The cat’s meow: Vancouver’s Catfe marks 1-year anniversary

One year in and Vancouver’s Cat cafe — or Catfe — is just purrr-ing along.

Founder Michelle Furbacher says she’s been run off her feet tending to the always-busy Catfe.

“Every week is totally different, getting different cats in. Meeting different cats. Just more and more adoptions,” Furbacher said.

One of only two Catfes in Canada, the Vancouver location has been an unexpected success story. The idea was simple: a cafe where patrons can mingle with cats who are looking for a forever home.

Initially, Furbacher said there plenty of challenges: she struggled for months to find a suitable and affordable space. Eventually, she set up shop at 88 West Pender Street in December 2015. Since day 1, demand has outpaced supply.

“It’s been really busy,” Furbacher says.

Adele visits Vancouver’s cat cafe

The BC SPCA supplies the cats. Currently, there are 10 on site, but most have adoptions pending. In fact, that’s been the biggest challenge: the turnover is pretty quick. By the time a new cat arrives, a patron falls in love with it within a matter of days. Cats are brought in every Thursday afternoon- some coming to the Vancouver Catfe from as far away as Fort St. John.

But not everyone who comes in is looking for a furry friend to adopt. Some just want to cuddle.

“It’s calming for sure especially for people who like cats,” Linzi Voth, a self-described cat lover, said.

Alicia Bernbaum visits regularly, as pets aren’t allowed in her building.

“If you’re having a stressful time, it’s nice to come and spend some time just to like hang out with cats. I think it makes you feel pretty good,” Bernbaum said.

To date, the Catfe has helped 263 cats find their forever homes.

Furbacher said every furry friend is a success story.

“It’s just so nice to hear feedback after the adoption and see how happy the cat is doing at their new home,” she said.

For now, this will be the only home for the Vancouver Catfe: there are no plans to expand.