Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter staff and volunteers have come up with a novel approach to enhance visitors’ experience at the shelter and promote adult cat adoptions with a brand-new “Catfe.”
The idea for the shelter’s own cat café began as a simple one. Bradshaw Shelter staffer Star Stage wanted a novel way to promote the adoption of adult cats, and she and other Bradshaw Shelter staff had heard about “cat cafes” in various parts of the country that had found success.
Staffers and volunteers knew the cat habitat at the Bradshaw Shelter’s entrance was large enough to hold several people in the room comfortably. They also knew the habitat would be a wonderful way for visitors to spend time with the adult cats and appreciate their appeal.
Open during shelter hours, the Catfe features free coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Visitors can sip their favorite beverage and interact with social adult cats.
“Kittens are usually the first of the felines to be adopted at the shelter, and while they may be small and cute to begin with, kittens don’t stay kittens for very long; they grow up and become adults” said Dave Dickinson, Director of the Bradshaw Shelter. “The Catfe is a wonderful way for people to spend time with and see firsthand the benefits of adopting an adult cat.”
Adult cats are, on the whole, less maintenance than kittens as they are litterbox trained and understand the concept of approval and reward.
Adopting a full-grown cat also gives the prospective owner an accurate idea of the cat’s temperament, full-grown size, coat length and more.
So far, the Catfe has been a success. Within 30 seconds of the Catfe’s opening, a family came in to meet Duchess, a beautiful calico cat that they ultimately adopted. Charlotte, a shy tabby cat, met her new “forever” person soon after that. They both went home that day.
3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA 95827
Wednesday – Friday: 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Noon-4:30 p.m.
