ABOUT THE CAT LOUNGE
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 partnership with the Iowa City Animal Care And Adoption Center.
How does entry work?
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.
All the resident cats in our lounge are available for adoption through the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, you might just meet your new best friend while you’re here! Even if adoption isn’t your goal, simply spending time with cats is proven to boost your mood and overall well-being. What’s better than a natural dopamine boost?
Cats, yes! Yet so much more. 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.
When will you open?
We're excited to announce that Kitty Corner Social Club is set to open its doors in early 2025. No exact date yet! We're working hard to create a cozy, welcoming space for both our feline friends and all of you. 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!
What makes a cat lounge different from a shelter or a pet store?
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. Here’s what sets us apart:
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.
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 tea on a tea from the coffee shop down the street, or reading a book.
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.
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. Doesn’t that sound delicious?
COST
How much does it cost to enter?
At Kitty Corner Social Club, we offer flexible admission options to suit your schedule and budget:
Retail therapy - FREE (front of house only, no access to cats)
15 minutes of nose boops $11
30 minutes of cuddles: $15
60 minutes of feline bliss: $22
These fees grant you access to our cozy lounge, where you can relax and enjoy the company of our friendly, adoptable cats.
We also offer private event packages, such as team building, outings, and birthday parties, starting at $300 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?)
How many cats are in the lounge at one time?
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!
Will all the cats be up for adoption?
Almost all of the cats at Kitty Corner Social Club will be adoptable, but there’s one exception — our resident lounge cat! This special feline will be a permanent member of the Kitty Corner family, serving as our mascot and ambassador 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 in partnership with the shelter. While adoption isn’t required, you might just meet your new best friend!
VISITING KITTY CORNER SOCIAL CLUB
Do I need to sign a waiver to enter?
Yes, all visitors to Kitty Corner Social Club are required to sign a waiver before entering the lounge.
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.
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.
Do I need to make a reservation or can I walk in?
At Kitty Corner Social Club, we welcome both walk-ins and online reservations.
However, to ensure a cozy and enjoyable experience for everyone, we limit the number of guests in the lounge at any given time. Therefore, we highly recommend making a reservation to secure your preferred time slot.
Walk-ins are accommodated based on availability, but during peak hours or special events, space may be limited. To avoid any wait time and to guarantee your spot, it's best to book ahead.
You will be able to easily make a reservation through our website.
We look forward to providing you with a purr-fectly relaxing experience.
Do I have to be interested in adopting a cat?
No, you don’t have to adopt a cat to enjoy the Kitty Corner Social Club.
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.
That said, if you do fall in love with one of our furry residents, we’re here to support you through the adoption process in partnership with the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.
Whether you’re looking to adopt, or need a little cat therapy, our doors are open to you. Questions? We’re all ears.
Do you have parking?
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. Iowa City Government
Chauncey Swan Ramp: 415 E. Washington Street. First hour free; $2 per hour thereafter. Iowa City Government
Court Street Transportation Center: 150 E. Court Street. First hour free; $2 per hour thereafter. Iowa City Government
Dubuque Street Ramp: 220 S. Dubuque Street. First hour free; $2 per hour thereafter. Iowa City Government
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. Iowa City Government
Additional Tips:
ParkMobile App: For convenient payment, download the ParkMobile app, which is accepted at all city meters and select parking ramps. Iowa City Government
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. Iowa City Government
Do you serve food and beverages?
No food and beverage served here! We do not prepare or serve food and beverages, but we may every so often offer self-service beverages like coffee, tea, and other non-alcoholic drinks for you to enjoy while relaxing with our cats.
Our focus is on creating a clean and safe environment for our feline friends, so we’ve kept it simple with just drinks — no food. (Plus, with all the great places to visit downtown, there are oodles of options.)
You’re welcome to grab a beverage before, during, or after your visit, and we aim to provide the perfect combo of cozy vibes and cat cuddles. If you’re hungry, there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes nearby to check out. Our favorites include Molly’s Cupcakes, Yotopia, and Cortado.
Are kids allowed to visit Kitty Corner Social Club?
Yes, kids are welcome at Kitty Corner Social Club, but with some important guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone—especially the cats. They are required to pay full entrance fee.
General Visits: Children under 12 years old are allowed in the lounge only during private events and family-friendly sessions, which means with an adult.
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.
ADOPTION PROCESS
How can I adopt a cat?
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. We'll provide you with information about the cat and discuss the next steps.
Complete the Adoption Application: We partner with the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center for our adoptions. You'll need to fill out their 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: The shelter will review your application, which may include a brief interview or home visit to ensure a safe environment for the cat. 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.
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
Who owns Kitty Corner Social Club?
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.
After visiting cat lounges across the U.S. and internationally, Katy brought her vision home to Iowa City, creating the city’s first cat lounge to foster both joy and community. With the current political environment, Katy feels 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. She wholeheartedly supports 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.
Are you hiring?
Not yet, but very soon Kitty Corner Social Club is going to be looking for the best quality humans to join our team. (The shelter has the perfect felines for our space already available.)
We want enthusiastic individuals, who love cats (+ people) and enjoy engaging with the community to apply.
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.
If you're a go-getter, who is patient while we finish building out our space, please feel free to send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position to meow@kittycornersocialclub.com.
Don't have a resume? Send us a note. We're not formal and want everyone who feels compelled to apply. You must be responsible, trustworthy, and kind. Other than that, we welcome a diverse pool of applicants - as always.
We look forward to building a passionate team dedicated to making Kitty Corner Social Club a special place for both cats and the Iowa City community!
Can I volunteer?
Absolutely! We welcome volunteers who are passionate about cats and eager to contribute to our mission of providing a cozy haven for both humans and felines. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring our cats receive the care and attention they deserve, and they help create a warm, inviting atmosphere for our guests. 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.
How to apply to volunteer:
If you're interested in volunteering, please email us at meow@kittycornersocialclub.com with your contact information and a brief description of your interests and availability. We'll get back to you with more details on the application process and upcoming volunteer orientations in January! (Thanks for your patience with us. We promise it will be worth it.)
ACCESSIBILITY AND AMENITIES
Is the lounge wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely. Downtown Iowa City has made efforts to ensure sidewalks, crosswalks, and public buildings are accessible.
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.
Is there an onsite restroom and access to water?
Yes, we have a restroom available for use by paid visitors and access to refill your reusable water bottles.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Are there rules for interacting with cats?
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!
What if I have allergies and still want to visit?
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.
Can I bring my own pets to the lounge?
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 the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center.
If I have to cancel, can I get a refund?
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, simply contact us via email or phone as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to find the best solution.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to making your visit purr-fect, whether it’s now or later!
Do you sell merchandise + souvenirs?
Yes, we do! Kitty Corner Social Club offers 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.
Swing by our retail section during your visit to check out what’s available!