Cats and coffee proved to be the purr-fect combination in Edmonton, where a weekend pop-up café in support of two local rescue groups sold out.
Cat cafés are, as the name implies, a feline-themed and guests pay a cover fee to interact with cats while enjoying drinks and food.
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The Edmonton pop-up cat café was held at Galarie CAVA (9103-95 Ave.) and featured adoptable kittens and cats from SAFE Team Rescue and ZOE’s Animal Rescue Society. Transcend Coffee was on site to sell locally-roasted brew.
There were 25 spots available per hour during each of the 12 hours over the two day event. Each spot cost $15. The number of people per hour was limited so the café didn’t get too overcrowded, and to allow guests more one-on-one time with the felines.
Edmonton does not yet have its own permanent cat café, but other Canadian cities do. And it isn’t just crazy cat ladies (full disclosure: I adore cats) who love them: it appears even pop stars can’t resist a kitten cuddle.
While in Vancouver this past summer as part of her latest tour, Adele paid a visit to Vancouver’s cat cafe, the Catfe, and the establishment tweeted out that she fell in love with Larry, the cat.
READ MORE: Adele comes to Vancouver and visits the cat cafe
The Edmonton pop-up was organized to help raise money and awareness for local animal welfare organizations, plus helps cats find their forever home.
While guests could find a new member of their family at the event, the adoption process has multiple steps so patrons wouldn’t be able to go home with an animal directly from the café.
READ MORE: Winnipeg’s first ‘cat cafe’ now open
Guests also had to sign a liability waiver because, well, cats can be unpredictable and kittens like to use their sharp claws with reckless abandon. The event was put together by local event promoter Aaron Getz, and communications consultant and journalist Sarah Hoyles.
While this weekend’s pop-up was sold out, those wanting to attend any future events can subscribe for alerts on the Edmonton cat café website.