A young Journalism graduate in Cluj-Napoca found a way of combining her two life-long dreams – those of helping stray cats and opening her very own café – in the idea of a café dedicated to cats. What does it mean that it is dedicated to cats? It means that there are always a few of them lying around for people to play with and that the space is arranged so as to ensure their comfort (many places to climb and hide, food and water bowls).
The idea is not entirely new: cafes with cats first appeared in Asia and have started to become popular in Europe as well. But what the owner, Raluca Aniţa, says distinguishes her locale from the others is that the focus is not on animal therapy but on helping the cats themselves. They are all strays, picked up off the streets and brought to Raluca’s café, where they have been vaccinated and treated for any ailments they might have had. The clients can play with them, but they are not to badger or torment them – they must wait for the cats to interact with them.
In fact, when a client enters the café, he/she must sign an affidavit in order for the owner to avoid any lawsuits brought about by possible allergies. Before signing, the clients must read the Regulatory Policy, which explains hygiene issues and the way the cats should be treated. For instance, people should wash their hands after playing with the cats, should not wake them if they are sleeping or take flash photographs. Additionally, alcohol consumption is frowned upon if it puts the cats’ wellbeing at risk.
The space of the café is relatively small, with only a few tables that can fit up to 4-5 people. Therefore, the clients are advised to share their tables with strangers and get to know one another as well as the cats. After all, they are all brought together by their love for animals. And if someone sees a cat that they like, they can take it home with them. The idea behind this project is to create a community that will fight for the protection and wellbeing of abandoned cats.
Raluca Aniţa highlights the benefits that a cat can bring to its surrounding. Not only does it improve the atmosphere of a house but, just by playing with it, people can unwind and let go of any stress they might feel.
Sources:
transilvaniareporter.ro/esential/nou-in-cluj-lady-cat-o-cafenea-inchinata-mariei-sale-pisica/ ;
https://cluj.com/locatii/lady-cat/
http://www.napocanews.ro/2016/03/lady-cat-singura-cafenea-pisiceasca-din-cluj-napoca.html
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