Sydney’s Cat Lounge Pairs a Wonderland of Whimsy with Adorable Rescue Cats in Austin
Founded by longtime animal advocates Quin and Alex Whiddon, the lounge helps adoptable cats connect with people in a magical environment
On Austin’s East Side, there’s a new hangout that feels like stepping through a storybook portal. You’ll find castle walls, teacup chairs, oversized flowers and, most importantly, adoptable, adorable cats. Sydney’s Cat Lounge is a whimsical escape where guests can sink into an imaginative world of “Alice in Wonderland” infused with a British touch of “Bridgerton,” and possibly leave with a new best friend curled up in their arms.
The idea has been a long time coming for co-founder Quin Whiddon, who has spent more than 15 years volunteering with animal rescues. “I just knew I wanted to do something,” Quin says. “I didn’t know what that looked like.” For years, she and her husband, Alex Whiddon, raised funds and donated to rescues, always dreaming of a bigger, more hands-on way to help.
A nonproft’s shift towards a whimsical space
In 2024, the couple created Sydney’s Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving cats in need. In their desire to improve upon a traditional adoption process, the couple began imagining a space where adoptions felt less clinical and more joyful. “We just wanted to provide an environment where people were comfortable,” Quin explains, “where adoptions were fun, cats were more friendly and interacting more.” Her early vision was ambitious: themed rooms inspired by British design, fantasy novels and fairy tales, with plenty of room for cats to roam, hide, nap or play.
Alex, a builder by trade, became the catalyst that pushed Quin’s long-held idea into motion. Where Quin prefers careful planning and thoughtful pacing, Alex operates on instinct and momentum. That contrast came into focus the day he casually announced he’d found a space for the cat lounge, an exciting but slightly jarring moment for Quin, whose vision had still been living in notebooks and sketches.
Ready or not, the lounge became a reality through Pinterest rabbit holes and a lot of on-the-fly learning. Today, the result is Sydney’s Cat Lounge & Sanctuary, a nonprofit sanctuary paired with a for-profit lounge with entry fees helping fund care for the cats without relying solely on donations.
A wonderland where the cats reign
Inside, the details feel intentional and magical. There’s a castle cats can race through, checkered floors nodding to Wonderland, and quiet instrumental music that keeps both humans and felines calm. There’s even a separate, ventilated litter room, an often-overlooked detail that makes a big difference in the pleasantness of the visitor experience.
The stars of the space are the adoptable cats from Lockhart Animal Shelter, Central Texas Feline Rescue, and other rescue organizations.
“Cats come first,” Alex says firmly about their business. “One thing that we pride ourselves on is the environment for the cats; how the cats feel,” adds Quin. Alex continues, “We don’t do this for the for-profit side of this. This is really for the benefit of the cats. We love getting them adopted.”
That philosophy is paying off. In just two months, more than 20 cats have been adopted. Quin credits the relaxed setting. “The rate of return from adopting from a cage-free facility is almost nonexistent,” she says. “These cats are used to people. They’re getting love every day.”
For Quin, the mission goes deeper than adoption numbers. “I mainly focus on cats because they are the most misunderstood animal,” she says. “I like to teach people that cats are one of the smartest animals on this planet.”
At its core, Sydney’s Cat Lounge is a place of pause and paws. “We only have so many people per time slot to not stress out the cats. So, everyone has a place to sit, and they can relax, enjoy their time,” says Quin.
Reserve your time for cat cuddles
Visitors can slow down to spend time with animals and leave with a deeper appreciation for cats. For Quin, it also represents a personal leap: choosing to follow a long-held calling and build something rooted in compassion.
Sydney’s Cat Lounge offers 45-minute and 75-minute appointments that you can book online in advance. Learn more at www.sydneyscatlounge.com.
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