1. Assumption of Risk
I, the undersigned guest, acknowledge that interacting with cats carries inherent risks, including but not limited to scratches, bites, allergic reactions, exposure to zoonotic diseases, and behavioral interactions between service animals and resident cats. By entering the cat lounge or participating in activities hosted by the café, including Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC events, I voluntarily assume all risks associated with these interactions and accept full responsibility for any injuries, health issues, or damages that may arise.
2. Release of Liability
I hereby release and discharge Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC, its owners, employees, volunteers, and affiliates from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from injuries, damages, or losses sustained while visiting the café or participating in Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC activities.
This waiver includes, but is not limited to:
- Injuries caused by resident fostered cats, including bites or scratches.
- Allergic reactions to cats, environmental conditions, or cleaning products.
- Behavioral interactions between service animals and resident cats.
- Injuries resulting from guest failure to follow café or Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC rules.
- Liability related to Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC participation, including injury, mental distress, or property damage.
I agree to follow any Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC rules and policies that apply to the Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC event, as posted or explained to me. I accept that Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC workers may evaluate whether it is safe for me or others to participate in or continue participating in this activity at their sole discretion. I accept that once I pay my entrance fee, there are no refunds, including in the event that my participation is halted due to my violation of policies or rules, or if the Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC determines that my continued participation is unsafe.
3. Compliance with North Carolina Law
I understand that Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC operates in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) Chapter 99B, governing liability waivers for businesses. Under North Carolina law:
- This waiver does not protect a business from claims of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
- Guests acknowledge that Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC maintains proper sanitation, follows health regulations, and adheres to adoption policies in partnership with local shelters.
- Guests cannot hold the café liable for ordinary risks associated with interacting with fostered cats or participating in Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC activities.
4. Indemnification Clause
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC from any legal claims, costs, or expenses resulting from my actions within the café or Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC, including interactions with fostered cats.
5. Fostered Cats Disclaimer
I understand that the cats housed at Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC are fostered animals from local shelters, and:
- Ownership & Medical Responsibility – These cats are not owned by the café, and medical treatment decisions remain under the shelter’s jurisdiction.
- Café Liability Limitations – While the café provides care, feeding, and socialization for fostered cats, it is not responsible for any injuries or incidents caused by fostered cats.
- Guest Responsibility – Guests voluntarily interact with fostered cats and assume all risks associated with these interactions.
6. Medical & Allergy Disclaimer
Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC is a live-animal environment where guests may be exposed to allergens, pet dander, and zoonotic diseases. By entering the café, guests assume full responsibility for managing their medical conditions and acknowledge the following risks:
- Pet Allergies – The café cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
- Environmental Allergens – Cleaning products, food ingredients, and plants may trigger allergic reactions.
- Guest Medical Preparedness – Guests with severe allergies should carry necessary medications (e.g., antihistamines, EpiPens).
- Zoonotic Disease Disclosure – Cats may carry diseases transmissible to humans (e.g., ringworm, toxoplasmosis, cat scratch disease).
- Hand Hygiene Requirement – Guests must sanitize hands before and after entering the cat lounge.
- Pregnancy Considerations – Pregnant guests should consult their doctor before interacting with cats due to potential toxoplasmosis exposure.
Guests with pre-existing medical conditions acknowledge potential risks, and in case of emergencies, the café will immediately contact 911, but does not provide advanced medical care.
7. Parental & Caretaker Consent for Minors & Dependent Adults
Guests under 18 or adults requiring supervision due to medical, cognitive, or mobility conditions must have a responsible caretaker sign this waiver on their behalf.
Supervision Requirements:
- Children under 12 must be accompanied at all times by an adult.
- Dependent adults who require supervision must have a caretaker present.
- One adult chaperone per five (5) minors/dependent adults is required for group visits.
- Group leaders or caretakers must provide a signed roster including emergency contact details.
By signing below, the responsible adult acknowledges full liability for the minor or dependent adult’s actions within the café or Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC.
8. Service Animal Policy
- ADA Compliance – Service animals are permitted in all areas of the café in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- No Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) – ESAs are not permitted, as they are not covered under ADA law.
- Resident Cat Interaction – Cats may display defensive behaviors toward service animals.
- Guest Assumption of Risk – Guests assume full responsibility for ensuring safe interactions.
9. Liability for Animal Interactions
- Guest Assumption of Risk for Injuries – Cats may behave unpredictably; the café is not responsible for injuries.
- Fostered Cat Behavior Disclaimer – Guests acknowledge that fostered cats may react defensively.
- Service Animal Protection Clause – Liability for injuries involving service animals depends on compliance with café supervision policies and North Carolina animal laws.
10. Photo & Video Release (Optional)
I consent to the use of any photographs or videos taken during my visit for promotional or marketing purposes by Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC. (Guests can opt out by informing staff.)
I also affirm that I am not under the influence of drugs or alcohol that would impair my ability to participate safely in these activities.
11. Acknowledgment & Signature
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms of this liability waiver. I acknowledge that I am assuming full responsibility for any risks associated with visiting Meowter Banks Cat Café, LLC and participating in Meowter Banks Cat Cafe, LLC activities.