Guest Health & Hygiene Policy

Thank you for visiting Pretty Paw Lounge & Rescue! We are committed to creating a safe, clean, and joyful environment for our guests and our resident cats. To protect the health and well-being of everyone — human and feline alike — all guests are required to follow the guidelines below. These policies apply to every visitor, every visit, without exception.

1. Hand Hygiene

• All guests must wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the cat lounge area.

• Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the café. Please use them before and after handling cats.

2. Wound & Skin Coverage

• Any open wounds, cuts, sores, rashes, or broken skin on the hands, arms, or legs must be fully covered before entering   the cat interaction areas.

• Bandages alone are not sufficient if wounds are actively weeping or infected. Long sleeves and/or long pants must cover affected areas completely.

• This policy exists to protect both our guests and our cats from potential infection or cross-contamination.

• Guests who are unable or unwilling to comply will be kindly asked to reschedule their visit for a day when wounds can be properly covered. We understand this may occasionally be inconvenient, and we truly appreciate your cooperation. If you have a concern or special circumstance, please speak with a staff member before your visit so we can assist.

3. Illness & Contagious Conditions

• Guests showing signs of contagious illness — including fever, active cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or conjunctivitis (pink eye) — will be asked to reschedule.

• If you are unsure whether your condition is contagious, please contact us before your visit.

• Guests with diagnosed contagious skin conditions (such as ringworm or impetigo) must have written medical clearance before returning.

4. Personal Hygiene

• Guests are asked to avoid heavily scented perfumes, colognes, or lotions, which can be stressful to cats.

• Clothing should be clean and free of strong odors.

5. Food & Drink

• Do not feed the cats anything other than treats explicitly provided by staff.

6. General Interaction Guidelines

• Always follow staff instructions regarding cat handling.

• Do not force interactions with cats that are resting, eating, or showing signs of stress.

• Rough handling, chasing, or startling cats is not permitted and may result in removal from the premises.

• Guests under the age of 12 must be accompanied and actively supervised by an adult at all times.

7. Enforcement

• Our staff reserves the right to ask any guest to modify their behavior, cover wounds or affected skin, or leave the premises if health or hygiene guidelines are not being followed. We enforce these policies with kindness and respect, and we ask the same in return.

• Repeated non-compliance may result in suspension of visiting privileges.

Questions? Please speak with any Pretty Paw team member — we're happy to help!

Thank you for helping us keep our café a happy, healthy place for all. 🐾