The best cat cafés in Melbourne

There are more than 25 adorable cats and kittens to be found at Cashmere Cat Café. Based in the CBD, it's open from noon every day. Book in a one-hour session with a soft drink for $24, a two-hour session for $42 or go for a day pass for six hours priced at $65 per person. Students can receive a discounted day pass at $50. Simply bring yourself and nuzzle up to a furry four-legged friend. For more info, visit the website.

How about cuddling up to a kitty at Melbourne's OG cat café? It was temporarily closed for about a year, but the good news is that this famous feline-focused lounge has recently reopened! The cats that call this café home have all been adopted from shelters around Melbourne, and the café also regularly posts about other shelter cats who are in need of a new owner. Children under eight years aren't permitted. Head to the website for more info.

Housed within Lort Smith Animal Hospital, this small eatery is run by mobile coffee carts business Bean to Melbourne. While Lort Smith is mainly a hopsital, it also offers a pet adoption service. The Smith is the perfect spot for a coffee and a crumpet, while you watch some of the cutest cats and kitten pounce around an obstacle course through the window. Fun! Check out the website for opening hours and more info.

Enter this shelter's whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed lounge space where 30 cats live are onsite and waiting to meet you! Most days of the week, it's open from 10am to 5pm, so swing by to sit and enjoy a nice cuppa, give the purring kitties a little cuddle and, if you're looking to expand your family, pick one to bring home with you. The area will be staffed by friendly volunteers who can answer all of your questions, and occasionally there are movie nights where you can catch a flick with a warm fur friend in your lap. Entry to the Cat Lounge only costs you $5 a ticket.

You won't find any cats roaming this charming café, but it's still a worthy destination for cat devotees and animal lovers alike. Run by the Cat Protection Society of Victoria (CPSV), which is a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation, the eatery is a new addition to their adoption shelter, vet clinic and shop. After perusing the felines available for adoption, pop in to the Purrfect Paw for freshly barista-brewed coffee and cat-themed sweet treats and chocolates. Best of all, every purchase goes toward helping cats and kittens in need of some TLC. Check out the website for more info and opening hours.