'Combining animal welfare with human wellbeing': Belfast’s first lounge opens for rescue cats and stressed-out humans

Belfast is set to welcome its first-ever cat lounge this week, giving feline fans a peaceful space to relax while helping rescued cats prepare for their forever homes. Kumiko Cat Lounge, on Upper Newtownards Road, has been created by founder Dr Karen Galway, who has spent more than three years bringing the idea to life.

Working in partnership with Belfast Kitten Rescue, the lounge provides a “safe transition space” where rescued cats can settle, gain socialisation experience, and prepare for adoption.

For Karen, the lounge is the perfect blend of her two lifelong passions: animal welfare and human wellbeing. Growing up in East Belfast as the daughter of a veterinary surgeon, she was surrounded by animals. Later, as a public health professional with a PhD in Public Health and more than 20 years’ experience in mental wellbeing, she discovered the power of calm, restorative spaces.

“Kumiko is designed as a space where people can relax and recharge while cats settle safely as they prepare for adoption,” explained Karen, who is taking a career break from her role as senior lecturer in Mental Health at QUB.

“Our goal is to provide a high-quality, safe environment for both visitors and animals. Customers can also enjoy the evidence-based health and wellbeing benefits of spending time with cats.”

The lounge will host between eight and 12 rescue cats in a cage-free environment. All are neutered, vaccinated, health-checked, and carefully matched to the space. Visitors will not bring their own cats, but they can meet the residents and, if a bond forms, begin the adoption process with Belfast Kitten Rescue.

“People do not bring their own cats to a cat lounge,” she continued. “The cats are owned by rescue organisations and are health-screened and vaccinated before joining the cat lounge.

“I have sought guidance from cat cafés across the world and consulted feline behaviour specialists to ensure both the processes and the space are as cat-friendly as possible. By working closely with Belfast Kitten Rescue, the personality and history of each cat is carefully considered before they are selected to spend time at Kumiko.

“Customer occupancy is estimated at six to eight people per hour, or 36–48 people per day. The cat lounge will employ five members of staff, with two staff on the premises during opening hours from 11am to 5pm.

“Staff will attend out of hours to care for the cats, while volunteers will also contribute at various times.”

Thanks to the hard work of Karen and staff members Carol, Anna, Lucy and Sarah, the lounge has already welcomed visitors during a soft launch running until May 17, ahead of its public opening on May 18.

“It opened for friends, family and supporters on an invite-only basis. However, the public opening is on May 18,” she explained.

“We’ll have snacks and drinks available to purchase, but please be patient — our cats are still finding their paws in their new home, and so are the staff.”

Among the cats hoping to find their forever homes are Jack, Maggie, Teddy, Lilly, Dorothy, Sofia, Granny, Rosie, Seamus, Hugh and Marvin.

Visitors can meet them during their visit and, if they feel a bond, begin the adoption process under the guidance of Belfast Kitten Rescue.

Karen added: “Kumiko grew from the idea of combining animal welfare with human wellbeing. My hope is that visitors can slow down, reconnect, and discover how calming a room full of cats can be. It’s a space where rescued cats can settle safely while people experience the restorative benefits of spending time with them.”

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