The owners of a new cafe in Greensburg hope that the lure of coffee, along with the cuteness factor of cats, will help more rescue animals find permanent homes.
Katelynn and Rob Jones are looking to open Cattfeinated Cat Cafe around October in the former Shalimar Bazaar at 159 E. Otterman St.
Katelynn Jones is president of Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue, a volunteer-run Greensburg cat rescue. The couple started the rescue, which is operated through foster homes, in 2015.
“We are cat lovers and rescuers,” Jones says.
“Our area has an overwhelmingly large unwanted cat population. We probably receive 10 to 20 calls a day,” she says, from people seeking placement for cats and kittens. Jones says the rescue has 180 cats in its care.
They plan to offer patrons a relaxing atmosphere to spend time with friends, human and feline, and enjoy a light meal and beverages.
“We plan to offer coffee, tea, lemonade, (locally sourced) baked goods and pastries, some pre-packaged foods,” Jones says.
The concept is proving popular in the region. Colony Cafe in Pittsburgh’s Strip District and The Black Cat Market in Lawrenceville offer similar services in Allegheny County.
“This is something we have been thinking about for a couple of years now. My husband and I visited another (cat) cafe and thought, ‘Wow, what a great idea,’” Jones says.
“We have been looking for a place for a year or two. We want to keep it here,” the Hempfield resident says.
Two separate visiting rooms, housing 15 to 20 adult cats, along with a “kitten lounge,” are planned, with a small entrance fee likely to support the nonprofit.
Visitors will have a chance to play with and get to know cats available for adoption, and perhaps find a feline — or two — they can offer a “furever” home.
Establishing a physical location, Jones says, will serve multiple purposes.
“Our underlying goal is to provide education,” she says. Patrons will learn about resources for low-cost spaying and neutering services and the importance of adoption, Jones says.
Adoptable cats and kittens can practice their socialization skills.
A few resident cats will live at the cafe to help new arrivals with their transition, Jones says.
The rescue’s adoption process will remain in place. Available cats will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and microchipped, she says.
Adoption fee is $100 for one cat, $160 for two adopted together.
A site within walking or a short driving distance from several area colleges may also entice visits from students seeking a “cat fix,” Jones notes. “Sometimes it’s just great to feel the love of an animal. They love you unconditionally,” she says.
The Joneses are awaiting the final days of Shalimar Bazaar’s operation, and some planned modifications to the building they will lease.
They hope they will be able to do some painting and start moving in soon.
“We thought this was our best way of helping,” she says.
Details: 724-610-9646 or wwanimalrescue.com
