Reno's only cat café has been helping homeless cats find their forever homes for the last two years. Kallie Laity opened the business in South Reno almost two years ago.
"I went to my first cat café in 2017," she said. "I really enjoyed the concept, I thought Reno should have something like this, and so I bought the place and I am living my dream, it's super rewarding."
Cat cafes have been popular in Asia for decades; places to hang out with these felines in a relaxing environment. Here in Reno, one of the goals is to find these animals forever homes.
"We foster and showcase adoptable kitties with our rescue partner, Precious Paws out of Fernley," Laity said. "So you can pay to spend time in the lounge with the kitties, get to know them, socialize with them, and that money goes back to their care."
More than 200 cats have been adopted so far, but the business has been struggling during the winter months.
"It has been a little tough," Laity said. "We are going to keep doing as much as we can to keep the mission going. I think location might be part of the issue, and also word of mouth; a lot of people just don't know about us."
Amber Woo has been volunteering at the cafe for the last year.
"I love it here," she said. "Everything about it. Talking to everyone and playing with the cats, it's like a dream come true."
No one here wants these doors to close for good.
"I'd feel really sad," Woo said. "This place is unique and it's a great place for the cats, and for people to come too, so it would be really sad if it did close."
So they're hoping that animal lovers in the community will continue to support the cause.
"Come by and visit," Laity said. "Even if you're allergic to kitties, we have a non-kitty space where you can enjoy a coffee, snack or an adult beverage. We take any sort of cat donations; toys, litter, food, whatever you may have. And just talk about us, tell your friends."
The cafe hosts special events like yoga and bingo as well. More information: https://enchantedcatcafe.com/
