Pawsitivitea CNY

Syracuse's Premier
Cafe & Cat Lounge

General Questions & Answers

Q: What exactly is a cat cafe? 

A: We are basically a fancy foster home for cats from local rescues! They get a large space to hang out and express themselves more freely so you can discover their personalities a bit better. We are also a nice little spot for you to relax in the company of feline companionship. 

Q: What about the "cafe" part? Does that mean the cats come in contact with the food? 

A: Nope! After researching and visiting other cat cafes, we adopted the double door entry room procedure: you enter a small room, close the first door, then open the second door to enter the cat lounge. This way if the cats try and get out, they just end up in a tiny room! All food prep is done on the cafe side, and staff is required to wash their hands upon returning from the cat room. 

Q: Okay, so then is food allowed in the lounge? 

A: Drinks are totally fine, but food should be kept in the cafe area so the cats don't get sick from people food. 

Q: Can I bring my own cat? 

A: Unfortunately, no. As much as we love to have them, we are focused on finding our residents their forever homes. 

Q: I found a cat who needs help/I can't keep my cat. Do you take them in? 

A:  We do not, we are not officially a rescue! We are affiliated with a couple great rescue groups, Wayward Paws and Oswego SPCA, and we highly recommend reaching out to them. Their contact info can be found on our Residents page.

Q: Is there information we need to know prior to visiting, or a waiver? 

A: Yes! We have a waiver attached to our online reservation system about entering the cat lounge, and on the chance you do not reserve, we have it available in the shop to sign upon arrival. You can find the waiver here to read and sign as well, as it must be submitted before entering the lounge.

Cat Lounge Questions & Answers

Q: How many cats are in the lounge? 

A: We normally have between 8-12 cats, which can fluctuate at any time. Please check our Residents page to see who is currently here to play! 

Q: Are the cats in the lounge spayed/neutered, and up to date with vaccines? 

A: Yes! We not only want them to find their forever homes, but we want to make sure they are healthy and ready so there are less worries on both ends of the adoption process! 

Q: Are reservations required? 

A: They are not required, but is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED you reserve as there is no guarantee on availability, and we only allow a maximum of 8 guests in the lounge at once. Typically weekends and special events fill quickly so please check our Reservations for available times. During non-peak times- usually most weekdays- we often have walk-in availability

Q: I would like to bring my kids, what are your guidelines? 

A: Our policy to ensure the safety of both cats and humans is children 5 years and older may enter the lounge, and kids up to 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Parents are responsible for enforcing the lounge rules. Staff may intervene if necessary based on behavior.

Please see our Child Policy page for more information.

Q: Where do the cats stay at night? 

A: We get asked this a lot! The cats stay here in the lounge! Our residents have free reign of the lounge at all times!  Our staff and volunteers ensure clean litter, food, and water are present twice a day so our residents are comfortable in their temporary home.

Q: Can we take pictures? 

A: Of course! We only request you do not use flash photography! We love to see photos from your visits, be sure to tag us on social media! #pawsitiviteacny #syracusecatcafe #pawsitiviteacnyalumni (for adoptions!)

Q: What else is there to do in the lounge? 

A: There are lots of activities in the lounge! We do have a small library to share, decks of cards, coloring books...We also offer special events such as Paint-n-Play, Purrfect Zen yoga, Game and Mewvie Nights, and more! We are always trying new ideas. You can check out our special events page and sign up for our Monthly Mewsletter and be the first to know!

Entry Fee, Adoption Fees, and Donations

Q: Why do you have an entry fee?  

A: Our small entry fee is a necessary evil that helps us cover the cost of housing and caring for our feline friends. It also enables us to have staff members to keep things running smoothly, and to cover costs associated with running a business.  

Q: Where do your adoption fees go?   

A: Adoption fees go directly to our rescue partners, Wayward Paws and Oswego SPCA, which assists in covering spay/neuter services, vaccines, flea treatment, FeLV/FIV testing, and so much more. These fees are a fraction of what it would cost if you were to go on your own. Our rescues also rely on fundraisers and donations to cover costs of the pets they care for!

Q: ...And your donations?  

A: Your donations go to work right in our café for our resident cats! Physical donations are used in-house (such as litter, food, and blankets) and monetary donations go toward veterinary and business expenses. 

We frequently give back to our rescues as well- they do so much for us and our residents, something so small is the least we can do to say "Thank You!"