Christ Yoder
Related Articles
A one-of-a-kind space, the Cat Cafe Maui, opens at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. Described as “a fun and inviting space for cats and humans alike,” patrons of Cat Cafe Maui can relax, play, sip, and shop with rescue cats — and adopt one if they find a special connection.
The business, located on the second floor near the elevators, had a soft opening this week and will hold a grand grand opening on Monday, August 8, 2022.
Specifically designed to socialize and train rescue kittens, Cat Cafe Maui provides a home for cats to prepare for adoption and for visitors to find their forever kittens.
Cat Cafe Maui Founder and Maui Cat Rescue Executive Director Moriah Diamond said the concept started in Japan. According to Diamond, there are at least four companies dedicated to the idea on Oʻahu; however, this is a first for Maui.
Tours are by reservation only, but if someone doesn’t have a reservation when they arrive, they can scan a QR code on site and book an appointment online for all available places.
Availability is at the top of each hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last time slot being at 4 p.m. Cost is $20 per person (plus expenses) for 50 minutes, and includes premium coffee or herbal tea and designed time. with cats after signing a waiver. Kamaʻāina fares are also available.
“A lot of people on Maui can’t have cats because of the rental situation, but we love cats, so it’s a place where people can come hang out with the cats without having to worry about it. committing to owning a cat, having to care for the cat, having to consider whether or not their owner is going to let them have a cat,” said Erin McCargar, treasurer and volunteer coordinator for the nonprofit Maui Cat Rescue.
“Also those of us who love cats, even though we have cats, we just want to hang out with other cats, so it gives us a nice, clean, comfortable and cool space to hang out with. cats and enjoying it, and meeting other people who also love spending time with cats,” she said. “So it’s just a good way to spend an afternoon sometimes.
Cat-related merchandise is available for sale in a shop located at the main entrance. Refreshments are also available for clients who book a session.
“There’s been a lot of situations, like over the last two weeks where I’ve been stressed, or I’ve been upset or whatever, and I come here and sit and hang out with the cats, and that’s is so soothing and fun and enjoyable, and you can’t help but smile with these little munchkins running around,” McCargar said.
“It’s also a great opportunity for kids to learn how to handle cats, be around pets, play with them, and take care of an animal,” she said.
There are also over 50 volunteers who do deep cleans every morning and evening, and spot cleans throughout the day. Those interested in volunteering are invited to register here.
The other aspect is connecting cats to people and making adoptions easier. Cat Cafe Maui lets potential adopters get to know the cats’ personalities first.
All cats are available for adoption through a partnership with the Maui Humane Society. The Maui Humane Society will receive all adoption fees based on coffee donations to offset their support of cat supplies, adoption administration and veterinary care.
Cats are between four months and five years old and are vaccinated (depending on age), spayed or neutered, microchipped and benefit from the same guarantees that the Humane Society offers if you adopt a cat. If they get sick within the first two weeks of adoption, they can be brought back to the Humane Society and they pay for their veterinary care.
“The hope is that it allows more cats to be connected to more people and available for adoption and then it could help us clean up the shelter so the shelter can accommodate more cats and both help the community cats and the community at large with fewer cats running around without a home,” McCargar said.
With more than 3.4 million cats entering animal shelters nationwide, only 3.1 million cats are adopted each year, according to recent data. At the Maui Humane Society, for every dog, there are two cats that walk through its doors. In its 2022 fiscal year, the Maui Humane Society accepted nearly 5,000 animals, 65% of which were cats.
“We are thrilled to have a life-saving partnership on the island with Cat Cafe Maui,” said Katie Shannon, Marketing Director of Maui Humane Society in the company’s opening press release. “Their unique adoption opportunity creates more space in our shelter, ultimately increasing our rescue capabilities. All adoptable cats at Cat Café Maui are from the Maui Humane Society, so by adopting from Cat Cafe Maui, you are saving cats. from Maui in need.
“The opening of Cat Cafe Maui marks the first such experiential concept at Queen Ka’ahumanu and we love the idea of combining the retail and cafe space with pet therapy, education and potentially helping the overpopulation of cats in our community,” said the general manager of QKC. Kauwela Bisquera in the opening announcement.
“So far, the reception has been excellent. I don’t know which is more fun – watching cats or watching people watch cats,” McCargar said.
Once installed, Cat Cafe Maui will also host events such as Kitty Yoga, movie nights, educational events, storytimes, art classes, and possibly birthday party packages.
“We love helping animals and making people smile,” said Moriah Diamond, founder of Cat Cafe Maui and executive director of Maui Cat Rescue. “We are also committed to using this space as a way to raise awareness of cats on the island and educate our community about responsible pet ownership.”
More: Cat Cafe Maui is the for-profit arm of Maui Cat Rescue. Maui Cat Rescue’s mission is to facilitate the adoption of homeless cats on Maui and to limit overpopulation. Maui Cat Rescue encourages cats, provides them with top-notch care and facilitates adoptions through its Cat Lounge, a warm and inviting space where clients can come to spend time with cats, relax and rejuvenate and eventually adopt . The cat cafe also hosts and offers educational programs and activities for the public. For more information, visit https://catcafemaui.com www.mauicatrescue.org.
