Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendee Hofbauer-Drees.
Hi Wendee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2014 my now husband and I adopted a stray kitten who was about 8-9 weeks old. We named her Piper. In 2019 she passed away very unexpectedly but I knew her story wasn’t over. February 2019 I started my journey on starting a small rescue under her name, named Piper’s Palace. July 2019 I was grants my 501(c)3 status and brought in 10-12 kittens right away. By 2022 my heart couldn’t take it anymore and I eventually stop taking in hard foster cases but that also meant donation slowly stopped coming in as well. That same year my partner in Piper’s Palace and also a friend opened her own 501(c)3 rescue and the 2 of us found it very hard to adopt out when we are only at pet stores or adoption events. With the raise in cats due to COVID I decided it was time to have a space of our own where people could come and truly see our adopted cats in a space that was theirs instead of a kennel or condo at a pet store where they are terrified. In late 2024 early 2025 I started looking for space to rent to start our journey. I visited 10 different spaces and when the owner or management company found out I wanted to open a cat cafe or cat lounge they turned me down one by one. In May 2025 I found a very cute space and the owner loves animals. He volunteers at a rescue near by. In July 2025 I opened the consignment shop on the main floor of the building and prepared the upstairs for the cat lounge. August 2025 the state of Michigan granted me my “shelter” status and we finally opened the cat lounge to the public. The only down fall no one wanted to travel 5 miles north of Holland to visit so I had to have lower prices and a reason to visit.
The consignment shop helps 8 different family raise a small amount of funds. So both main floor and upstairs spaces help the community in their own way.
I soon would love to open a space that people can donate pet food and others in the community can come and take if they are on hard times. We have been looking to partner with litter companies and cat food companies to help our rescue cats but also the community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being located between Holland and Grand Haven right off US 31 you would think would get a lot of foot traffic but we don’t. There are weeks we don’t get any visitors and our adoptions are extremely low.
I have a Facebook and a TikTok account to help us show case out foster cats but unfortunately that still doesn’t bring people in to adopt our very loving cats. I hear people say why pay to see cats when we can go to the humane society for free. Yes, this is true but those cats are locked in cages and terrified so you don’t get to see their true colors. A $10 donation to come spend hours with a cat who could be your next family member helps keep the return rate of these cats low. We have only had one return out of 57 and it wasn’t because she wasn’t loved it simple was because of allergies.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the founder of Lazy Cat Lounge, a community-focused cat lounge dedicated to giving rescue cats a safe, loving environment while helping them find forever homes. My work combines animal rescue, community outreach, fundraising, and education about responsible pet ownership.
I specialize in caring for cats that need a second, third, or even a fourth chance, including those who may be overlooked due to age, medical needs, or difficult circumstances. Beyond adoptions, I work to create a welcoming space where people can relax and connect with animals.
What I am most proud of is providing a safe haven for dozens of cats. Every cat that finds a loving home is a success story, and knowing that our space at the lounge has changed the lives of both animals and families is incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart is my dedication. After seeing 10 different spaces and being told no way, I could have given up but I am deeply involved in every aspect of the lounge, from daily care and medical needs to fundraising. Even when resources are limited, I remain committed to ensuring the cats receive the care, comfort, and opportunities they deserve. My goal is not just to operate a cat lounge, but to create a place where people and animals can positively impact each other’s lives. Even in the consignment shop, working with these 8 different families keeps me grounded and going day by day.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Being outside with my brother and neighbors riding our bikes up and down the road and walking in the woods. All summer long we spent our days outside doing something, either building forts, riding bikes, playing soccer, or riding four wheelers and dirt bikes.
Pricing:
- Entry into lounge $10 unlimited amount of time
- During school year teachers and students $5
- Year round military and senior citizens $5
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lazycatloungecafe.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ETCkaorjX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
