Here’s what visitors are saying about downtown Bellingham’s new cat cafe

Neko Cafe, Bellingham’s first cat cafe, welcomed a max-capacity crowd during its opening on Friday, Feb. 14.

Visitors ranging from small children to adults played with cats, enjoyed drinks, ate snacks and played with more cats.

“Bellingham has just welcomed us with open arms already,” said Caitlin Unsell, owner of Neko Cafe in Bellingham. “As soon as we opened up reservations, we were booked out multiple days in advance.”

Neko Cafe allows 25 people to be in the cat room to maximize the relaxing atmosphere and minimize stress on the cats. Because of this, Unsell recommends making a reservation online before visiting.

Zack Fijal attended the opening and enjoyed the clean atmosphere at Neko Cafe.

“I think its a really cool concept, and it’s really clean,” said Fijal. “It’s like an Apple Store for cats.”

Shaylene McCoy, who was there with children, noted how friendly the cats were.

“I expected lounging with lots of cats everywhere, but they are a lot more friendly than I expected,” said McCoy. “Its definitely fun, and the kids love it.”

For cats that need a break, there is a private area where they can go to relax.

All of Neko Cafe’s cats come from the Whatcom Humane Society and will be available for adoption in 30 days.

The spelling of Caitlin Unsell’s first name was corrected Feb. 16, 2020, at 11:30 a.m.

This story was originally published February 14, 2020 at 2:27 PM.