In its first three months of operation, Kelowna’s first cat café has helped 38 felines find their forever homes.
Catelowna, owned by Ashley Karnes, has partnered with rescue centres and shelters throughout Western Canada to bring their felines to the café, providing a space for cat lovers to enjoy their company and find the perfect match for adoption.
“We are seeing more people come in interested in adopting, but since the fires put a dramatic end to tourism, and with everyone going back to school and their routines, business has been considerably quiet,” Karnes says. “But it gives us time to initiate some programs.”
Starting in October, the cat café will be hosting events featuring yoga, knitting, movies and games, and individuals at least 65 years of age will receive a 25% discount for the cat lounge on Tuesdays through Fridays until June 1.
Catelowna has also created three membership options.
The Feline Fine package is $75 per month and includes unlimited access to the cat lounge, 15% off food and drinks, 10% off Catelowna merchandise, 25% off one guest visit, and access to the first preview of the Monthly Mews Letter.
For $35 per month, the Kitten Card membership includes up to three entries to the cat lounge, 10% off food and drinks, 10% off Catelowna merchandise, and an emailed Monthly Mews Letter.
The Fat Cat package, which is $875 per year, includes unlimited access to the cat lounge, 15% off food and drinks, 15% off Catelowna merchandise, 50% off for up to three guest visits, a complimentary t-shirt and sweatshirt, and access to the first preview of the Monthly Mews Letter.
Additionally, gift certificates for one-person and two-person visits are now available to purchase.
All visitors must be at least five years old, and children between the ages of five and 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Personal pets are not permitted.
As a foster home, Catelowna is ineligible for public funding, grants and non-profit status, meaning the cat café relies on the entrance fee of $16 per hour to cover the costs of food, litter, stimulus, utilities, staff, rent and animal transportation. Any leftover proceeds go towards the rescue centres.
Guests interested in adopting one or two of the cats can fill out an application form, which will be sent to the associated rescue centre to process the request.
Because all of the adoptions at Catelowna happen naturally, it could take several weeks for a request to be approved.
“There’s no pushing around here, recommending any cat to any human,” Karnes explains. “We listen, we have the luxury of space, lots of stimuli and patience in order to make perfect, lifelong matches.”
Anyone who is serious about adopting a furry friend has the opportunity to schedule a second visit with the cat(s) at no cost.
The rescue centres receive 100% of the adoption fees, and all of the cats are up-to-date on their vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered.
Walk-ins are welcome, but those interested in visiting Catelowna can book a time to meet the cats here.
The cat café is located at 201-1441 Ellis St and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm and 4 to 7 pm, as well as Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Karnes adds: “Every visit ultimately helps rescue cats and we really can’t thank you enough for your support.”
Donations to Catelowna can be made here.
