How to Plan Your Visit to POP Cats in Austin: A Cat‑Lover’s Guide
- Lisa Sheppard
- Aug 10
- 5 min read
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Are you ready for a weekend full of whiskers, art and community? POP Cats Austin is rolling into the Palmer Events Center on August 16–17, 2025, , and it promises to be the ultimate festival for feline fans. Whether you’re bringing your own kitty along or you simply want to immerse yourself in cat culture, this guide will help you plan a purr‑fect trip. We’ll cover everything from the POP Cats experience to the best cat cafés in town, pet‑friendly hotels and travel tips for cat parents.
What Is POP Cats Austin?
POP Cats is more than a convention—it’s an immersive cat celebration. The sixth annual Austin edition transforms the Palmer Events Center into a whimsical Cat City with themed environments, workshops and temporary tattoos at the Cattoo Parlor. The festival blends art and advocacy: you can browse a market featuring local cat‑inspired artists and makers, participate in cosplay contests, learn about feline welfare and even adopt a cat on‑site. Part of the proceeds benefit local rescue organizations so your ticket helps cats in need. Dates, times and cost are below:
Dates: August 16–17, 2025
Times: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX, 78704
Tickets: Prices range from $15–$100. Weekend passes and VIP add‑ons are available from the POP Cats website.
Why you should go
Meet adoptable cats and talk to rescue groups about fostering or adoption.
Discover unique cat‑themed art, apparel and home goods from independent makers.
Attend workshops on cat care, enrichment and cosplay. The Punk Cats Cattoo Parlor lets you airbrush temporary feline tattoos!
Enjoy a day that supports the cat community—your presence helps fund local shelters.
Tip #1 - Book a Cat‑Friendly Hotel
Austin has dozens of pet‑friendly hotels, but only a handful welcome cats. When planning a trip with your feline companion, always call ahead to confirm policies, weight limits and fees. Here are two centrally located options near POP Cats that roll out the red carpet for whiskered guests:
The LINE Austin
Located on the banks of Lady Bird Lake, The LINE Austin is a hip hotel that welcomes dogs, cats and even birds. There are no weight or breed restrictions and no pet fees. You’ll get a water dish, treats and waste bags at check‑in. The hotel is a short ride from the Palmer Events Center and has easy access to waterfront trails for morning walks. With floor‑to‑ceiling windows and a rooftop pool, it’s stylish enough for humans and laid‑back enough for pets.
Hotel Van Zandt
Offering an authentic Austin experience and cat-friendly, Hotel Van Zandt was the first to bring worn leather boots and a vinyl collection to Rainey Street. Close to the music action, you can check out a local singer songwriter showcase after your day at POP Cats.
Tip: Some hotels only allow pets in specific room types and require advance notice. Always mention that you’re traveling with a cat when booking, and ask about weight limits and deposits.
Tip #2 - Visit a Cat Cafe
Austin’s Cat Café Scene
No trip to a cat convention would be complete without a stop at a cat café. Austin’s star attraction is the Purrfecto Cat Lounge, a cat café and adoption center in the South Lamar district. Here’s what you need to know:
Purrfecto Cat Lounge
Book a time slot: Visitors choose a 30‑ or 70‑minute session to hang out with adoptable cats. Spots fill quickly during festival weekends, so reserve in advance.
Partnered coffee: Purrfecto partners with nearby Irie Bean Coffee, and you can order cat‑themed drinks during your visit.
Hours: Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed on Tuesdays, and open Friday–Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Note that kids must be at least six years old except on Tiny Tots Day.
Mission: All of the cats are rescues and adoptable. In its first year, Purrfecto helped nearly 400 cats find homes. Booking a lounge session supports their rescue partners.
Location: 2300 South Lamar Blvd., Unit 104 (about a 10‑minute drive from downtown). Parking is limited, so rideshares are recommended.
Pair your visit to Purrfecto with a stroll down South Lamar’s boutiques or treat yourself to breakfast tacos at one of the nearby food trucks. They also host special events that you can book like painting with cats, yoga with cats, and soundbath with cats.
Reading to Cats
While Austin currently has only one dedicated cat café, the Austin Humane Society has a program that encourages reading to cats to help get them adopted. Children over 6 years old and adults are invited to their shelter to read to cats in colony rooms. The program Rescue Readers builds social skills that help their cats find forever homes. Plus readers learn about cat behavior and pet care in the process. The program is Tuesday - Thursday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Learn more about the program at this link.
Tip #3 - Plan Your POP Cats Day
Buy tickets early: POP Cats sells out, especially VIP packages that include early entry and swag. Purchase your pass as soon as they’re released and download the event app for schedules.
Arrive early: Doors open at 11 a.m.. Arriving early means shorter lines for workshops and better access to adoptable cats. Bring a reusable tote for shopping; many vendors sell limited‑edition items.
Explore Cat City: Don’t skip the immersive art installations and the Cattoo Parlor. Workshops range from grooming tips to cat yoga, so check the schedule.
Support rescue partners: If you fall in love with a cat, speak to the rescue about adoption procedures. If you can’t adopt, consider buying merchandise or making a donation—part of your ticket already goes toward these organizations.
Stay hydrated and nourished: The event center has concessions, but you’ll find more diverse dining in the surrounding Barton Springs and SoCo districts. Many eateries have pet‑friendly patios.
Tip #4 - Travel Safe - Meowgical and Pawsitively Awesome
Check your cat’s comfort level. Large conventions can be noisy. If your cat is easily stressed, consider leaving them at the hotel during peak hours and visiting the event yourself. Hotel staff can recommend pet‑sitting services if you need a break.
Bring the essentials: Pack a travel carrier, harness leash, collapsible bowls, litter box liners, favorite toys and a Comfort Diva Catnap gift set for a cozy hotel room. Familiar scents help cats adjust to new spaces.
Plan vet care: Have your vet’s number and a list of 24‑hour emergency clinics in Austin. Vaccination records may be requested by some hotels or event organizers.
Use a harness and ID tags: A secure harness ensures you can walk your cat safely in hotel corridors and outside areas. Microchipping and ID tags are musts when traveling. You can check out Comfort Diva's ID Tags below.
Tip #5 - Pack Purrfectly With Comfort Diva
Since you’re traveling for a cat celebration, why not dress the part? Comfort Diva’s luggage tags, t-shirts, towels, and self‑care kits make great souvenirs or gifts for fellow cat lovers. Our products bring a splash of fun and color to your daily routines, and 10 % of sales support animals in need. Grab a Catnap Gift Box for your hotel room, a t-shirt for the day, or a cute clutch bag or tote bag for the after‑party. Shopping with Comfort Diva is an easy way to extend the goodwill of POP Cats year‑round.
Final Meows
POP Cats Austin combines art, community and advocacy into a single weekend of feline festivity. With thoughtful planning—booking cat‑friendly accommodation, reserving a session at Purrfecto Cat Lounge, and preparing your cat for travel—you can enjoy every minute of the experience. Whether you leave with a new cat, a bag full of handmade goodies or just a camera roll of adorable photos, you’ll have memories that last long after the festival ends. See you in Cat City! Shop all of Comfort Diva at Comfortdiva.com.
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