Krems cat café helps shelter cats find new homes

A second-hand shop and cat café in Krems is helping cats find new homes by giving potential adopters the chance to meet them in a relaxed setting, ORF reported Tuesday.

The project was launched by Mareike Schnabl, chairwoman of an animal welfare association who also runs a cat shelter in Langenlois in the Krems district. The shop combines a café with the sale of second-hand goods. Visitors can have coffee and cake while interacting with cats available for adoption.

Several volunteers help run the business. Unlike traditional cat cafés, the cats are not permanent residents. They are meant to be adopted as quickly as possible, with new animals coming from the shelter when others find homes.

The cats chosen for the shop are primarily those that actively seek human contact. Schnabl said some cats become sad when shelter staff leave and long for closeness, affection and attention.

To prevent visits from becoming stressful, no more than four people may enter the cat room at once, and each visit is limited to 15 minutes. The cats can also withdraw to a separate area whenever they want.

Sales support the shelter

All proceeds from the shop and café go to the cat shelter. The money covers veterinary treatment, food and the animals’ daily care.

The shop sells second-hand clothing, decorations, jewellery and pet supplies, alongside coffee and vegan cakes. Many of the items feature cats.