What exactly is a cat lounge?
A cat lounge is a cozy, welcoming space where humans can relax, hang out, and spend quality time with adoptable cats in a stress-free environment. Our lounge provides the purr-fect opportunity for visitors to unwind, de-stress, and connect with some furry friends — all while supporting animal rescue and adoption in support of the Iowa City Animal Care And Adoption Center.
As the first cat lounge in the area, we expect to receive a lot of questions. Check out the list of commonly asked questions below. If you don’t see the answer to your exact questions here, feel free to reach out to meow@kittycornersocialclub.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
About the Cat Lounge
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You pay a small fee for a timed session to enter the lounge, where you can interact with the cats, read a book, work, or simply enjoy the peaceful vibes.
$11 15 minute
$15 30 minute (most popular)
$22 1 hourAll the resident cats in our lounge are available for adoption through us! We adopted them through our partnership with the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. Even if adoption isn’t your goal, simply spending time with cats is proven to boost your mood and overall well-being.
Our lounge is also a gorgeous, curated community space that hosts events like cat yoga, trivia nights, and fundraisers, blending relaxation, fun, and good causes into one unique experience. Think of it as a soft landing spot for both people — and cats — looking for a little extra love and companionship.
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Kitty Corner is OPEN!
Note - we are OPEN for 4th of July
Current Hours
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 7 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
*Closed for some major holidays
Online appointments strongly encouraged as time slots sell out. Walk ins are also welcome!
Regular updates will be posted on our socials, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky and before you go, join our VIP list. We look forward to welcoming you to Iowa City's first cat lounge. -
A cat lounge like Kitty Corner Social Club is all about creating a unique experience for both cats and people.
Our foster cats live in a cozy, home-like, welcoming space designed for relaxation, connection, and fun.
Stress-Free Environment
Cats at our lounge are free to roam, play, and show off their personalities in a calm, home-like setting. This helps them feel more comfortable and lets you see their true selves. It’s dreamy, really. And we have a pink toilet. And the WORLD’S BEST FREE WATER. (No, really.)
Interactive Experience
Visitors can spend quality time with our feline residents without the pressure of adoption. You can snuggle, play, or enjoy being in the cat company, while sipping your delicious water or tea.
Focus on Connection
We don’t sell cats or pet supplies — instead, we partner with the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center to match cats with their forever homes. Our focus is on building bonds between humans and cats, in a natural and meaningful way. We are a Registered Dealer for Rescue through the Iowa Department of Agriculture. We adopt our cats from the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. We take on their care, keeping, food, vet care, and litter while they live with us.
We are focused on addressing the overpopulation of our community shelters and educate humans on responsible pet care.
Community Space
Our lounge is also a hub for fun and unique events, like cat yoga, art nights, and wellness workshops. We are available for private reservation, team outings, birthday parties, or your next big idea. We are all about supporting our thriving community.
Think of us as the in-between space where cats get a loving upgrade on their way to forever homes, and people get a much-needed dose of feline therapy and joy. -
Yes! Kids are welcomed. All humans are required to pay entry - if you have a student please reserve under our student rate.
Once you’ve signed a waiver on your minor’s behalf, our team will explain the house rules and review our current cat staff with your family.
We’re excited to have you! -
We welcome all kinds of groups within our community! From day campers, to high-needs populations, we can make accommodations to make visiting our foster cat lounge a wonderful experience for everyone!
Groups of 8 or more, we kindly ask that you email to reserve. We can better accommodate your group with advance notice!
Rates start at $250 an hour for max 15 people - let us know if you need something different.
Cost – Admission and Events
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At Kitty Corner Social Club, we offer flexible admission options to suit your schedule and budget:
Prices are per human, regardless of age.
We do offer student rates for all students - elementary - secondary.
15 minutes of slow blinks: $11
30 minutes of cuddles: $15
60 minutes of feline bliss: $22
NOTE: Groups of MORE than 8 need to book a private event. Thank you!
These fees grant you access to our cozy lounge, where you can relax and enjoy the company of our friendly, adoptable cats. You also get access to the World’s BEST free water.
We also offer private event packages, such as team building, outings, and birthday parties, starting at $250 for a one-hour exclusive use of the space. Please note for private bookings, we require a ratio of one adult per five children.
Additionally, we will host special events like Yoga with Cats, book clubs, knitting groups, whoever would benefit. Let’s chat!
For those interested in frequent visits, we plan to offer punch cards.
Have another idea? We're all ears...and tails. (Are you sick of our puns, yet?) -
NOTE: Groups of MORE than 8 need to book a private event. Thank you!
All parties must be booked in advance. Please email: meow@kittycornersocial.club
$250 - 1 hour Kitty Corner Social Club (up to 15 people)
1 adult required per 5 kids
all humans must be covered by a signed waiver
These fees grant you access to our cozy lounge, where you can relax and enjoy the company of our friendly, adoptable cats. You also get access to the World’s BEST free water.
We also offer private event packages, such as team building, outings, and other fabulous one-of-a-kind events. Let’s chat!
Visiting Kitty Corner Social Club
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At Kitty Corner Social Club, we typically have 6 to 10 cats in the lounge at any given time. These cats come from the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center and are carefully selected to ensure they thrive in a social, stress-free environment.
This number allows us to provide plenty of space and attention to each cat while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for both the cats and visitors. Our goal is to keep the lounge full of happy, adoptable cats without overwhelming the space. We are tidy, clean, and promise you’ll be amazed with our attention to details.
If you're lucky, you might even meet our full-time resident cat, who isn’t available for adoption but serves as the official lounge mascot - GOOSE! And joining him soon, Little Edie. (Grey Gardens fans say EEEDDDIIIEEE!) -
Almost all of the cats at Kitty Corner Social Club will be adoptable, but there’s one exception — our resident lounge cats - Goose + Little Edie. These special felines are permanent members of the Kitty Corner family, serving as our mascots and ambassadors to greet visitors.
The rest of the cats in the lounge come from the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center and are all looking for their forever homes. Spending time with them in our relaxed environment helps them show off their personalities, making it easier for visitors to find the perfect match.
If you fall in love with one of our adoptable cats, we’ll guide you through the adoption process with our team and help finalize all the details. While adoption isn’t required, you might just meet your new best friend! -
Yes, all visitors to Kitty Corner Social Club are required to sign a waiver before entering the lounge. Children are welcomed and encouraged to visit - although a guardian must sign a waiver on their behalf.
This waiver acknowledges that you understand the potential risks associated with interacting with cats and releases the lounge from liability in case of injury or allergic reactions. You must sign a waiver to enter - no exceptions. ALSO, you need socks! Forget them? We have some for sale.
KIDS ARE WELCOME! For visitors under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver on their behalf. You can complete the waiver online when making a reservation or fill one out upon arrival. This process ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
KIDS! Make sure your adults are behaving. Thank you. -
At Kitty Corner Social Club, we welcome both walk-ins and online reservations but strongly encourage you to make reservations in advance. During peak hours, we fill very quickly!
We limit the number of guests in the lounge at any given time to 12 people. Therefore, we highly recommend making a reservation to secure your preferred time slot.
Walk-ins are accommodated based on availability.
You can book a reservation directly from our website. Thank you! -
No, you don’t have to adopt a cat to enjoy the Kitty Corner Social Club. Heck, some of our visitors don’t even LIKE cats - at first. We encourage everyone to open their minds and their hearts.
Our lounge is designed to be a relaxing space where you can simply spend time with cats, de-stress, and enjoy their company — even if you’re not ready or able to bring one home. Or not able to.
That said, if you do fall in love with one of our furry residents, we’re here to support you through the adoption process! You can apply to adopt one of our residents through our website.
Whether you’re looking to adopt, or need a little cat therapy, our doors are open to you. Questions? We’re all ears. -
Short answer, yes - but limited. Kitty Corner Social Club is located at 20 South Clinton Street in downtown Iowa City, an area with various parking options:
We encourage you to use Iowa City Transit, as it is free! It may be a little intimidating at first, but our team is more than happy to assist you with finding your best route + timing options for your visit. Send us a note: meow@kittycornersocial.club.Parking Ramps:
Capitol Street Ramp: 220 S. Capitol Street. First hour free; $2 per hour thereafter.
Chauncey Swan Ramp: 415 E. Washington Street. First hour free; $2 per hour thereafter.
Court Street Transportation Center: 150 E. Court Street. First hour free; $2 per hour thereafter.
Dubuque Street Ramp: 220 S. Dubuque Street. First hour free; $2 per hour thereafter.
Street Parking:
Metered parking is available on streets surrounding our location. Meters are enforced Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and accept coins, credit cards, and mobile payments via the ParkMobile app.
For more information about Iowa City parking ramps and meters, visit icgov.org.
Additional Tips:
ParkMobile App: For convenient payment, download the ParkMobile app, which is accepted at all city meters and select parking ramps.
Event Days: During special events, parking availability may vary. We recommend checking the City of Iowa City's website for updates on street closures or parking restrictions.
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No food and beverage served here! BUT. We do have a self serve World’s BEST water machine. And you can bring in your burrito. Just be cautious of our burrito-snatching cats.
You can bring in food, but we do not serve any food.Our focus is on creating a clean and safe environment for our feline friends, so we’ve kept it simple with just self service free drinks.
If you’re hungry, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby to check out. Our favorites include Molly’s Cupcakes, Yotopia, The Wedge take out pizza, and Cortado.
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Yes, kids are welcome at Kitty Corner Social Club, with some important guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone — especially the cats.
Prices are per person and the same regardless of age.
General Visits: Children under 12 years old are allowed in the lounge with an adult present. Adults must sign a waiver on behalf of all minors.
Private Events: You can book the lounge for private events like birthday parties, where younger kids can enjoy the space under close supervision. For these, we require a 1 adult per 5 kids ratio to keep things safe and fun.
Why the Rule? Cats thrive in calm environments, and younger children might find it challenging to match the cats' need for gentle interactions. These rules help ensure an stress-free experience for both our furry residents and our visitors.
The Adoption Process
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Adopting a cat from Kitty Corner Social Club is a rewarding experience, and we're here to guide you through the process.
Spend Time with Our Cats: Visit our lounge to interact with the cats in a relaxed, home-like setting. This helps you get to know their personalities and find a good match.
Express Your Interest: If you connect with a cat you'd like to adopt, let our staff know. And fill out our online adoption application!
Complete the Adoption Application: You will need to fill out an adoption application, which you can do online or with our assistance at the lounge. The application helps ensure a good fit between you and the cat.
Application Review: Our team will review your application, which may include a brief interview or phone call to your landlord - if needed. This process helps confirm that you're ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Finalize the Adoption: Once approved, you'll complete the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee. The fee covers essential services like spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Bring Your New Friend Home: After the formalities, you can welcome your new feline friend into your home. We'll provide guidance on helping your cat adjust and offer resources for ongoing care.
Take home days are Sundays each week. There is a $200 fee per cat and you go home with a cat who is already spay/neutered, current on vaccines for the age they arrived at Kitty Corner Social Club, and (mostly) microchipped. We send you home with a coupone for a free bag of World’s Best Cat Litter, start kibble, and a coupon for Leash on Life.
Remember, adopting a cat is a long-term commitment. We're here to support you throughout the process to ensure a happy and healthy life for your new companion.
General + Miscellaneous
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Our founder is Katy Brown, a passionate entrepreneur with a love for cats and a deep connection to the Iowa City community. Katy has a background in public relations, brand strategy, and marketing, with years of experience working with high-profile brands and creating meaningful, authentic connections between people and businesses.
The inspiration for starting the Kitty Corner Social Club comes from her own feline loves — Spike, Fern, Pearl, and Monsieur Bisou aka Mister Kisses — and her drive to create a cozy, feel-good space where people can relax, find companionship, and support animal rescue efforts. When her oldest son, Cooper, mentioned wanting to open a cat lounge - she was all ears. Together, the two created Kitty Corner Social Club.
After visiting cat lounges across the U.S. and internationally, Katy and Cooper brought their vision home to Iowa City, creating the city’s first cat lounge to foster both joy and community.
With the current political environment, they feel it is time to put her energy and efforts behind supporting Iowa City as an inclusive and welcoming community that decades of local business owners have built it to be. They wholeheartedly support the important work and mission of the Downtown District. (So much goodness here.)Fun fact: Katy has traveled the world, met amazing people (like Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell!), and always finds a way to tell authentic stories — now including the ones of our adorable, adoptable cats.
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Not currently! Visit our career page now to learn more about future opportunities when the time is right.
Things to keep in mind:To work at Kitty Corner Social Club, applicants must be at least 16 years old. Some roles, especially those involving animal care or event coordination, may require candidates to be 18 or older.
Our team members will help create an inclusive, warm, welcoming environment for both our feline residents and human visitors. And you must look good in cat slippers, required.
We have built a passionate team dedicated to making Kitty Corner Social Club a special place for both cats and the Iowa City community! We look forward to welcoming you for your visit.
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Our roster is currently full. But check back in the future.
Volunteer Opportunities May Include:Cat Care: Assist with feeding, grooming, and socializing our resident cats to keep them happy and healthy.
Guest Engagement: Help visitors feel welcome, provide information about our cats, and assist with any questions they may have.
Event Support: Aid in organizing and running special events like cat yoga, adoption fairs, and community workshops.
Learn more and apply now on our careers page.
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Yes, we will! Kitty Corner Social Club will offer a range of cat-themed merchandise and souvenirs to help you remember your visit while supporting our mission.
Available in-store + online:
Rebranded Thrifted Apparel: Sustainable t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags featuring the Kitty Corner logo, sourced with our "nine lives, second chances" philosophy.
Cat-Themed Gifts: Stickers, mugs, stationery, and other fun items perfect for cat enthusiasts.
Local Art: Small prints, postcards, and handcrafted items created by local artists.
Special Editions: Limited-run merchandise for events, holidays, or collaborations with Iowa City businesses.
Why Buy? Every purchase directly supports the lounge, the care of our cats, and our community-focused initiatives. Plus, you’ll have a purr-fect keepsake to remember your visit.
Accessibility + Amenities
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Absolutely. Downtown Iowa City has made efforts to ensure sidewalks, crosswalks, and public buildings are accessible.
While our building is handicapped accessible, our bathroom is not.For specific information about our accessibility, please message or call us and our team will be happy to ensure you feel safe and comfortable during your visit.
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Yes, we have a restroom available for use by paid visitors and access to refill your reusable water bottles.
Policies + Guidelines
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Yes, there are a few simple rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and our feline friends at Kitty Corner Social Club.
OUR RULES | NO ANDS, IFS, but some butts…
Let Cats Come to You
Not all cats are social butterflies, so allow them to approach you at their own pace. Respect their boundaries, and don’t force interactions.Be Gentle
Use slow, calm movements when petting or playing with the cats. Avoid roughhousing, chasing, or grabbing.No Picking Up Cats
For their safety and comfort, please don’t pick up or carry the cats unless instructed by staff.No Feeding
Our cats are on special diets provided by the shelter, so please don’t offer them any food or treats.Supervise Children Closely
If you’re visiting with kids (during private events or family-friendly sessions), ensure they follow the rules and interact with the cats gently.Listen to Staff Instructions
Our staff is here to ensure the well-being of everyone, so please follow any additional guidelines they provide.Respect Cat Naps
Cats love their beauty sleep! If a cat is resting, admire them quietly and let them snooze in peace.These rules help keep our cats happy, healthy, and stress-free, which makes your visit more enjoyable too. Thank you for helping us create a safe haven for our feline residents!
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If you have allergies but still want to visit Kitty Corner Social Club, here are some tips to help you enjoy your time with our feline friends:
BEFORE your visit
Take an Antihistamine: Over-the-counter allergy medications, like antihistamines, can help reduce symptoms.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Long sleeves and pants can minimize direct contact with cat fur and dander.
Bring Your Own Supplies: Consider bringing tissues or allergy-friendly wipes for added comfort.
DURING your visit
Limit Contact: Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes and nose, while interacting with the cats.
Choose a Less Crowded Time: Visiting during non-peak hours can reduce allergen exposure.
Stay in the Retail Area: If you’d like to shop for cat-themed merchandise without entering the lounge, feel free to enjoy our retail section, which is separate from the main cat area.
AFTER your visit
Wash Your Hands and Face: Thoroughly wash your hands and face after leaving the lounge to remove any allergens.
Change Clothes: When you get home, change and wash your clothes to avoid spreading allergens.
While we do our best to maintain a clean environment, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free space since our cats are free to roam. If your allergies are severe, we recommend taking extra precautions or consulting with your doctor before visiting.
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No, for the safety and comfort of our resident cats, outside pets are not allowed at Kitty Corner Social Club. Our lounge is carefully designed to be a calm, stress-free environment where our adoptable cats can relax and thrive, and introducing outside animals could disrupt that balance.
We encourage you to enjoy your visit with our feline residents and, if you’re looking for a companion for your own pet, consider adopting one of our cats through us or the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.
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At Kitty Corner Social Club, we understand that plans can change, so we strive to make our refund and cancellation policy fair and straightforward:
Reservations:
Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your scheduled visit are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before your visit are non-refundable, but we’re happy to reschedule your visit for another time, based on availability.Special Events or Private Bookings:
For private events or group bookings, cancellations made 7 days or more in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 7 days in advance may be eligible for a partial refund or a rescheduled date, depending on the circumstances.No-Shows:
Unfortunately, no-shows are non-refundable, as we hold your spot and limit other bookings to maintain a quality experience.How to Cancel or Reschedule: To cancel or reschedule, you can edit your reservation DIRECTLY THROUGH YOUR BOOKING LINK.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to making your visit purr-fect, whether it’s now or later!