Cat cafés made their debut in Asia. There, avid cat lovers are often unable to have a cat of their own due to housing constraints. Cat cafés, which often serve beverages and snacks, allow feline fans to spend quality time with cats without the commitment of adoption. In the US, cat cafés usually provide temporary housing for adoptable cats while also raising funds for their partner animal shelter or rescue organization. We have our very own cat café in Old Saybrook and, today, we want to highlight the important work that they are doing for adoptable cats in the Connecticut Shoreline.
Benefits of Cat Cafés for Cats
Cat cafés are cage-free spaces to safely acclimate cats to social interactions with other cats and humans. Cat cafés feature high perches and hiding places for cats to retreat to when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. Many cafés limit the number of cats in the space and the number of visitors allowed in at one time. They also design the space to include enrichment toys, a variety of textured sleeping surfaces, and a meticulously maintained environment to meet the needs and preferences of all their feline residents.
Staff and volunteers only place cats in a cat café environment only when it’s the right fit. Some cat cafés also have volunteers or staffing that allows for the care of neonatal kittens, a group that is often underserved and highly stressed in a traditional shelter environment. Keeping neonatal kittens in a cat café environment, usually reminiscent of a home, can greatly improve outcomes for these delicate creatures.
Benefits of Cat Cafés for Humans
Cat cafés allow humans to do one of two things: meet their future best cat in a safe and enjoyable environment before taking them home AND support a worthy cause while enjoying the company of cats without commitment. Most cat cafés take reservations and will speak to potential adopters about the cats that are available to visit during one’s visit. Many cat cafés sell basic cat care products and wares to make the transition home easier. Additionally, many also provide educational resources leading up to and after the adoption process.
Cat cafés often host fundraising events including yoga classes and art lessons during which attendees can mingle with the resident cats while engaging with other humans. Whether a visitor is looking to learn something new, burn some calories, or simply wants to sit with a purring cat on their lap, cat cafés are a great place to boost Oxytocin, whether or not one is looking to adopt a pet.
Most cat cafés welcome children with a parent or guardian. To be sure that your child will be welcome, we encourage you to call ahead and verify the cafés’ policies. Keep in mind that kids should be old enough to control their behavior so that they do not cause unnecessary stress or trauma to resident cats. Cats can teach children valuable lessons surrounding consent, gentle hands, etc. but the priority is always to keep the cat and child from being put in an unpleasant position.
Old Saybrook Cat Café
Located at 242 Main St. in Old Saybrook, All The Single Kitties Cat Café opened in late 2022. They are a woman-owned organization and have partnered with A Chance For Love Rescue to help Shoreline cats. A 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, A Chance For Love Rescue is on a mission to rescue abandoned, neglected, and feral cats in the CT Shoreline.
Cat lovers can visit the cat café to see their adoptable kittens. They can also lounge in the comfy venue, enjoying the company of adoptable cats. Visits cost $20 for 50 minutes; reservations can be made here. Adoptable cats can also be previewed on the cafés’ social media.
All The Single Kitties has already adopted their 50th cat since their recent opening. Congratulations!
Old Saybrook Cat Sitter
Cat lovers enjoy sharing their lives with cats because they are snuggly, smart, and downright fascinating companions. Cat lovers that have to be away from home for more than 24 hours should plan to have their beloved cats seen daily by a professional pet sitter. We would be delighted to get to know your cat or cats no matter where they were acquired. But, we, of course, urge you to contact us if you rescued your cat locally. We love to hear rescue stories of lucky cats finding their forever homes.
Contact us by phone or text at 860-964-0464 or via email at info@cthappypaws.com to learn more about our professional pet sitting services. We specialize in the care of cats and dogs and serve the following areas:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
