napping, purring, and playing around you. It’s a cat-lover’s dream, and it’s a reality in Bellingham. Next time you need your cat fix, look no further than Neko Cat Cafe.
Whatcom County’s first cat cafe, Neko (which means “cat” in Japanese) is a Japanese-inspired cafe, bar, and cat sanctuary in downtown Bellingham. Founded in Seattle by owners Caitlin and Cory, Neko opened its second location in Bellingham in February 2020.
Neko owners Caitlin and Cory met in Bellingham while working at Boundary Bay Brewery. After spending two years living in Japan, they fell in love with the cat cafe culture there and decided to open their own business back in Washington. Caitlin and Cory opened their Capitol Hill location, Neko Seattle, in 2017. Their mission: to provide a sanctuary for both cats and people, while helping cats find their “forever homes” through adoption.
At Neko Bellingham, you can enjoy your own private or group cat therapy session by making a reservation. The spacious cat room allows groups and cats to spread out in various cozy corners. All ages are allowed inside, making a visit to Neko a fun family activity.
Neko Bellingham is home to 20+ cats at any given time. You can learn about Neko’s cats on the website, where each cat’s profile includes a photo and detailed information. Simon, for example, “is an extroverted, curious, affectionate purr-machine who will steal your heart the moment you meet him!” Simon is a resident cat (not adoptable), but you’ll find plenty of adoptable cats here, too.
At Neko Bellingham, all of the adoptable cats come from Whatcom Humane Society. If you fall in love with one of Neko’s adoptable cats, you can inquire about the adoption process which typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Neko Bellingham offers coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, juices, and snacks. You’ll also find beer, cider, and hard seltzer on the menu. Many menu items are cat-themed or imported from Japan, like Wednesday Cat Japanese Wheat Beer.
Because seating at the cat cafe is limited, it’s best to book an advance reservation. Walk-ups are available on a first come, first served basis.
You can book an individual cat room session, a "purrivate" cat room session with friends, or a Work/Study/Purrs Experience where you can study and work among your new feline pals.
