Walking into Nine Lives Cafe & Cat Lounge on Shelby Street, you might expect a cute coffee shop with a few cats wandering around. What you find is something entirely different.
This space has redefined how you think about animal rescue, community spots, and what makes a neighborhood worth exploring. Located in the heart of Fountain Square at 1315 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203, the cafe combines two of life’s greatest comforts into one unforgettable experience.
Fresh coffee meets furry companions in a space designed for relaxation, connection, and maybe even finding your next best friend. The cats aren’t just decoration; they’re residents waiting for their forever homes, and spending time with them feels like visiting friends rather than observing animals in cages.
Indianapolis has plenty of coffee shops, but Nine Lives stands apart by creating something meaningful. Every visit supports local animal rescue efforts while giving you a chance to unwind in the most wholesome way possible.
Adoptable Cats Living Their Best Lives
Walking into the cat lounges at Nine Lives feels like entering a feline paradise designed by people who genuinely understand what cats need. These aren’t stressed shelter animals pacing in small cages.
They’re relaxed, socialized cats sprawled across sunny windowsills, chasing feather toys, and occasionally deciding your lap looks like the perfect napping spot.
The cafe typically houses around 18 cats at various life stages, from playful kittens to dignified older cats who’ve mastered the art of serene observation. Each one has been rescued through local partnerships and receives excellent care while waiting for adoption.
Staff members know every cat by name and personality, ready to share stories about who loves belly rubs, who’s the champion bug hunter, and who prefers quiet cuddles over rambunctious play.
What makes this setup brilliant is how it benefits everyone involved. Cats get to live in a home-like environment rather than traditional shelter settings.
Potential adopters can spend quality time observing natural behaviors and forming genuine connections. Even visitors not looking to adopt leave knowing they’ve supported a worthy cause simply by enjoying their coffee surrounded by happy, healthy cats who might find their perfect family tomorrow.
Exceptional Coffee and Treats Worth the Trip
Some cat cafes treat beverages as an afterthought, but Nine Lives takes its coffee seriously. The baristas here craft drinks that would stand out in any specialty coffee shop, using quality beans and genuine skill.
Reviews consistently praise the coconut caramel lattes, seasonal s’mores hot chocolate, and even simple black coffee that tastes exactly how good coffee should.
The chai lattes earn particularly enthusiastic mentions from regulars who claim they’re among the best in Indianapolis. Cold brew options satisfy those preferring less sweet beverages, while the variety of teas accommodates non-coffee drinkers perfectly.
Every drink gets prepared with attention to detail that shows respect for both the craft and the customer.
Beyond beverages, the selection of baked goods exceeds what you’d expect from their modest online menu. Pumpkin muffins, cake pops, macaroons, and rotating seasonal treats fill the display case with tempting options.
Many items accommodate dietary preferences, including vegan choices that don’t sacrifice flavor. One reviewer mentioned a cat named Red trying to snag a bite of pumpkin muffin, which tells you something about how appealing these treats are.
Supporting this cafe means enjoying genuinely good food and drinks while funding animal rescue efforts.
Two Distinct Lounge Spaces for Different Vibes
Nine Lives understands that not everyone wants the same experience when visiting cats. That’s why they’ve created two separate lounge areas catering to different preferences and energy levels.
The kitten room buzzes with playful energy as young cats tumble over each other, chase toys, and display the boundless enthusiasm only kittens possess.
Meanwhile, the zen room offers something entirely different. This quieter space houses older, calmer cats who prefer gentle interaction over chaotic play.
Many visitors report this becoming their favorite area, appreciating the peaceful atmosphere where cats might curl up beside you for extended cuddle sessions. It’s perfect for anyone seeking genuine relaxation or those who find kitten energy a bit overwhelming.
This thoughtful separation benefits both cats and visitors. Kittens get space to be energetic without disturbing cats who need calm.
Visitors can choose their preferred experience or split time between both rooms during longer visits. Families with young children often start in the kitten room where energy levels match, while individuals seeking stress relief gravitate toward the zen space.
The five-person limit per room at any time prevents overcrowding, ensuring cats never feel overwhelmed and every visitor gets meaningful interaction time rather than competing for attention in packed spaces.
Knowledgeable Staff Who Genuinely Care
The difference between a good cat cafe and a great one often comes down to the people running it. Nine Lives employs staff members who demonstrate deep knowledge about each resident cat and genuine passion for what they do.
They’ll tell you that Whiskers prefers chin scratches over head pets, that Luna becomes more playful in the evenings, or that Oliver has finally warmed up to new people after being shy for weeks.
This expertise matters tremendously for potential adopters trying to find the right match. Staff can guide you toward cats whose personalities align with your lifestyle, whether you need a confident cat comfortable with dogs or a quieter companion perfect for apartment living.
They answer questions patiently and offer insights you’d never get from a brief shelter visit.
Beyond cat knowledge, the staff creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel comfortable. Multiple reviews mention how friendly and helpful they are, quickly addressing any concerns and ensuring both human and feline guests enjoy their time.
They monitor interactions to keep cats safe and happy, stepping in gently if play gets too rough or a cat needs a break. Their presence adds reassurance for first-time visitors unsure how to interact with cats, making Nine Lives accessible even to people with limited feline experience.
Perfect Location in Vibrant Fountain Square
Nine Lives sits at 1315 Shelby Street in Fountain Square, one of Indianapolis’s most dynamic and creative neighborhoods. This location transforms a simple cat cafe visit into a full afternoon or evening of exploration.
The area pulses with local character, from colorful murals decorating building walls to independent shops offering unique finds you won’t discover in shopping malls.
Before or after your cat time, you can explore nearby attractions within easy walking distance. Grab lunch at one of Fountain Square’s acclaimed restaurants, browse vintage shops and art galleries, or simply wander streets lined with historic architecture and contemporary creativity.
The neighborhood has cultivated an arts-focused identity that attracts both locals and visitors seeking authentic Indianapolis culture beyond downtown’s corporate centers.
Accessibility makes this location even better. Whether you’re driving from other Indianapolis neighborhoods or visiting from out of town, Fountain Square is easy to reach and offers plenty of parking options.
The surrounding area provides numerous other activities, so you can build an entire outing around your Nine Lives visit. This integration into a thriving neighborhood means your cafe visit supports not just animal rescue but the broader local business community that makes Fountain Square special.
It’s the kind of place where community matters, and every visit strengthens those connections.
Therapeutic Benefits of Cat Interaction
Science backs what cat lovers have known forever: spending time with cats reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall mood. Nine Lives provides a dedicated space for experiencing these benefits, whether you’re having a rough week, dealing with difficult news, or simply need a break from life’s constant demands.
One particularly moving review came from a customer who visited after losing his grandfather. He described how petting and cuddling cats provided soul-calming comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
His wife and he travel for work and can’t keep pets, making these cafe visits especially valuable. This represents exactly what Nine Lives offers beyond coffee and adoption opportunities: a space for emotional restoration when you need it most.
Regular visitors report using the cafe as a mental health resource, stopping by during stressful work periods or when feeling isolated. The combination of animal interaction, calm environment, and warm beverages creates conditions ideal for decompression.
Unlike scrolling through cat videos online, physically touching and playing with real cats engages your senses completely, pulling you into the present moment and away from anxious thoughts. For college students, remote workers, or anyone managing stress, Nine Lives offers legitimate therapeutic value.
It’s not just entertainment but a wellness resource disguised as a coffee shop with cats.
Supporting Local Art and Small Business
Nine Lives extends its community impact beyond animal rescue by featuring work from local artists throughout the space. The walls showcase cat-themed paintings available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both artists and the cafe’s mission.
Visitors consistently mention the quality and variety of artwork, often leaving with pieces that remind them of their visit while supporting Indianapolis creative talent.
The merchandise selection goes far beyond typical cafe offerings. You’ll find handmade earrings, custom mugs, clothing items, and basically every cat-related product imaginable, much of it created by local makers.
One reviewer called it the best example of business promotion they’d seen, impressed by how creatively Nine Lives showcases products while maintaining the space’s aesthetic appeal.
This approach creates multiple layers of community support. Your visit fee helps rescue cats.
Your coffee purchase supports a local small business. Buying artwork or merchandise puts money directly into local artists’ pockets.
Everything connects to strengthen Indianapolis’s creative economy while giving you tangible memories of your experience. It’s the opposite of corporate chain consumption, where profits disappear to distant headquarters.
Here, every dollar circulates within the community, supporting real people doing meaningful work. That makes your latte and that adorable cat painting feel like genuine contributions rather than simple transactions.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
