People sometimes ask why we bother with timed slots when the room could clearly hold more. The short answer is that it could hold more people, but it could not hold more people well. Twelve guests in the lounge means every cat has a lap available if they want one and a shelf to escape to if they do not.
A visit starts at the bar. You check in, order the drink that comes with your ticket, and wash your hands at the sink by the lounge door. We ask you to take your shoes off if you are happy to; the cats prefer it and so does the floor.
Inside, sit anywhere. The staff member in the room will tell you who is feeling sociable that day and who is having a quiet one. Do not chase, do not pick anyone up unless we say they like it, and let the ones asleep in the sun stay asleep. Within ten minutes, someone will usually come and inspect you.
Your hour goes fast. Near the end we will come round with the adoption sheet if you have been asking questions, and we will remind you that the next slot is waiting. Then you leave with a cat-hair souvenir and, if we have done our job, a booking for next week.
