What is a cat lounge, and whose idea was this?
Burlington's first cat lounge is a by-the-hour restorative space where visitors can experience the intrinsic benefits of interacting with cats, while promoting the rescue and care of local strays, reading, teleworking, lounging, laughing, shopping local, and even adopting. Besides playful or quiet visits, our programming includes animal science, behavior, and welfare workshops, game nights, movie nights, date nights, cat story time, paint and nip, cat yoga, meetings, retreats, and other signature events by request. Our boutique showcases products created by talented local artists and makers. Meow for the really great pawt: the cats in our lounge are all adoptable, provided you are already approved through our rescue partner, Queen City Cats.
Miche Faust (Owner, pictured right) has extensive experience developing and managing cat rescues, fostering, and coordinating adoption operations. When she noticed a need for more cat resources in her newly-adopted town, Miche founded Queen City Cats, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization committed to improving the lives of cats and their people throughout the greater Burlington area. Her previous work experience encompasses agricultural research, federal law enforcement, and veterinary care. As director of QCC, she harnesses this experience to transform her lifelong passion for cats into her life's work. Miche is a Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist.
Kristina Madarang Stahl (Owner, pictured left) has 20+ years of experience working with domestic and wild animals as a bear biologist, wildlife rehabilitator, diplomat, and conservationist in the US, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. She has held leadership roles for organizations focused on veterinary science, conservation science, animal welfare, wildlife law, climate change, biomedical research, and environmental policy. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University. Kristina’s other business, Animals Vermont, provides expert pet care.
How do I visit?
We strongly recommend visitors make online reservations. Walk-ins are occasionally available, but not guaranteed. Our boutique (with a view of, but not access to the cat experience) is open to the public.
Do you allow all ages?
In the best interest of our youngest community members and cats, children under 4 are not allowed into the cat interaction area. Visitors under the age of 16 are allowed with an adult.
Is your lounge part of Queen City Cats?
No. Queen City Cat Lounge, LLC is a business and Queen City Cats, Inc. is a nonprofit organization (501c3). We maintain a partnership and support the mission of Queen City Cats and the work they do for Burlington's animal and human communities.
What is your food & beverage policy?
We are a Bring Your Own (BYO) establishment. Feel free to check in to your reservation with food or beverages from our neighborhood business partners.
What are the rules?
By making a reservation at QCCL, you agree to the following rules of etiquette. We reserve the right to ask guests to leave should they violate these rules.
Your session is 50 minutes to allow for our team to clean the lounge between sessions.
Wash your hands before and after interacting with cats.
Do not pick up, chase, scruff, grab, or otherwise disrupt the natural behavior of any cats.
Some prefer to interact through distanced play and companionship.
Guardians are responsible for the actions of minors.
To host an event at the lounge, to partner with us, or to sell in our boutique, email us at contact@queencitycatlounge.com.
