FAQ
What is a cat cafe?
In 1998, the world’s first cat café opened in Taipei, Taiwan. It quickly became a tourist destination, attracting visitors from Japan and all over the globe. The concept blossomed in Japan and since 2004, hundreds of cat cafes have opened. Tourists carried the idea across the ocean and the first café opened in San Francisco in January 2014. Since then, 125 more have opened in the US with River Kitty being the second in Indiana. Cat cafes give adoptable cats a wonderful place to live until they find their forever homes!
Can I buy a gift card online?
Yes! You can buy and send an e-gift card HERE. The recipient will reveive the gift card via email. E-gift cards are processed through Square, the app we use to process all transactions at River Kitty. Physical gift cards are also available in-store. Physical gift cards and e-gift cards are both redeemable for ALL goods and services for sale at River Kitty Cat Cafe, including treats, beverages, cat cuddle sessions, and all products and merchandise. River Kitty offers something for everyone, and a River Kitty Gift cards makes a PURRRRfect gift for the cat-lover in your life. Plus, it’s a gift that gives back - 100% of proceeds fund Vanderburgh Humane Society!
Is River Kitty a nonprofit?
Yes! River Kitty Cat Cafe is owned by the Vanderburgh Humane Society, a 501c3 nonprofit open-admission animal shelter and low-cost spay/neuter clinic. VHS is located just a few minutes’ drive from the cafe! 100% of River Kitty Cat Cafe proceeds fund the lifesaving work of the VHS. River Kitty Cats begin as VHS cats. They are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and fully vetted by the VHS before they arrive at the cafe. River Kitty acts as second adoption location and a nonprofit funding source for VHS.
How can I donate to the cats?
River Kitty is owned and operated by Vanderburgh Humane Society. Donations toward the life-saving mission of the VHS, including the sheltering and adoption of cats at River Kitty, are greatly appreciated! Each cat sheltered by VHS recieves roughly $300 worth of care.
To donate through VHS’s online portal, click HERE
Donate via Venmo HERE
Donate via Paypal HERE
See other ways to donate HERE
Stay up-to-date on the lifesaving work happening at the Vanderburgh Humane Society every day by following VHS on Facebook or Instagram
How do I adopt a River Kitty Cat?
River Kitty adoptions are processed remotely by Vanderburgh Humane Society adoption counselors. Once you have visited the cafe and decided who you would like to adopt, River Kitty staff can walk you through the next steps. You will submit an online application through your cell phone. You will receive an email from adoptions@vhslifesaver.org once your application is approved. This DOES NOT mean that the adoption is complete. If you’re at the cafe, ready to adopt, River Kitty staff will ask VHS adoption counselors to call your phone and finalize adoption.
Once the adoption process is complete, your newly adopted kitty will be ready to go home with you! Pose for an adoption send-home picture in front of our mural and you’ll see yourself on our Facebook and Instagram pages soon! Congratulations and happy tails!
Can I make a reservation for 30 minutes?
Unfortunately, our reservation system only allows for hour reservations at this time. 30 minute visits are walk-in only at this time.