Catoro was successfully saved from closure thanks to community donations. Read more here.
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Since opening its doors in 2019, Catoro cat cafe has helped over 830 cats find fur-ever homes.
The bubble tea shop on East Broadway is partnered with several rescue non-profits and provides a hub for fostering supplies as well as opportunities for animal-assisted therapy in the community.
Unlike a typical cat shelter where cats are in cages, Catoro has created a twilight-themed 'cat forest where their fosters roam free. Visitors don't sit at tables but meet the cats in their own environment with lots of scratchers, toys, and trees.
Catoro functions as a cafe, pet supply store, and temporary shelter for cats who need adoption however, the business announced this week that it faces closure in the next 60 days if operators cannot raise enough funds to keep them afloat.
"We have become a community hub for cat lovers from all walks of life," Catoro tells V.I.A. in an emailed statement, "In 2023, our goal is to save 300 more cats and find them loving local homes. However, due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, we are struggling financially. We are asking anyone who values our mission to help us out."
The cafe has started a GoFundMe page and says that any donation, no matter how small, will help.