As I stepped into the newly opened Cat Café in Boralus, I was immediately greeted by a sight that would send any feline enthusiast into a frenzy of delight. Cats of all shapes and sizes roamed freely, lounging on windowsills, curled up in cozy corners, and—much to my chagrin—shedding fur on every conceivable surface. For someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy the company of animals, the sheer volume of cat hair floating in the air was enough to make me contemplate turning around and heading straight for the door.
Yet, curiosity—and a professional obligation—compelled me to stay. After all, I had a job to do. And if nothing else, I could at least appreciate the café's aromatic coffee, which was already promising to be the highlight of my visit.
The first thing that struck me, aside from the fur, was the rather concerning lack of litter boxes. A single litter tray for what seemed to be at least a dozen cats was hardly what I would consider adequate. I couldn't help but ponder the hygiene implications of such an arrangement. The cats, however, appeared unbothered by this, strutting around with an air of entitlement as they demanded attention from every guest in sight.
The café’s owner, Syvren Nightfall, was a charming figure, flitting between guests with a welcoming smile. At one point in the evening, she called for everyone’s attention with a soft clap and an excited gleam in her eyes. Her speech, though delivered with genuine passion, left me feeling as though I had unwittingly wandered into a gathering of cat-worshipping enthusiasts.
"Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the Cat Café!" Syvren began, her voice carrying a warmth that was almost infectious.
"Our mission is to provide a safe haven for stray cats until they find their forever home. Once a month, we open our doors so you can get to know our cats, enjoy a drink, and just... well, do whatever you feel comfortable with."
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She paused, allowing the guests to murmur their approval, while a particularly bold cat named Anarchy meowed his agreement from the staircase, apparently serving as the self-appointed guardian of the upper level.
"For tonight, enjoy a purring friend on your lap while you sip your drinks," she continued with a chuckle.
"We don’t have fixed prices; just drop a donation in Stormy’s box over there," she said, pointing to a box guarded by a plump cat who looked more interested in naps than in safeguarding donations.
Syvren concluded her speech by blowing a kiss to a certain Mr. Xander Cromwell, whom she credited with sponsoring the café. The room erupted into polite applause, the sort one might reserve for a particularly endearing charity event.
As the night wore on, I found myself reluctantly admiring the coffee, which was undeniably excellent. Despite my initial reservations, I have to admit that the Cat Café has its charms. The atmosphere was remarkably cozy, and for those who find comfort in the company of cats, it’s nothing short of paradise. As for me, I’ll likely steer clear of any establishment where I have to share my coffee with a side of cat fur. But if you’re a cat lover, this place is practically purr-fection.
The Cat Café will open its doors again on the 3rd of September.