Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbey Thompson
Hi Abbey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I’m not very good at writing about myself but I’ve always loved cats since I can remember… I remember finally convincing my parents to get a cat when I was younger, and the day we brought her home, she sat in my lap while I was watching TV and it was the best feeling ever! When I moved to Kalamazoo for work in 2014, I got involved volunteering with a local rescue organization… and in 2016 on a trip to Australia, I visited a cat cafe – and I couldn’t stop thinking about how great it would be to have one here in Kalamazoo! With lots and lots of promotion and community support, we successfully crowdfunded over $15,000 in opening funds and got to work! Over the last 7+ years, we’ve expanded to incorporate our very own in house non-profit rescue, moved to a bigger building, and have done over 1350 adoptions to date!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with many rescue organizations, funding has always been our biggest struggle. We pride ourselves on being able to provide ANY and ALL care our kitties need, things many other organizations may see as ‘above and beyond’. We prioritize quality over quantity and are very transparent with our followers on our needs. Luckily, there are so many amazingly generous people in our community who support us with donations and keep us going!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My background is actually in Psychology – I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology in 2014 and worked as a Higher Education Professional from 2011-2020. Just prior to COVID, I decided that I wanted to shift focus and work with animals, and have been running Kzoo Cat Cafe and Rescue, and petsitting as a Certified Professional Petsitter since 2020!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Kzoo Cat Cafe and Rescue relies on donations and visitors! A cat cafe is a place where adoptable kitties live and humans can come spend time with them, play, snuggle, and even adopt if they meet someone they like! Cat cafes are still a newer concept, and some people still don’t understand what we actually do – although we can’t make you a fancy latte, you can still enjoy a warm (or cold!) drink while you visit with the kitties. It’s extremely beneficial for them to socialize and be around people and other kitties, and meet a forever person!
Pricing:
- Regular, adult visit – $15 (1 hour, snacks and beverages included)
- Student/Child visit – $10 (1 hour, snacks and drinks included)
- We also offer private appointments and birthday parties!
- Nail Trim – $10/cat
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kzoocatcafe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kzoocats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kzoocatcafe
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kzoocats
