I know that my readers are from across the country – even outside the United States. Normally I don’t post things that are “area specific”, however I think this is too cool not to share with readers. Even though this specific event is being held in New York City I hope that people from around the country might take this fabulous idea and run with it and create one in their town.
Have you ever heard of a Cat Café? They are popular in Asia and Europe. A Cat Café is café set up in a cat theme AND with actual cats. Patrons generally pay of nominal cover fee and can interact and play with the cats. Think of it as “rent-a-cat” in a café setting.
Initially I thought this was an odd idea. When I want to play with cats I can go to my local animal shelter. They usually welcome people coming in to socialize with the animals. But then I got to thinking about it more and it sounds like a lot of fun. I wouldn’t mind sitting down to enjoy a “cat’achino” and playing with adorable cats. It actually sounds fun. I think this is a great idea for people who love cats but who are not allowed to own any due to rental agreements or an allergic family member.
Purina ONE is bringing the first Cat Café to North America. It’s located in New York City and will be open from April 24th to April 27th (2014). I asked if this was going to be a permanent attraction but I was told it’s only for a limited time.
Why a Cat Café? Purina ONE hopes this will help to encourage conversation about cat health among cat owners and cat lovers alike. What a better way to have such a discussion then over a cup of coffee surrounded by cats.
Patrons of the Cat Café by Purina ONE will be spending time with adoptable cats from North Shore Animal League America and learning about cats, cat health and the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge.
I LOVE that they are using adoptable cats in the café. I hope that all the beautiful cats find their “forever homes” thanks to the Cat Café. This is why I hope the idea takes off here in the United States, in hopes that it can be a way to help find homes for cats (and perhaps even dogs) that are found in overpopulated shelters across the country.
What is the Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge? The Purina ONE 28 Day Challenge is an easy, meaningful way to make a difference in your cat’s health; by switching to Purina ONE dry formulas for 28 days, cat owners should see visible differences in their cat’s health, like bright eyes, shiny coats, healthy energy levels, etc. It’s simple to do, just switch your cat’s food to a Purina ONE dry formula and go to www.purinaONE.com/OneSmartChange to track your cat’s progress. You can even find a coupon on the site to help get you started.
The Cat Café by Purina ONE is located at 168 Bowery, New York, NY 10002. They are open from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily.
Complimentary coffee beverages and snacks will be offered for patrons who stop by.
There will be several speakers throughout the duration of the Cat Café by Purina ONE to focus on different aspects of cat health, behavior and their own personal experiences with cats. The schedule includes:
- Thursday, April 24
- 11:30 a.m.: Carrie Ann Inaba will share her experience with the 28 Day Challenge.
- 5:30 p.m.: Dr. Deb Greco, Purina Veterinarian, will discuss how cat owners can confirm their cat’s health every day.
- Friday, April 25
- 11:30 a.m.: Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., Certified Animal Behaviorist, will discuss cat behavior and communication as a window into cat health.
- 5:30 p.m.: Linda Griggs, Artist, will discuss how cat health inspired her to design the cat structures within the Cat Café.
- Saturday, April 26
- 11:30 a.m.: Christina Travalja, Shelter Director, will discuss the benefits of cat adoption and maintaining a happy, healthy cat once at home & Dorit Shevach-Shani, Feline Behaviorist with North Shore Animal League America, will discuss how to acclimate a newly adopted feline to unfamiliar surroundings.
- Noon – 4 p.m.: NSALA Cat adoption event.
- 5:30 p.m.: Valerie Shaff, Photographer, will discuss how she highlights the beautiful signs of health in the cats she photographs.
- Sunday, April 27
- Adopted cats are picked up to go to their forever homes.
If you would like to learn more please visit www.PurinaONE.com/CatCafe.
You can also check it out “virtually” with streaming video found at http://new.livestream.com/PurinaONE/CatCafe.
If you happen to be in the NYC area this week and have the opportunity to stop by the Cat Café by Purina ONE I would LOVE to hear about your experience. Please feel free to comment and tell me about it.
What do you think of the Cat Café idea? Does it sound like a place you would visit? What about a Dog Café or Small Pet Café? Do you think it’s a unique way to encourage adoptions?
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I posted this for the enjoyment of my site readers and to encourage pet adoption.
Sandy Cain says
Somehow I think this is a bizarre idea…..and I’m allergic to cats, anyway. And what a neighborhood! I try to avoid that area if I can help it! (Not a particularly positive post, I know….but it’s honest!)
Tammy S says
I love it!! I wish I lived close to NYC. I would go to the cafe for sure. There is nothing more wonderful then when a cat shows you some love and attention. Not all cats are antisocial. I think this is just great.
Karen R says
If it helps find homes for the cats, I am all for it. I have 4 cats. If I went to a cat cafe, they would be sniffing me when I came home.
Sonia says
I love this idea. I watched a few cat documentaries recently and I really wish cats would get more respect, like dogs. I’m a proud cat mom, I would visit a place like this.