Each year, thousands of orphaned animals wait patiently in rescue centers and shelters, hoping to find their forever homes.
The process can be an exhausting one, but thankfully, there are many touching stories of folks around the world stepping up and saying "yes" to an animal in need — like these ladies who helped two "best friend" pups find an incredible home.
So when I discovered the reason why this cat café had to ultimately close its doors, I was almost in tears — of joy!
Aptly named "Catfé," this adorable Vancouver coffee shop has a wonderful twist: while you're sipping your cappuccino, you can pet and interact with some extremely cute and loving cats.
Better still, these feline friends are actually up for adoption, so you can take a croissant — and a cat — to go!
However, this compassionate café has had to completely shut down. The reason? Absolutely amazing.
Scroll through below to see how Catfé is making a difference for animals in their community and why their shutdown is actually very good news.
Have you ever frequented a cat café? Let us know in the comments!
[H/T: Vancity Buzz, Vancouver Observer]
Catfé is located in Vancouver, Canada, and bills itself as part café, part foster home for cats.
It also serves as a community space for cat fans in the neighborhood and beyond.
Folks can pop in at their leisure and play with one of the eight to 10 cats that call the Catfé their home.
A visitor can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or snack, while reading and communing with the cats that lazily lie about the space.
The Catfé charges a small admission fee — $8 to just pet the cats, and $5 if you're looking to also indulge in some refreshments.
Surprisingly, Catfé has had to close its doors this holiday season — but the reason is truly a heartwarming one.
All 14 of the Catfé's rescue cats were adopted, with each finding their own special forever home!
"We haven't been able to keep enough cats in the café at a time," owner Michelle Furbacher told Vancity Buzz.
While there are adoptable cats all over the Vancouver area, Catfé is specifically partnered with the British Columbia SPCA.
The Catfé hopes to have anywhere from eight to 14 cats at any one time, as this is a manageable number that keeps both the cats and the customers relaxed and happy.
Furthermore, Michelle asks that visitors request an appointment online, so she can ensure that the cats aren't too overwhelmed by excessive human stimulation.
However, Michelle always leaves room for a walk-in or two for those who suddenly get the urge to pop in and play with the kitties.
With its insane demand, one might think the Catfé had been a local establishment for years.
However, the Catfé has only been open a few weeks — and it's already been a smashing success.
"It's been great to see customers interact with the cats," Michelle shares with the Vancity Buzz.
"The response from the community has been so overwhelming and positive. It's helping to fill the void in Vancouver for pet-friendly spaces."
The customers couldn't agree more and absolutely love the idea — especially those who can't have pets at home.
"Every cat is so friendly," notes Alina, an early crowdfunder of the Catfé. "I'm a big cat person, but we're not allowed pets in our building. This is the perfect place to go."
Lorie Chortyk, General Manager of Community Relations at the BC SPCA, reports nothing but glowing reviews.
“We’re hoping the cats will find their forever homes here. I love the concept of bringing the cats into the community and increasing the exposure to new adopters.
“Plus, it’s a really cute place to get coffee,” she hints.
Thankfully, the Catfé will be reopening its doors quite soon.
There is another batch of adorable kitties on the way, hoping that Michelle's Catfé will be the last stop before they find their forever homes. In the meantime, they'll have plenty of fun friends to play with, as the humans enjoy coffee and cuddles.
Catfé is part of the sweeping new trend of cat cafés popping up around the world.
Do you think a cat café is a smart idea? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE with other cat-lovers in your life!
Thumb image source: Jordan Matthew Yerman via Vancouver Observer
